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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The Effect of an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet in Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Single Arm Crossover Pilot Feasibility Study
(Wiley, 2026-04-04) McNeill, JJ; Mearns, GJ; Grainger, R; Zinn, C
Background: Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often ask whether dietary changes or food exclusions can reduce symptoms. The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, an elimination-based approach, is popular on social media, with anecdotal reports of benefit, but lacks clinical evaluation in RA. Objectives: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an AIP diet on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in adults with RA. Methods: In this single-arm, open-label pilot study, nine adults with RA followed their usual diet for 4 weeks and then an 8-week AIP diet in a free-living context. Weekly PRO measures included the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) and RA Impact of Disease (RAID) as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included 3-day weighed food records and biometric measurements (weight and waist circumference) collected at baseline and every 4 weeks. Adherence and ease of implementation were recorded weekly. Results: Nine participants (7 females, 2 males, aged 40–63 years) completed the intervention. From baseline to end week 12, mean RAPID3 scores decreased from 2.73/10 (range 0.2–5.37) to 0.99 (0–2.5). Four participants demonstrated a clinically meaningful reduction and three others reached remission from low disease activity. Mean RAID scores decreased from 3.13/10 (0.1–6.35) to 1.02 (0–2.96). Fatigue, sleep and pain improved. Mean body mass index reduced from 26.3 kg/m² to 24.5 kg/m². The diet was feasible with high adherence. Conclusions: An 8-week AIP diet was associated with improvements in PROs in seven of nine participants. These pilot findings support further controlled trials to confirm efficacy and explore mechanisms as a potential adjunct therapy for RA. Trial Registration: Number ACTRN12624001391561. https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12624001391561.aspx.
Evaluation of a Thigh-worn Accelerometer for Detecting Leg Fidgeting and Estimating Its Energetic Cost via Indirect Calorimetry
(Nature Portfolio, 2026-01-06) Narayanan, Anantha; Wood, Matthew; Duncan, Scott; Stewart, Tom
Leg fidgeting, characterised by rhythmic lower limb movement while seated, is a spontaneous, low-intensity behaviour that may serve as a practical strategy to interrupt prolonged sedentary time. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of detecting leg fidgeting using a wearable thigh-mounted accelerometer, and to quantify its energetic cost in comparison to sitting, standing, and slow walking under controlled settings. Fifteen healthy adults (mean age = 35.6 ± 12 years; 33.3% male) completed five-minute bouts of sitting, fidgeting, standing, and slow walking while wearing a thigh-mounted accelerometer (SENS motion system). Behaviour classification was validated against direct observation, and energy expenditure was measured using breath-by-breath indirect calorimetry. The SENS classification of fidgeting was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, and balanced accuracy metrics. Energy expenditure was compared across activities using linear mixed-effects models, controlling for age, gender, and BMI. A total of 305 min of activity data were recorded. Balanced accuracy for activity classification ranged from 90.6% (slow walking) to 99.1% (standing), with fidgeting classified at 95.0%. The energy expenditure of fidgeting (mean = 1.69 kcal/min) was significantly different from sitting (1.49 kcal/min), standing (1.47 kcal/min), and slow walking (mean = 4.10 kcal/min). This study demonstrates that leg fidgeting can be detected using wearable sensors under controlled conditions. Furthermore, leg fidgeting expends slightly greater energy expenditure compared to sitting and standing. Future research should examine its metabolic relevance in free-living settings and explore its role in daily movement patterns and in strategies to reduce prolonged sedentary time.
Low Global Physical Activity Despite Two Decades of Policy Progress
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-03-09) Ramírez Varela, Andrea; Bauman, Adrian; Woods, Catherine B; Shawar, Yusra Ribhi; Hallal, Pedro C; Salvo, Deborah; Siefken, Katja; Wendel-Vos, Wanda; Miranda, J Jaime; Mejía-Grueso, Juliana; Sallis, James F; Hinckson, Erica; Lee, I-Min; Reis, Rodrigo Siqueira; Ding, Ding; Ekelund, Ulf; Kohl III, Harold W; Shiffman, Jeremy; Pratt, Michael
Global physical inactivity has remained high and unchanged for the past two decades. We assessed global political priority for physical activity. An analysis of national policy documents from 200 countries revealed notable progress in policy adoption since 2004, but we found limited evidence of implementation. A qualitative case study design, including insights from 46 key informants, confirmed low political priority. Four key challenges emerged: (1) domination of health-centric approaches; (2) limited recognition of benefits beyond non-communicable disease prevention; (3) interest across sectors but lack of clarity defining physical activity policy and of leadership; and (4) limited multisectoral partnerships. Proposed solutions include: (1) building consensus on physical activity policy with consideration of context; (2) acknowledging the scope of benefits; (3) clarifying multisectoral leadership and responsibilities; and (4) increasing partnerships beyond obvious proponents. Prioritizing physical activity policy is essential for improving human, societal and planetary health.
Stereotypes: The Representation of Older Adults and Ageing in Australian Newspapers
(Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2026-03-27) Butson, Michael; Wright, Richard
There is limited scholarly research that broadly examines the representation of older adults and ageing through an ageism lens in print and online newspapers, including national, state and local publications. Drawing on ageism and stereotype theory, this research examines how older adults and ageing are represented in Australian newspapers. Data were collected over a 16-week period, during which 2,652 statements relating to older adults or ageing were extracted from 804 media publications. A summative content analysis approach was employed, involving the quantification of key concepts followed by an interpretive analysis to identify underlying themes and codes. The findings revealed that approximately 42.0 per cent of statements portrayed older adults and ageing negatively, while only 6.5 per cent were positive. Dominant ageist and stereotypical representations centred on themes of vulnerability, frailty, incapacity and injury or illness. As populations continue to age, it is critical that scholars persist in analysing and challenging dominant media narratives that shape how older people are framed. Furthermore, audience reception studies are needed to examine how such representations are interpreted by the public, thereby deepening understanding of the media’s role in shaping societal perceptions of older adults and ageing.
A Laboratory Protocol for Shoulder-Head and Head-Ground Dummy Head Accelerations During Player High-Speed Rugby Tackles
(PeerJ Inc., 2026-03-25) Bradshaw, Elizabeth J; Conte-Biggar, Alex; Drinkwater, Eric J; Morris, Bradley A; Bruce, Lyndell M; Hume, Patria A; King, Doug A
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a novel laboratory testing protocol for dummy head biomechanics of the shoulder-head and subsequent head-ground impacts during rugby tackles. Currently, no research in tackles utilizes a real player as the tackler and considers the second impact when the opponent's head hits the ground. METHODS: A dummy was instrumented with an inertial measurement unit (IMU; 1,200 Hz) behind the right ear. Eleven rugby players with a shoulder placed IMU executed right shoulder high tackles to the left side of the dummy's head at two closing velocities (high-speed 15-17 km/hr and very-high-speed 21-23 km/hr) for three dummy head conditions (no headgear, club-level headgear, professional-level headgear). Peak resultant linear and rotational accelerations were calculated for the first impact event (shoulder-head) for the player's shoulder IMU and for the two impact events (shoulder-head, head-ground) for the dummy head IMU. RESULTS: Whilst the player experienced low linear accelerations (fast-speed = 10 g, very-fast-speed = 13 g) through their shoulder during the tackle impact (shoulder-head collision), the linear accelerations were six times higher (63 g; p = 0.003) for the dummy head for the high-speed approach and seven times higher (88 g; p = 0.003) for the very-high-speed approach. The second head-ground impact was generally lower for the linear accelerations (p < 0.004) but unchanged for the rotational accelerations (fast-speed = 4,589-4,955 rad/s2, very-fast-speed = 6,948-7,123 rad/s2) for the dummy head. Resultant rotational acceleration significantly increased for the dummy head-ground impact when club-level headgear was worn for the very-high-speed approach (8,434 rad/s2, p = 0.045). No other significant differences were observed between the no headgear and headgear tests. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a protocol measuring linear and rotational accelerations of a dummy's head during high-speed rugby tackles where a real player's shoulder hit the dummy's head and the dummy's head hit the floor. Trialing the protocol showed high impact accelerations experienced when receiving a tackle did not reduce with headgear. The experimental methodology and tools developed provide the basis for more complete testing of head biomechanics in tackles.
Early Career and Seasoned Referees: Contrasting Motivation, Perceptions of Organisational Support and Intention to Continue
(Informa UK Limited, 2023-10-31) Ali, J; Naylor, M; Ferkins, L; Stewart, T
Research question: The aim of this research was to better understand how perceived organisational support relates to a referees’ motivation and intention to continue (ITC). Research methods: 320 early-career referees (ECRs) and seasoned referees (SRs) were compared across motivation (both onset and continuing dimensions), perceived organisational support and ITC. To analyse the effects of motivation and perceived organisational support on a re-coded dichotomous ITC variable, a series of binary logistic regression analyses were used. Based on tenure, 123 referees were classified as ECRs in their first five years, the remaining 195 were classified as SRs. Results and findings: Results indicated that motivation differs between ECRs and SRs. Furthermore, evidence was found for perceived organisational support as a moderator of sport-related motivation. Whereas, perceived organisational support was not found to moderate the intrinsic, extrinsic, and social motivation–ITC relationship in any way. Implications: Analyses of onset and continuing motivation subscales yielded new insights, and it was also found that ECRs and SRs are not homogeneous groups when it comes to their motivation, perceived organisational support and how it affects their ITC. Sport managers should purposefully tailor their support for ECRs and SRs.
Carbohydrate Ingestion During Prolonged Exercise and Net Skeletal Muscle Glycogen Utilization: A Meta-Analysis
(American Physiological Society, 2025-12-09) Rothschild, Jeffrey A; Dudley-Rode, Harrison; Carpenter, Harriet; Smith, Abbie; Plews, Daniel J; Maunder, Ed
Background: While some studies report attenuated net muscle glycogenolysis with carbohydrate ingestion, others show no effect, possibly due to small sample sizes or methodological differences. Objective: To determine whether carbohydrate ingestion during endurance exercise reduces net skeletal muscle glycogen use, and to identify potential moderating factors. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted using data from 31 studies which included 48 unique effect sizes derived from crossover trials comparing carbohydrate vs. placebo ingestion during prolonged endurance exercise. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) in net muscle glycogen utilization were calculated. A multilevel random-effects model accounted for repeated estimates within studies. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses tested potential moderators. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using a range of plausible pre/post correlation values. Results: Carbohydrate ingestion was associated with a small but statistically significant muscle glycogen-sparing effect (SMD = –0.16, 95% CI: –0.30 to –0.02, p = 0.021). Subgroup and moderator analyses revealed no significant effects of exercise mode, carbohydrate type, ingestion rate, or pre-exercise glycogen on the observed effect. Translating the standardized effect into absolute units, carbohydrate ingestion was estimated to spare ~24 mmol kg-1 dry weight (95% CI: 4 to 45 mmol kg -1) of muscle glycogen, relative to placebo, during ~100 min of exercise. Conclusion: Carbohydrate ingestion during endurance exercise leads to a small but statistically significant reduction in net skeletal muscle glycogen utilization. Although no consistent moderating variables were identified, the direction of effect was consistent across studies, and the absolute magnitude of sparing may be physiologically meaningful during prolonged or repeated efforts.
An Exploratory Study of Elite Netball Coaches’ Engagement with In-Game Statistics During Competition
(Te Pukenga | Otago Polytechnic Press, 2025-11) Croft, Hayden; Spencer, Kirsten; Robertson, Sam
Exploring the Effects of Combined Nordic and Reverse Nordic Hamstring Exercises on Physical Fitness in Prepubertal Male Soccer Players
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-02-27) Sammoud, S; Negra, Y; Bouguezzi, R; Uthoff, A; Moran, J; Chaabene, H
Introduction: This study aimed to examine the effects of combined Nordic Hamstring and Reverse Nordic exercises on measures of physical fitness in prepubertal male soccer players. Methods: The eccentric training program lasted 8 weeks, with two sessions per week, each lasting approximately 20 min and performed immediately after the warm-up of regular soccer training. A total of 34 prepubertal male soccer players were recruited and randomly assigned at the group level to either the eccentric training group (n = 17; age = 12.44 ± 0.24 years, maturity offset = −1.27 ± 0.28) or the active control group (n = 17; age = 12.40 ± 0.22 years, maturity offset = −1.15 ± 0.35). Physical fitness was assessed through measures of linear sprint performance (10 & 20 m), change of direction (505 test), agility (Y-shaped agility test), and vertical (countermovement jump) and horizontal jump performance (standing long jump). Results and discussion: The findings showed moderate group-by-time interactions for all fitness measures [effect size (d) = 0.62–1.16]. Post hoc analyses revealed small-to-moderate improvements in the eccentric training group across all performance measures (d = 0.31–1.18), while no significant changes were observed in the control group for any fitness measure. In conclusion, our findings support the effectiveness, practicality, and safety (no injuries reported) of the eccentric training program for improving physical fitness in prepubertal male soccer players.
Benefit of Physical Activity Initiatives for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-03-09) Hinckson, Erica; Reis, Rodrigo; Romanello, Marina; Ding, Ding; Adelekan, Ibidun; Favarão Leão, Ana Luiza; Ballard, Ellis; Benmarhnia, Tarik; Hogg, Robert; Sallis, James F; Bauman, Adrian; Ramirez Varela, Andrea; Salvo, Deborah; Ekelund, Ulf; Pratt, Michael; Lee, I-Min; Kohl, Harold W; Hallal, Pedro C
Addressing today’s public health challenges requires learning from past successes while adapting to emerging threats. Here we focus on two pressing, interconnected issues: physical inactivity and climate change. We present the Physical Activity and Climate Change (PACC) model, a conceptual framework illustrating how well-designed physical activity initiatives can simultaneously contribute to climate mitigation, support adaptation, and promote health and equity. We provide insights on Indigenous knowledge and contemporary sport, re-imagined urban design, behavioural and equity synergies, and opportunities to develop co-benefit metrics, innovative governance models and cross-sector solutions. We emphasize the need for systems-based, co-designed approaches that prioritize environmental sustainability, health equity and cultural relevance while avoiding unintended consequences. Aligning physical activity and climate change agendas is more powerful than addressing them separately, offering greater combined benefits for population and environmental health. The PACC model offers a practical foundation for advancing integrated, equitable and sustainable solutions.
Between-Session Reliability of GPS Technology for Quantifying Linear and Curvilinear Base-Running Performance
(MDPI AG, 2026-02-25) Martínez-Rodríguez, José Antonio; Crotin, Ryan L; Neville, Jonathon; Barcelo, Roderick A; Cronin, John B
The purpose of this study was to quantify the between-session reliability of time, velocity, and distance measures over 54.7 m straight-line and home-to-second base sprints (curvilinear), using global positioning satellite (GPS) technology. Twelve trained male high school baseball position players attended four sessions: one familiarization session and three identical testing sessions, separated by at least two days, each consisting of two linear and two curvilinear trials. There was no statistically significant evidence (p < 0.05) of systematic change in any of the variables between sessions, with the majority of the mean percent changes ranging from −2.7 to 2.5%, and only four between-session comparisons greater than 2% (−6.2 to 3.4%). In terms of absolute consistency, no measure exceeded a coefficient of variation (CV) of 10%, with the majority (93%) of the CVs under 5%. With regard to relative consistency, 66% of the measures had intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) greater than 0.74, ranging from 0.76 to 0.98. Comparison of smallest worthwhile change (SWC) values with CV-derived typical error indicated that several key time- and speed-based metrics were sensitive to meaningful performance changes, with error estimates that were comparable to or smaller than SWC. In contrast, event-timed typical errors (e.g., time to peak speed) were substantially greater than the SWC, indicating limited sensitivity for detecting small performance changes. The non-significant changes in the mean, low CVs, and high ICCs, for the most part, over repeated testing occasions, indicate acceptable between-session reliability for many of the procedures and GPS-derived variables examined in this study. Practitioners should prioritize linear time at 41.1 m and 54.7 m and velocity at 27.4 m and 41.1 m for return-to-play and short-term performance tracking. For curvilinear running, peak speed before first base, peak speed before second base and after first base, and speed at 41.1 m are the most suitable monitoring metrics based on the results. Specifically, speed at 41.1 m should be considered for return-to-play and short-term performance tracking, while peak speed before first base and peak speed before second base and after first base may be used cautiously when larger performance changes are expected.
Artificial Intelligence Applications for Assessing Ultra-Processed Food Consumption: A Scoping Review
(Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2025-12-22) Campbell, JL; Schofield, G; Tiedt, HR; Zinn, C
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), defined using frameworks such as NOVA, are increasingly linked to adverse health outcomes, driving interest in ways to identify and monitor their consumption. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers potential, yet it’s application in classifying UPFs remains underexamined. To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review mapping how AI has been used, focusing on techniques, input data, classification frameworks, accuracy, and application. Studies were eligible if peer-reviewed, published in English (2015–2025), and they applied AI approaches to assess or classify UPFs using recognised or study-specific frameworks. A systematic search in May 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and CINAHL identified 954 unique records with eight ultimately meeting the inclusion criteria; one additional study was added in October following an updated search after peer review. Records were independently screened and extracted by two reviewers. Extracted data covered AI methods, input types, frameworks, outputs, validation, and context. Studies used diverse techniques, including random forest classifiers, large language models, and rule-based systems, applied across various contexts. Four studies explored practical settings: two assessed consumption or purchasing behaviours, and two developed substitution tools for healthier options. All relied on NOVA or modified versions to categorise processing. Several studies reported predictive accuracy, with F1 scores from 0.86 to 0.98, while another showed alignment between clusters and NOVA categories. Findings highlight the potential of AI tools to improve dietary monitoring and the need for further development of real-time methods and validation to support public health.
Sedentary Time is Independently Related to Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance in Adults With or at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
(Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2023-04-24) Engin, Buket; Willis, Scott A; Malaikah, Sundus; Sargeant, Jack A; Biddle, Gregory JH; Razieh, Cameron; Argyridou, Stavroula; Edwardson, Charlotte L; Jelleyman, Charlotte; Stensel, David J; Henson, Joseph; Rowlands, Alex V; Davies, Melanie J; Yates, Thomas; King, James A
INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study examined associations of device-measured sedentary time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with adipose tissue insulin resistance in people with or at high-risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: Data were combined from six previous experimental studies (within our group) involving patients with T2DM or primary risk factors (median (IQR) age 66.2 (66.0 - 70.8) years, body mass index (BMI) 31.1 (28.0 - 34.4) kg.m-2, 62% male, n = 179). Adipose tissue insulin resistance was calculated as the product of fasted circulating insulin and non-esterified fatty acids (ADIPO-IR), while sedentary time and MVPA were determined from wrist-worn accelerometery. Generalised linear models examined associations of sedentary time and MVPA with ADIPO-IR with interaction terms added to explore the moderating influence of ethnicity (white European vs. south Asian), BMI, age, and sex. RESULTS: In finally-adjusted models, sedentary time was positively associated with ADIPO-IR, with every 30-min of sedentary time associated with a 1.80 (95% CI: 0.51 to 3.06; P = 0.006) unit higher ADIPO-IR. This relationship strengthened as BMI increased (β = 3.48 [95%CI = 1.50 to 5.46], P = 0.005 in the upper BMI tertile [≥ 33.2 kg.m-2]). MVPA was unrelated to ADIPO-IR. These results were consistent in sensitivity analyses that excluded participants taking statins and/or metformin (n = 126) and when separated into the participants with T2DM (n = 32) and those at-high-risk (n = 147). CONCLUSIONS: Sedentary time is positively related to adipose tissue insulin sensitivity in people with or at high-risk of T2DM. This relationship strengthens as BMI increases and may help explain established relationships between greater sedentary time, ectopic lipid, and hyperglycaemia.
Plasma Heat Shock Protein-70 Response to Acute Prolonged Exercise: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression
(American Physiological Society, 2026-01-06) Charoensap, Thanchanok; Kilding, Andrew E; Barrett, Andrew MS; Cross, Matt R; Stewart, Tom; Maunder, Ed
Extracellular heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) acts as a damage-associated molecular pattern, or ‘danger signal’ for the immune system. Acute prolonged exercise evokes various physiological stresses that can stimulate the release of extracellular HSP70. However, exercise-induced extracellular HSP70 responses are inconsistent in human studies. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis and meta-regression was to systematically evaluate the effect of exercise on plasma HSP70 expression, and to determine the exercise-associated factors contributing to plasma HSP70 response. Data were extracted from 26 experimental trials from thirteen studies, including 154 participants, in which plasma HSP70 was measured before and after prolonged, continuous running or cycling exercise at a fixed intensity relative to V̇O2max. Meta-analysis was performed to determine the raw mean difference (MD) between post- and pre-exercise HSP70 concentration. Meta-regression was performed to establish the moderating effects of V̇O2max, exercise intensity, duration, modality, environmental temperature, humidity, and hypoxia on the plasma HSP70 response. There was a significant effect of exercise on plasma HSP70 concentration (MD = 0.73 ng.mL−1, 95% CI [0.13, 1.34], p = 0.02). Meta-regression explained ~57.1% of variation in exercise-induced change in plasma HSP70 concentration (marginal R2 = 0.571). The V̇O2max (β = 0.51, 95% CI [0.03, 1.00]), exercise duration (β = 0.43, 95% CI [0.21, 0.65]), intensity (β = 0.40, 95% CI [0.08, 0.73]), and environmental temperature (β = 0.27, 95% CI [0.10, 0.43]) explained variation in the plasma HSP70 response. These data contribute to our understanding of the factors that modulate the plasma HSP70 response to acute prolonged exercise.
Skateboarding's Olympic Debut: A Comparative Analysis Describing the Men's and Women's Street Competition
(SAGE Publications, 2026-02-20) Diewald, Shelley N; Mancini, Nick; Noth, Niklas; Neville, Jonathon; Cronin, John B; Cross, Matt R
The aim of this study was to describe aspects of performance in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic street skateboarding competition and compare the men's (M) and women's (W) divisions. Trick attempts (TA = 1118) were extracted from broadcast footage of the semi-finals and finals using notational analysis. Descriptive analyses were adopted to characterise performance, with robust linear mixed-effects models comparing attempt scores (run [RUN] and best-trick [BT]) between divisions. Men's RUN (β = 1.71 [1.43, 1.99]) and BT (β = 1.85 [1.55, 2.15]) scores were higher and more variable than the women. Overall, there was more trick variety during BTs, but less obstacle variability compared to RUNs. Skaters bailed a greater proportion of BT TAs (54.6%) than RUN TAs (14.3%). Men demonstrated greater variety than women by diversifying take-off (M = 28.2% vs. W = 3.3% non-regular) and landing (M = 25.7% vs. W = 6.2% non-regular) stances, attempting more unique tricks (M = 122 vs. W = 74), and using larger feature obstacles (M = 40.7% vs. W = 33.9% of TAs). Alternatively, women demonstrated wider course use during BTs (M = 15% vs. W = 32.1% of all obstacles), corresponding to less feature obstacle use; perhaps indicating a barrier to engagement due to developing physical qualities. Future research should explore men's and women's divisions respectively to understand key factors for success.
Advancing Quality Experiences in Sport Participation for People with Limb Deficiency
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025-10-20) Baudinet, Olivia; Ferkins, Lesley; Rowe, Katie; Ting, Chien Ju
Man-Marking, Pressure on the Ball, and Offside and Their Effect on Physiological, Physical, Technical and Tactical Parameters During Small-Sided Games
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-01-29) Rumpf, Michael C; Jäger, Johannes; Uthoff, Aaron; Lochmann, Matthias
Man-marking (MM), and pressure on the ball are task constraints frequently manipulated by coaches during small-sided games (SSG). Man marking seemed to increase the physiological load of SSG measured through heart rate measures [average and percentage heart rate (HR), time spent >80% maximum HR] and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Additionally, MM increased the physical parameters in soccer players. Total distance covered, as well as the relative distance and other related variables with higher intensity such as distance in velocity bands at high-intensity >13 km/h as well as sprinting increased in comparison to non-MM. Players also experienced greater work rate, as reported through the work-to-rest ratio. Pressure on the ball increased players’ physiological intensity (e.g., percentage of time spent in 90%–100% HR max) and physical load (e.g., number and distance of high-speed runs). Tactical changes through pressure on the ball was expressed as higher number of ball recovery, lower decision making and execution with a lower spatial exploration index. Utilizing offside during SSG did not change the physiological load of players whilst decreasing total distance and low(er) speed running such 7–16 km/h). Offside affected players depth positioning, consequently the length-per-width ratio and players’ spatial exploration. As a result, coaches can utilize MM and pressure on the ball to increase intensity of SSG. Offside, however, diminishes physicality of games whilst restricting tactical behaviour of players.
Enriching Work-integrated Learning: Conceptions of Integrating Indigenous Reflective Practices
(Informa UK Limited, 2025-07-30) Lucas, P; Hains-Wesson, R
In an increasingly multicultural and globally connected world, educators are called to critically reflect on how their own cultural lenses shape approaches to student learning, particularly in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). This conceptual paper explores how reflective practice in WIL can be deepened by engaging with diverse ways of knowing, such as First Nations perspectives. While Western models of reflection remain dominant, they may not fully capture the lived experiences or worldviews of all learners. By identifying the limitations of conventional reflective frameworks and engaging with alternative epistemologies through literature and informal discussions with Indigenous curriculum experts, the authors propose a more inclusive lens for understanding reflection in WIL. These reflective dialogues helped shape a model encouraging more culturally responsive and meaningful student engagement with work focused learning. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for educators seeking to respectfully integrate Indigenous ways of knowing into WIL pedagogy, contributing to more holistic and equitable learning experiences.
The Training Intensity Distribution of Marathon Runners Across Performance Levels
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024-12-01) Muniz-Pumares, Daniel; Hunter, Ben; Meyler, Samuel; Maunder, Ed; Smyth, Barry
Background: The training characteristics and training intensity distribution (TID) of elite athletes have been extensively studied, but a comprehensive analysis of the TID across runners from different performance levels is lacking. Methods: Training sessions from the 16 weeks preceding 151,813 marathons completed by 119,452 runners were analysed. The TID was quantified using a three-zone approach (Z1, Z2 and Z3), where critical speed defined the boundary between Z2 and Z3, and the transition between Z1 and Z2 was assumed to occur at 82.3% of critical speed. Training characteristics and TID were reported based on marathon finish time. Results: Training volume across all runners was 45.1 ± 26.4 km·week⁻¹, but the fastest runners within the dataset (marathon time 120–150 min) accumulated > three times more volume than slower runners. The amount of training time completed in Z2 and Z3 running remained relatively stable across performance levels, but the proportion of Z1 was higher in progressively faster groups. The most common TID approach was pyramidal, adopted by > 80% of runners with the fastest marathon times. There were strong, negative correlations (p < 0.01, R² ≥ 0.90) between marathon time and markers of training volume, and the proportion of training volume completed in Z1. However, the proportions of training completed in Z2 and Z3 were correlated (p < 0.01, R² ≥ 0.85) with slower marathon times. Conclusion: The fastest runners in this dataset featured large training volumes, achieved primarily by increasing training volume in Z1. Marathon runners adopted a pyramidal TID approach, and the prevalence of pyramidal TID increased in the fastest runners.
Maturation Selection Bias and Injury in a Secondary School Sports Academy
(New Zealand Federation of Sports Medicine, 2025-12-22) Cooper, Tom; Whatman, Chris
The aim of this study was to examine maturation selection bias and injury in a secondary school sports academy. Male students (n=98) from a Boys High School had their anthropometric measurements taken (standing height and weight). Estimated percent of predicted adult height (%PAH) was derived using the Khamis-Roche method. Percent of PAH was used to estimate maturity status and timing. Participants also completed an injury history survey designed to record injuries experienced over the previous three months. Most participants were early maturers (65%, n=64), suggesting a bias towards the selection of more mature players. Late maturers accounted for only 1% (n=1) of players selected. Injury history identified that 60% (n=52) of participants had been injured in the three months prior to data collection but there was no association with maturity status. Increased awareness of the potential for maturity-based selection bias in secondary school team sports is needed.

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