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.
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Prediabetes is Pre-Nothing: Call It Early Type 2 Diabetes [Editorial](AOSIS, 2025-11-19) Zinn, CarynItem Does Early Specialisation Improve Drop Jump and Y-balance Performance in Junior Football Players?(Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand, 2025-12-15) Zoellner, Anja; Whatman, Chris; Read, Paul; Sheerin, KellySport specialisation has been defined as the intense involvement in a single sport to the exclusion of all other sports. Previous research has raised questions about potential negative consequences of specialising at a young age. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in drop jump and y-balance performance in junior football players based on level of specialisation. This was a cross-sectional observational study involving 35 male footballers aged 10.2 ± 1.1 years. Participants were grouped as high, moderate, and low specialised. Level of specialisation was determined using a survey on their sports participation history. Tests included anterior Y-balance test and drop jumps assessed using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Between-group differences were analysed using one-way analysis of variance and chi-squared analysis with an a priori statistical significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Hedge’s g effect sizes were reported for all results. High specialised players displayed greater left leg relative reach than moderate (mean diff = 10.9% LL; 95% CI [2.2, 19.6]; p = 0.013; Hedge’s g = 0.78) but not low (mean diff = 5.0% LL; 95% CI[-4.0, 14.1]; p = 0.218; Hedge’s g = 0.39) specialised players. No other significant differences were observed in Y-balance performance. High specialised players displayed fewer LESS errors than moderate (mean diff = 2.75 errors; 95% CI [0.05, 5.48]; p = 0.009; Hedge’s g = -0.90), but not low (mean diff = 2.20 errors; 95% CI [-5.05, 0.65]; p = 0.101; Hedge’s g = -0.57) specialised players. ‘Knee flexion displacement’ was the only LESS criterion that differed significantly between groups, with errors more common in moderately specialised players (n = 9) than both high (n = 0) and low (n = 5) specialised players (p = 0.003). These results suggest early specialised junior football players may perform better in the drop jump and y-balance tests than their less specialised counterparts. Results suggest all players may benefit from participation in injury prevention programmes such as the FIFA 11+, in particular moderately specialised players.Item Internationally Validated Open Access Indicators of Large Public Urban Green Space for Healthy and Sustainable Cities(Wiley, 2025-09-15) Turner, R; Higgs, C; Heikinheimo, V; Hunter, R; Vargas, JCB; Liu, S; Resendiz, E; Boeing, G; Adlakha, D; Schifanella, R; Rosa, GL; Pugacheva, D; Chen, R; Poor, MB; Molina-García, J; Queralt, A; Puig-Ribera, A; del Pozo, PS; Garza, C; Valson, J; Salvo, D; Cerin, E; Hinckson, E; Lowe, MLarge public urban green spaces (LPUGS) provide multiple health and environmental co-benefits by mitigating urban heat, improving air quality and biodiversity, and promoting physical activity, social interactions, and mental wellbeing. There is a lack of accessible, evidence-informed, and internationally validated LPUGS indicators to assist with benchmarking and monitoring progress toward healthy and sustainable cities globally. This study developed and validated internationally applicable spatial indicators of LPUGS availability and accessibility that are directly relevant to health and sustainability outcomes. For 13 cities across 10 middle- to high-income countries, we identified LPUGS ≥ 1 ha by fusing OpenStreetMap and satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index data, and estimated residents' access within 500 m pedestrian network distance. We conducted a two-step validation process with local collaborators in each city. Our indicator methods identified LPUGS with greater than 80% accuracy for 12 of the 13 cities, and comparisons against official local reference data for four cities further demonstrated validity. While some open data limitations were identified, the indicators address critical gaps in existing methods by enabling standardized and comparable measurement of LPUGS in diverse cities internationally. Our customizable open-source global indicator tools can inform evidence-based green space planning for urban health and sustainability.Item The Effect of Eccentric Phase Duration on Maximal Strength, Muscle Hypertrophy and Countermovement Jump Height: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis(Taylor and Francis Group, 2025-07-21) Amdi, Christian Houmann; King, AndrewThe duration of the eccentric phase may affect resistance training (RT) adaptations, with narrative reviews yielding equivocal conclusions. Thus, five databases were searched following Cochrane and PRISMA-guidelines, to compare RT outcomes following shorter (SEG) and longer (LEG) eccentric phase durations. A prospectively registered (https://osf.io/s6uqn/) random-effects multi-level meta-analysis with robust variance estimation was performed for strength, hypertrophy and countermovement jump height (CMJ), with results interpreted relative to a region of practical equivalence. Evidence quality was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 and GRADE criteria. Nine studies involving 166 participants (46% trained, 77% male) were included. SEG enhanced CMJ by a practically worthwhile degree with moderate certainty (Hedge's g = -0.73 [90% CI = -1.34, -0.12; 90% PI = -1.34, -0.12]), while uncertain estimates were observed for maximal strength (g = 0.25 [90% CI = -0.17, 0.67; 90% PI = -0.86, 1.36]) and muscle hypertrophy (g = 0.05 [90% CI = -0.22, 0.33; 90% PI = -0.54, 0.64]). LEG led to practically equivalent or enhanced strength gains, compared to SEG, in trained participants (g = 0.33 [90% CI = 0.07, 0.60; 90% PI = 0.07, 0.60]) and volume-load matched trials (g = 0.25 [90% CI = 0.04, 0.45; 90% PI = 0.04, 0.45]) with moderate certainty in subgroup analyses. Therefore, SEG enhance CMJ, while LEG may cause similar or higher strength increases in trained participants and volume-load matched conditions. However, more research is needed.Item Priming Exercises and Their Potential Impact on Speed and Power Performance: A Narrative Review(Termedia, 2025-06-25) Pereira, Lucas A; Zmijewski, Piotr; Golas, Artur; Kotuła, Krzysztof; McGuigan, Michael R; Loturco, IrineuImproving the competitive level of elite athletes is always a considerable challenge for coaches, regardless of the sport discipline or a training phase. From this perspective, researchers and sport scientists continuously seek more effective training methods, capable of inducing acute changes or long-term adaptations in athletes with diverse training backgrounds. Recently, priming exercises have emerged as a promising approach to enhance athletic performance over short periods of time, either before sport-specific training sessions or official competitions. By incorporating different priming protocols into their regular practices—including sets of traditional resistance exercises, ballistic exercises or sprint drills—athletes have consistently achieved significant improvements in their speed and power qualities within time intervals ranging from 2 h to 48 h. This narrative review summarizes and examines the main studies on this topic, while providing practitioners with theoretical perspectives, practical insights, and guidelines for implementing efficient priming protocols in their training routines. In conclusion, priming interventions generally produce positive outcomes, irrespective of the exercise type and athletes’ backgrounds, and may facilitate the transfer of these benefits to certain sport-specific tasks.Item Short Term Body Mass Manipulation in Powerlifting: A Narrative Review and Best Practice Recommendations(Taylor & Francis Group, 2025-11-30) Renner, A; Helms, ER; Kwan, K; Csapo, RShort Term Body Mass Manipulation (SBM) is frequently used in powerlifting by athletes to qualify for lower weight classes and improve relative competitiveness. The three primary physiological pathways that SBM leverages are gastrointestinal content reduction, glycogen storage and body water manipulation, in addition to post-weigh-in refueling. Despite its high prevalence among athletes competing in the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), the scientific literature on SBM remains limited, and sport-specific guidelines are currently lacking. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on SBM in powerlifting, with a focus on physiological mechanisms, practical implementation, and associated risks. The specific demands of IPF competition, consisting of maximal strength performance after only a two-hour window between weigh-in and competition, necessitate uniquely tailored SBM strategies. SBM should not be regarded as a standard preparation method. Instead, it should be seen as a targeted intervention to be applied with caution and strategic intent. The decision to implement SBM must be based on individual assessment, physiological plausibility, and a well-considered cost-benefit rationale. Ensuring effective rehydration and refueling between weigh-in and competition is critical to support both safety and performance. This review provides sport specific, evidence-based recommendations to assist practitioners in applying SBM responsibly within the context of powerlifting.Item Durability of the Moderate-to-Heavy Intensity Transition Can Be Predicted Using Readily Available Markers of Physiological Decoupling(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-05-22) Rothschild, Jeffrey A; Gallo, Gabriele; Hamilton, Kate; Stevenson, Julian D; Dudley-Rode, Harrison; Charoensap, Thanchanok; Plews, Daniel J; Kilding, Andrew E; Maunder, EdPurpose To assess relationships between heart rate (HR), ventilation (Ѷᴇ), and respiratory frequency (Fꭆ) decoupling and durability of the first ventilatory threshold (VT₁), and the strength of practical models to predict power output at VT₁ during prolonged exercise. Methods Durability of VT₁ was assessed via measurements of power output at VT₁ before and after ~ 2.5-h of initially moderate-intensity cycling in 51 trained cyclists, as part of four studies published elsewhere. In 12 of those participants, power output at VT₁ was assessed every hour until task failure. For every assessment of power output at VT₁, HR, Fꭆ, and Ѷᴇ was measured at fixed power outputs, and thus decoupling of these variables with power output was determined. Bivariate repeated-measures correlations (rᵣₘ) between decoupling and durability of VT₁ were assessed. Multivariable models were created to predict power output at VT₁ during prolonged exercise using generalised estimating equations. Results Negative correlations were observed between exercise-induced change in power output at VT₁ and HR (rᵣₘ = −0.76, P < 0.001) and Fꭆ (rᵣₘ = −0.40, P = 0.013) decoupling, but not Ѷᴇ decoupling (rᵣₘ = −0.25, P = 0.136). The final prediction model, containing baseline VT₁ and peak oxygen uptake, Fꭆ decoupling, and an interaction between HR decoupling and exercise duration, effectively predicted real-time VT₁ (mean absolute error, ~ 7.2 W; R², 0.95). Conclusion HR and/or Fꭆ decoupling during controlled training sessions may be a practically useful durability assessment. Our prediction models may be an effective means of improving within-session intensity regulation and training load monitoring.Item Concussion Risk and the Need for Prevention: An Exploration Into the Complexity of Community Perspectives in Rugby Union(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-06-19) Badenhorst, Marelise; Romanchuk, Janelle; Salmon, Danielle; Brown, James Craig; Hendricks, Sharief; Walters, SimonBackground Community perceptions of injury risk can impact participation rates and may influence attitudes and behaviours around prevention efforts. Understanding how end-users think about concussion-related risk and the need for prevention is critical for the design and implementation of interventions. This study aimed to explore community rugby union stakeholders’ perceptions of concussion risk and the need for prevention. Methods This pragmatic, qualitative descriptive study utilised semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 62 school- and club-level community rugby stakeholders (provincial union representatives, players, coaches, school/club sport administrators, team leads (managers), physiotherapists, nurses and doctors) from across New Zealand during the 2022 rugby season. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Three themes were developed from the data. The theme ‘concussion risk: a spectrum of concern’ included a spectrum of beliefs ranging from ‘concussions are a problem’ to the belief that concussions are only a problem if not managed well or that it has always been part of the game, and the risks are being exaggerated. A second theme, ‘focus on technique and conditioning, or is injury just the nature of the game?’, described beliefs in the importance of technique and conditioning or contrary beliefs such as ‘as long as there is contact, there will be concussion’. A third theme, ‘conflicting concussion narratives’, described the tendency of some participants to move back and forth across the spectrum of risk and prevention perceptions, depending on the context. Conclusions Findings reveal a diversity of perspectives on how concussions should be managed or prevented. Balancing these perspectives is critical. This involves addressing unfavourable beliefs, prioritizing both prevention and effective management and community-wide educationItem Differences Between the Sexes in Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes in Community Football (Soccer) Players in New Zealand(Elsevier BV, 2025-02-16) Hardaker, Natalie J; Hume, Patria A; Collins, Juno Barnett; King, Doug A; Sims, Stacy T; Selfe, JamesObjectives: To evaluate self-reported concussion knowledge and attitudes in community football players in New Zealand, comparisons were made between the sexes and those with and without history of concussion. Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Methods: The Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey (RoCKAS) was used for data collection and analysis. Players were recruited through the New Zealand Football registered player database. Results: Seventy-four players had data eligible for inclusion (55 % female). Thirty-four players (45 %) had previously diagnosed concussion (56 % female). Mean Concussion Knowledge Index (CKI) scores were significantly (p = 0.002) higher for male (20.8 ± 1.4) than female (19 ± 3.7) players. There were no significant sex differences in mean Concussion Attitude Index (CAI) scores (female 63.7 ± 11.4, male 65.6 ± 6.0; p = 0.427). Surprisingly, 32 % female and 39 % male players indicated that they would play on with symptoms of concussion. Comparison within female players showed a significantly higher CKI (20.3 ± 1.7 versus 18.8 ± 2.6; p = 0.025) and higher CAI (66.5 ± 4.9 versus 64.1 ± 5.9; p = 0.151) in players with a history of concussion. There were no within male player trends for CKI or CAI. Conclusions: Male players had a notably higher concussion knowledge (CKI) than female players. Females with a previously diagnosed concussion also had a notably higher CKI than female players with no concussion history. Therefore, healthcare professionals could play a key education role when managing players with concussion. Given over a third of players indicated that they would play on with symptoms of concussion, education should focus on short- and long-term impacts of concussion and potential consequences of concussion.Item Lactic acidosis: Implications for Human Exercise Performance(Springer, 2025-03-15) Cairns, Simeon; Lindinger, MichaelDuring high-intensity exercise a lactic-acidosis occurs with raised myoplasmic and plasma concentrations of lactate⁻ and protons ([lactate⁻], [H⁺] or pH). We critically evaluate whether this causes/contributes to fatigue during human exercise. Increases of [lactate⁻] per se (to 25 mM in plasma, 50 mM intracellularly) exert little detrimental effect on muscle performance while ingestion/infusion of lactate⁻ can be ergogenic. An exercise-induced intracellular acidosis at the whole-muscle level (pHᵢ falls from 7.1-7.0 to 6.9-6.3), incorporates small changes in slow-twitch fibres (pHᵢ ~ 6.9) and large changes in fast-twitch fibres (pHᵢ ~ 6.2). The relationship between peak force/power and acidosis during fatiguing contractions varies across exercise regimes implying that acidosis is not the sole cause of fatigue. Concomitant changes of other putative fatigue factors include phosphate metabolites, glycogen, ions and reactive oxygen species. Acidosis to pHᵢ 6.7-6.6 at physiological temperatures (during recovery from exercise or induced in non-fatigued muscle), has minimal effect on force/power. Acidosis to pHᵢ ~ 6.5-6.2 per se reduces maximum force (~12%), slows shortening velocity (~5%), and lowers peak power (~22%) in non-fatigued muscles/individuals. A pre-exercise induced-acidosis with ammonium chloride impairs exercise performance in humans and accelerates the decline of force/power (15-40% initial) in animal muscles stimulated repeatedly in situ. Raised [H⁺]ᵢ and diprotonated inorganic phosphate ([H₂PO₄⁻]ᵢ) act on myofilament proteins to reduce maximum cross-bridge activity, Ca²⁺-sensitivity, and myosin ATPase activity. Acidosis/[lactate⁻]ₒ attenuates detrimental effects of large K⁺-disturbances on action potentials and force in non-fatigued muscle. We propose that depressive effects of acidosis and [H₂PO₄⁻]ᵢ on myofilament function dominate over the protective effects of acidosis/lactate- on action potentials during fatigue. Raised extracellular [H⁺]/[lactate⁻] do not usually cause central fatigue but do contribute to elevated perceived exertion and fatigue sensations by activating group III/IV muscle afferents. Modulation of H⁺/lactate⁻ regulation (via extracellular H⁺-buffers, monocarboxylate transporters, carbonic anhydrase, carnosine) supports a role for intracellular acidosis in fatigue. In conclusion, current evidence advocates that severe acidosis in fast-twitch fibres can contribute to force/power fatigue during intense human exercise.Item Durability as an Index of Endurance Exercise Performance: Methodological Considerations(Wiley, 2025-03-27) Hunter, Ben; Maunder, Ed; Jones, Andrew M; Gallo, Gabriele; Muniz-Pumares, DanielEndurance athletes routinely complete physiological assessments to predict performance, inform training programmes and monitor subsequent training adaptations. This profiling is typically performed with the athlete in a 'fresh' (i.e., rested) condition, but physiological profiling variables deteriorate during prolonged exercise. Durability has been defined as the resilience to the deterioration of physiological variables and performance during or following prolonged exercise. Herein, we review the current approaches to measure durability. The construction of the fatiguing protocol affects durability profiles, with greater relative intensity and duration resulting in more marked deterioration of baseline measures. The design of durability assessments should control for factors that could impact durability measurements, such as nutrition and environmental characteristics, to ensure that outcomes are repeatable and can be compared between athletes or over time in the same athlete. The selection of these parameters should be based on the proposed research question or applied context and take account of the training status of the athlete. Accordingly, this review highlights important considerations to ensure that protocols for profiling durability in research and applied practice are appropriate.Item Elimination Reintroduction Diets and Oral Food Challenge in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Scoping Review(Cambridge University Press, 2025-04-04) McNeill, Julianne; Zinn, Caryn; Mearns, Gael; Grainger, RebeccaMany people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) believe that certain foods may influence disease activity. Elimination reintroduction diets and oral food challenges are dietary strategies used to identify foods that may exacerbate symptoms. This review summarises and appraises the literature on elimination diet interventions that include food reintroductions or oral food challenges in adults with RA. It describes study design, measures used to assess the effects of food exclusion and challenge, foods identified that may affect RA symptoms, and the measures used to assess the outcome of excluding those foods. A search of five databases, two thesis repositories and Open Grey was conducted to identify records published from inception to January 2025, using terms related to RA, elimination diets, and food sensitivity. Eligible records were screened independently by two reviewers, and data extraction followed Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Data is presented using a narrative synthesis approach with descriptive data analysis. Forty-eight records met inclusion criteria comprising 20 intervention studies (sample sizes 4-94) and 17 case studies, conducted across 12 countries (1949-2024). Interventions included single-food exclusions, few-food diets, low-allergen meal replacements, and fasting protocols. Reintroduction methods varied from a single food challenge to multiple reintroductions, with five studies using blinded challenges. Outcome measures included physician- or participant-observed symptom changes, clinical assessments, and laboratory measures, though these were heterogeneous. Findings reveal a lack of standardised protocols, dated methodologies, and limited contemporary research. Controlled studies are needed to establish evidence-based protocols, investigate mechanisms, and guide dietary strategies as adjuncts to RA pharmacological treatment.Item What Factors Influence Head Acceleration During a Purposeful Header in Soccer Players? A Systematic Review(Springer, 2025-04-24) Blyth, Rebecca; Farrell, Gerard; Zoellner, Anja; Ahmed, Osman Hassan; Bussey, Melanie; Galea, Olivia; Sole, GiselaBACKGROUND: Head acceleration is often used as a proxy measurement for concussion risk. It is unclear what factors contribute to head acceleration during a purposeful header. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic is to identify what factors influence head acceleration during a header and highlight areas that have not been explored. METHODS: Studies were included if they assessed the effect of an independent variable on head acceleration during a purposeful header. There were no exclusion criteria relating to age, sex, playing level, study design, or publication date. Databases included Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and ClinicalKey, and grey literature was also searched. Searches were re-run in January 2024. Each included study underwent a risk of bias or quality assessment, using several tools owing to varied study designs (ROBINS-I, RoB2, modified Downs and Black and AXIS). Results are presented in tabular form, categorised by independent variable(s) and accompanied by a narrative results section. RESULTS: A total of 60 studies were included. Study designs included one-off measurements with variable(s), cohort, cross-sectional and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Influencing factors included ball velocity and characteristics, header type, impact location, neck training interventions, fatigue protocols, neck strength, demographics, playing scenario and personal protective equipment. A wide range of heading trials and methods of measuring head acceleration were used. Results were conflicting for several variables. There was some consistent evidence that increased ball speed/mass/inflation increased head acceleration. Female players sustained greater head accelerations than males, and some evidence suggested that increased neck strength reduced head acceleration, but not in all cases. This review confirmed traditional neck strengthening is not effective in reducing head acceleration; however, adding neuromuscular exercises appeared to be effective. There was a lack of evidence investigating other systems that may affect head acceleration such as vestibular function, oculomotor performance, rate of force development and cervical spine proprioception. DISCUSSION: This review highlights the range of studies investigating head acceleration during a purposeful header. Included studies were of varying quality, and one limitation was the lack of transformation of the acceleration measures to a consistent frame of reference. Implications from this study suggest potential measures that may reduce head acceleration and therefore improve the safety of performing a purposeful header. These include reducing ball inflation pressure, limiting headers from long range/high speed balls (especially in children/adolescents and females) and ensuring neuromuscular exercises are incorporated into neck training programmes. Dynamic muscle strength outcomes, including measures such as rate of force development, are challenging to measure but should be considered an essential component of neck training when the aim is to reduce head acceleration in a ballistic task such as a header. The review is registered under the PROSPERO registry (CRD42022359294).Item Prolonged Running Reduces Speed at the Moderate-to-Heavy Intensity Transition Without Additional Reductions Due to Increased Eccentric Load(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-04-29) Barrett, Andrew MS; Maunder, EdAim: To investigate the impact of prolonged running on speed at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition, and whether increased eccentric load modifies exercise-induced shifts in the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition. Methods: Twelve endurance-trained runners (4 females, 8 males, peak oxygen uptake 51.5 mL kg−1 min−1 in females and 56.1 mL kg−1 min−1 in males) participated. Following trials to assess speed at the first ventilatory threshold (VT1) on a 0% gradient and -10% gradient, participants completed two trials: (i) level trial (LVL): 120-min of running at 0% gradient and (ii) downhill trial (DH): 120-min of running with 90-min at 0% gradient and 6 × 5-min intervals at -10% gradient (DH). Running was conducted at 90% of VT1 speed for respective gradients. Speed at VT1 on 0% gradient, perceived leg muscle soreness, and maximal voluntary isometric knee extensor torque were assessed pre- and post-prolonged exercise. Results: An effect of time was observed for speed at VT1 (∆-6.2 ± 3.6% in LVL and ∆-7.6 ± 3.2% in DH, P < 0.001), with no effect of condition (LVL vs. DH, P = 0.382), or time × condition interaction (P = 0.295). Reduced metabolic energy expenditure (metabolic power) significantly contributed to the reduced speed at VT1 in both trials (P < 0.001), whereas changes in running economy (energetic efficiency) did not (P = 0.228). Conclusion: Prolonged moderate-intensity running reduced speed at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition, but this was not exacerbated by increased eccentric load. Reduced speed at the moderate-to-heavy intensity transition following prolonged running was primarily attributed to decreased metabolic power.Item Association Between Salivary and Blood Hormone Concentrations Using an Automated Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay Technique: Challenges and Pitfalls(Wiley, 2025-05-05) Hardaker, NJ; Hume, PA; Sims, ST; Stewart, T; King, DABlood-based measures are considered the gold standard for evaluating steroid hormone concentrations, particularly for confirmation of hormone profiles in female-specific research. However, saliva sampling offers several advantages: it can be collected independently by participants, is less invasive and might be a more time- and cost-effective solution. This preliminary study explored associations between salivary and blood plasma hormone (oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol) concentrations using an automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay technique. Eight healthy, physically active females with a regular natural menstrual cycle provided: (1) daily app-based menstrual tracking data; (2) daily saliva samples; and (3) two blood samples, each at different time points in the third to fifth menstrual cycle estimated using the backward calculation method. Associations between saliva and blood hormone concentrations were analysed using repeated-measures correlations. Progesterone and oestrogen showed positive associations between blood plasma and salivary measures; (rm= 0.996, p < 0.0001 and rm= 0.705, p = 0.0507, respectively). Weak non-significant associations for cortisol (rm= 0.245, p = 0.526) were found. With further work to validate the assay and develop salivary reference ranges, the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay technique might be feasible for use in quantitative determination of progesterone and oestrogen in saliva and have application in research for within-participant monitoring of changes over time.Item Development and Validation of the Global Urban Heat Vulnerability Index (GUHVI)(Elsevier, 2025-12-01) Turner, R; Higgs, C; Sun, C; Resendiz, E; Peng, K; Cheng, X; Hunter, R; Boeing, G; Pugacheva, D; Chen, R; Adlakha, D; Kedar, V; Rosa, GL; Oyeyemi, A; Schifanella, R; del Pozo, PS; Peraza-Mues, G; Valson, J; Cerin, E; Puig-Ribera, A; Hinckson, E; Lowe, MClimate change increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, amplifying heat-related health risks in cities worldwide. Inequities in heat vulnerability arise from disparities in heat exposure, built and natural environments and population attributes that impact heat sensitivity, and socio-economic determinants of adaptive capability. A lack of internationally consistent and accessible heat vulnerability metrics creates barriers to assessing inequities and benchmarking urban heat vulnerability between cities worldwide. To address this need, we developed the Global Urban Heat Vulnerability Index (GUHVI), applicable to cities worldwide, using open data to identify spatial inequities in heat vulnerability at the neighbourhood scale. Built from an Australia-specific heat vulnerability index, the evidence-informed framework developed for the GUHVI evaluates heat exposure, heat sensitivity and adaptive capability to holistically assess heat vulnerability. Quantitative validation for eight Australian cities demonstrated strengths of the GUHVI in spatial resolution and assessment coverage of the grid-based framework. Qualitative validation for nine diverse cities internationally was performed in collaboration with local subject matter experts with knowledge of each city context. The GUHVI addresses critical gaps in existing methods by enabling systematic and comparable measurement of heat vulnerability in diverse cities internationally. Available through our customizable open-source global indicator software, the GUHVI provides evidence on modifiable risk factors of urban heat vulnerability, to inform targeted adaptation strategies that promote climate resilience and reduce health impacts from heat.Item Do the Effects of Interventions Aimed at the Prevention of Childhood Obesity Reduce Inequities? A Re-analysis of Randomized Trial Data From Two Cochrane Reviews(Elsevier BV, 2025-03-04) Palmer, Jennifer C; Davies, Annabel L; Spiga, Francesca; Heitmann, Berit L; Jago, Russell; Summerbell, Carolyn D; Higgins, Julian PT; Inequity in Obesity Prevention Trialists Collaborative GroupBACKGROUND: Public health attempts to prevent obesity in children and young people should aim to minimize health inequalities. Two Cochrane reviews examining interventions aiming to prevent childhood obesity found that interventions promoting (only) physical activity have a small beneficial effect on BMI for people aged 5-18 years, as do interventions promoting physical activity alongside healthy eating for 5-11 year olds. We examined whether the effectiveness of the interventions included in these reviews differed according to eight factors associated with inequity: place, race/ethnicity, occupation, gender/sex, religion, education, socio-economic status, and social capital (the PROGRESS framework). METHODS: We collected data on change in BMI (standardized or unstandardized), subgrouped by baseline measures of PROGRESS factors, for intervention and control groups, from trial authors. We calculated the intervention effect per subgroup (mean difference), then contrasted these to estimate interactions between intervention and the baseline factors. We combined interaction estimates for each factor across trials using meta-analyses. FINDINGS: We collected subgrouped data from 81 trials that took place between 2001 and 2020, involving 84,713 participants. We found no substantial differences in effectiveness of interventions for PROGRESS subgroups in most scenarios. However, in the younger age group (5-11 years), the effect of interventions on standardized BMI appeared to be higher in boys (average difference in mean differences 0.03; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.06; 45 studies, n = 44,740), which was consistent in direction with the BMI effect (average difference in mean differences 0.06 kg/m2; 95% CI -0.02 to 0.13; 31 studies, n = 27,083). INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that those responsible for public health can promote these beneficial interventions without major concerns about increasing inequalities but should be mindful that these interventions may work better in boys aged 5-11 years than girls. More data are needed, so we encourage future trialists to perform subgroup analyses on PROGRESS factors. FUNDING: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).Item The Effect of Lightweight Wearable Resistance on the Squat and Countermovement Jumps: Does Load Dampen the Performance-Enhancing Effect of the Stretch-Shortening Cycle?(MDPI AG, 2025-11-18) Kyne, Hamish; Cronin, John BThis study investigated the effects of lightweight wearable resistance on the kinetics and kinematics of squat jumps (SJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ) with 2%, 4%, and 6% body mass (BM). Twenty male athletes (age: 18.05 ± 0.6 years; weight: 76.4 ± 7.6 kg; height: 182.4 ± 5 cm) were assessed on a force plate. Key variables included jump height (JH), concentric (ConT) and eccentric (EccT) phase durations, concentric impulse (CI), mean force (CMF), mean velocity (CMV), mean power (CMP), and relative metrics. Elastic utilization ratios (EUR) were calculated to quantify stretch-shortening cycle enhancement. Load led to decrements in both jumps but with varying sensitivity. With 2% BM the CMJ significantly reduced JH (−8.6%), EccT (−7%), CMV (−4.1%), rCI (−4.1%), rPP (−4.4%), and velocity at PP (−4.8%), whereas variables in the SJ were non-significant until 4–6% BM. EURs observed the greatest differences with 2% BM with JH, CMV, rCMP, and VPP all significantly decreasing (p < 0.05). The varying sensitivity to load across variables observed in the two jumps supports the hypothesis that SJ and CMJ offer distinct diagnostic insights due to varying MTU contraction dynamics and neural factors. This has implications for WR use in training. Further, absolute metrics showed limited load sensitivity. However, when accounting for body mass, relative metrics revealed substantial declines. This indicates absolute values can misrepresent the effects of WR loading.Item Beyond Jump Height: A Comparison of Concentric Variables in the Squat Jump, Countermovement Jump and Drop Jump for Athletic Profiling(MDPI AG, 2025-11-03) Kyne, Hamish; Cronin, John BJump height provides limited insight into movement strategies and muscle-tendon unit (MTU) contraction dynamics of the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ). This study investigated whether concentric phase variables differ significantly across these jumps. Twenty-three male athletes (age: 18.1 ± 0.7 years) from various sports performed the SJ, CMJ and DJ on a force plate. Variables included jump height (JH), concentric duration (ConT), concentric mean force (CMF), relative concentric mean force (rCMF), and concentric force index (CFI). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in all variables across jump types. The CMJ led to the greatest JH (37.8 ± 4.1 cm) compared to SJ (34.6 ± 4.4 cm) and DJ (31.9 ± 5.0 cm). Conversely, the DJ produced the greatest rCMF (30.1 ± 2.7 N/kg) within the shortest ConT (125 ± 15 ms), compared to the SJ (16.2 ± 0.8 N/kg in 409 ± 48 ms) and CMJ (19.8 ± 1.0 N/kg in 273 ± 24 ms). Minimal shared variance and varied individual athlete rankings across jumps suggest that each jump elucidates different facets of MTU function. As a novel variable, the CFI showed poor correlation with JH (r = −0.103 to 0.002), suggesting it may provide insights beyond jump height alone. These findings support our hypothesis that SJ, CMJ, and DJ offer distinct diagnostic insights into varying MTU contraction dynamics and the physical components underpinning jump performance, indicating that longitudinal monitoring of the CFI and underlying components (rCMF/ConT) across these jumps could enhance athletic profiling.Item Community Wellbeing and Lived Experiences During Urban Redevelopment in New Zealand: Te Hotonga Hapori – Connecting Communities Qualitative Study Protocol(Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2025-10-03) Hinckson, Erica; Ivory, Vivienne; McPhee, Julia; Somerville Ryan, Megan; Chaudhury, Moushumi; Mackay, Lisa; Refiti, Albert; King, Abby C; Ka'ai, Tania; Duncan, ScottCities around the world are growing rapidly, and the demand for housing is subsequently increasing. Many governments have initiated large-scale redevelopment projects to address the problem but planning and implementation can significantly impact the wellbeing of residents. Evidence has shown that people-centred urban planning and redevelopment, including walkable areas, natural environments, and appealing public spaces, can enhance physical, mental, and social wellbeing. The impact of these designs on wellbeing is complex, and without community involvement, there is a risk that redevelopment may not meet the wellbeing needs of the residents. Community Wellbeing and Lived Experiences study is part of Te Hotonga Hapori - Connecting Communities research programme which aims to provide the evidence to improve liveability and wellbeing in neighbourhoods that are undergoing redevelopment. It seeks to empower communities by involving them directly in the redevelopment process. Guided by the culturally informed Te Hotonga Hapori Engagement Framework it comprises 5 components: i) Active relationship building; ii) Historical/cultural realities; iii) Community aspirations; iv) Building bridges; and v) Activation of neighbourhood urban and natural environments. Data collection will be undertaken using the Community Science Aotearoa process that is contextually specific to communities in New Zealand and adapted from the Our Voice Citizen Science Research method. Residents using Te Hotonga Hapori app will collect photos and narratives and share information about their lived experiences during the redevelopment using a six-step process of Engage, Discover, Discuss, Advocate, Change and Re-engage. Descriptive statistics will be produced in relation to the number and typology of photos and narratives collected. Qualitative thematic analysis will be used for narrative data obtained from downloaded app data, and community and group sessions. Braun and Clarke's Thematic Analysis Framework will guide researchers through an iterative process and themes will be developed using the Attride-Stirling Thematic Networks Analytic Tool.