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 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.Item Action-Quality Rating Systems in Indoor Volleyball: A Scoping Review of Conceptual Frameworks, Analytical Approaches, and Positional Applications(SAGE Publications, 2026-02-23) Labit, Zeljko L; Spencer, Kirsten NObjective This scoping review aimed to systematically map and categorise action-quality rating systems used to evaluate individual skill execution in indoor volleyball, with practical relevance for performance analysts supporting elite-level athletes such as the New Zealand VolleyFerns. Methods Following the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus. Eligible studies included those that developed, applied, or evaluated rating systems for technical skill execution in indoor volleyball from 2000 to 2024. Forty-four studies were included after structured screening and data extraction using CADIMA. Rating systems were classified by typology, analytical approach, application context, and positional specificity. Results Three typological categories emerged: ordinal-descriptive systems (64%), interval-probabilistic models (9%), and hybrid-emergent frameworks (27%). Analytical approaches ranged from basic descriptive statistics to probabilistic modelling, social network analysis, and machine learning. Most studies focused on elite-level female athletes and emphasised terminal actions (e.g., serve, attack), with growing attention to contextual and positional variation. Setter and libero actions were increasingly analysed through system-sensitive models reflecting match phase and tactical role. Conclusion Volleyball action-quality rating systems have evolved from static ordinal scales to complex, context-sensitive frameworks that better capture the dynamic relationship between skill execution and match context. However, challenges such as methodological heterogeneity, inconsistent terminology, and limited validation persist. This review provides foundational insights for developing robust, role-specific, and analytically sound rating systems to inform coaching and talent identification in elite volleyball.Item The Magnitude of Rapid Weight Loss Affects Subjective Stress and Recovery in Elite Powerlifters at the World Championships: An Exploratory Analysis(Taylor and Francis Group, 2026-03-27) Kwan, Kedric; King, Andrew; Helms, Eric RRapid weight loss is common in weight category sports, and large magnitudes of it can affect performance. This study explored relationships between changes in the Short Recovery and Stress Scale (SRSS) items and the magnitude of rapid weight loss in elite powerlifters competing at the World Championships. A total of 53 powerlifters (27 males, 26 females) who competed in either the 2019 or 2022 International Powerlifting Federation World Championships participated. At 7, 2, and 0 days out from competition, the participants completed the SRSS and recorded their body mass. Cumulative link mixed models were used to explore the relationship between SRSS score and proximity to competition, competitive caliber (good lift points [GLP]), sex, and magnitude of relative weight change. On average, the participants lost -2.5% (1.83 kg) of body mass from day 7 to day 0. The results suggest that (a) elite powerlifters can decrease subjective stress and promote recovery leading into competition, (b) powerlifters with higher GLP at competition are more likely to report better recovery and negative emotional state scores, (c) higher relative magnitude of weight loss is associated with worse subjective stress and recovery scores, and (d) female powerlifters experience worse negative emotional state responses with higher relative weight loss. These findings highlight that the magnitude of rapid weight loss can affect subjective stress and recovery and provide data to inform future hypothesis testing.Item What Are the Acute and Chronic Effects of Initial Military Training on Physiological and Neuromuscular Performance in Military Populations? A Narrative Review(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-04-13) McCleary, Sean C; Uthoff, Aaron; Cross, Matt RInitial military training (IMT) is designed to physically and mentally transition recruits from civilian to military personnel, typically lasting 6–14 weeks. Accordingly, the content and focus of IMT appear variable, and it is important to understand what effects this training has on recruits. This study reviewed existing literature regarding the acute and chronic effects of IMT on physiological and neuromuscular performance. Using a systematic style search strategy (Google Scholar, EBSCO, PubMed, Medline), 28 relevant studies were identified, focusing on longitudinal (n = 26) and acute (n = 6) effects. The included studies were performed in various branches of the military, but primarily the army, across nations. They rarely disclosed the nature of activities involved, but tended to follow a progressive structure, culminating in scenario-based training specific to their respective branch, to emphasise skills learned earlier in the course. Findings indicate that training causes an acute decrease in strength and power, along with increased cardiovascular strain and maximal oxygen consumption, with these effects being more pronounced in females. Longitudinally, recruits demonstrated improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance, full-body strength and upper-body muscular endurance; however, performance gains typically plateaued by the eighth week. This plateau, most evident in recruits with higher baseline fitness, suggests potential fatigue accumulation from sleep restriction and high physical activity, or a late-stage shift in training focus that provides insufficient stimulus. These results underscore a critical need for standardised assessment protocols to address literature heterogeneity and enhance the comparability of training outcomes across military populations.Item Higher Eccentric Strength Mitigates Deceleration Performance Decline During Repeated Deceleration Tasks(Human Kinetics, 2026-04-20) Nakata, Kaito; Uthoff, Aaron; Hirayama, KuniakiPURPOSE: This study aimed to (1) examine the relationship between eccentric strength and the ability to maintain deceleration performance following running, (2) investigate changes in deceleration kinematics during repeated deceleration tasks, and (3) explore associations between the changes in lower-limb mechanical capacities during jump tests and deceleration capacity under load. METHODS: Twenty male athletes participated. Maximal eccentric and concentric strength were assessed via back squat protocols. Participants completed the repeated acceleration-deceleration task consisting of 50 repetitions of a 10-m run followed by maximal deceleration with 45-second rest between repetitions. The ability to sustain deceleration performance was quantified as percentage change in deceleration metrics between the averaged first and last 5 repetitions. Several jump tests were performed before and after the repeated acceleration-deceleration task. RESULTS: Paired t-test showed repeated decelerations significantly increased time from peak to half-peak velocity (TT50%VPeak) (+2.55%, P = .014, d = -0.60) and decreased deceleration in this phase (DECEarly) (-3.71%, P = .012, d = -0.62). Correlational analyses revealed that eccentric strength was significantly associated with changes in TT50%VPeak (P < .01, r = -.59) and DECEarly (P = .012, r = .55). Changes in DECEarly were significantly correlated with changes in power during squat jump (P < .05, r = .53). CONCLUSIONS: Repeated deceleration actions impair early-phase deceleration performance; however, greater eccentric strength mitigates this decline. Additionally, the ability to sustain concentric mechanical capacities appears relevant to sustaining deceleration capacity. These findings highlight the importance of eccentric strength in supporting performance under repeated high-load deceleration demands.Item Healthy Food, Healthy Teeth: A Formative Study to Assess Knowledge of Foods for Oral Health in Children and Adults(MDPI AG, 2022-07-21) Hancock, S; Schofield, G; Zinn, CEating patterns characterised by low intakes of processed carbohydrates and higher intakes of fat- and Vitamin D-rich foods are associated with protection against dental caries. The aim of this formative study was to evaluate the extent to which the knowledge of children and adults of foods for oral health reflects dietary guideline advice, and the evidence base for foods associated with increased and decreased caries burdens. Using a novel card-sorting task, the participants categorised foods according to their knowledge of each food for oral health. There were no differences between children and adults in the categorisation of fresh, minimally processed foods. Fish, chicken, and red meat were categorised as healthy by significantly fewer children than adults. High-sugar foods were correctly characterised as unhealthy by nearly all participants. More children categorised breakfast cereals as healthy than adults. There were no statistically significant differences between children and adults for the categorisation of brown or wholegrain breads categorised as healthy. The alignment of the participants' beliefs with dietary guideline recommendations suggests education through health promotion initiatives is successful in achieving knowledge acquisition in children and adults. However, recommendations to increase the intake of refined carbohydrates inadvertently advocate foods associated with increased caries burdens.Item Sociodemographic Differences in 24-Hour Time-Use Behaviours in New Zealand Children(BMC, 2022-10-04) Hedayatrad, Leila; Stewart, Tom; Paine, Sarah-Jane; Marks, Emma; Walker, Caroline; Duncan, ScottBACKGROUND: The time that children spend in physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep each day (i.e., 24-h time-use behaviours), is related to physical and mental health outcomes. Currently, there is no comprehensive evidence on New Zealand school-aged children's 24-h time-use behaviours, adherence to the New Zealand 24-h Movement Guidelines, and how these vary among different sociodemographic groups. METHODS: This study utilises data from the 8-year wave of the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal study. Using two Axivity AX3 accelerometers, children's 24-h time-use behaviours were described from two perspectives: activity intensity and activity type. Compositional data analysis techniques were used to explore the differences in 24-h time-use compositions across various sociodemographic groups. RESULTS: Children spent on average, 31.1%, 22.3%, 6.8%, and 39.8% of their time in sedentary, light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and sleep, respectively. However, the daily distribution of time in different activity types was 33.2% sitting, 10.8% standing, 7.3% walking, 0.4% running, and 48.2% lying. Both the activity intensity and activity type compositions varied across groups of child ethnicity, gender, and household income or deprivation. The proportion of children meeting each of the guidelines was 90% for physical activity, 62.5% for sleep, 16% for screen time, and 10.6% for the combined guidelines. Both gender and residence location (i.e., urban vs. rural) were associated with meeting the physical activity guideline, whereas child ethnicity, mother's education and residence location were associated with meeting the screen time guideline. Child ethnicity and mother's education were also significantly associated with the adherence to the combined 24-h Movement Guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided comprehensive evidence on how New Zealand children engage in 24-h time-use behaviours, adherence to the New Zealand 24-h Movement Guidelines, and how these behaviours differ across key sociodemographic groups. These findings should be considered in designing future interventions for promoting healthy time-use patterns in New Zealand children.Item Match Injury Incidence for a New Zealand Amateur Domestic Female Soccer Team Over Two Consecutive Seasons(MDPI AG, 2024-08-09) King, Doug; Hume, Patria; Clark, TrevorObjective: To determine the match injury incidence for a New Zealand amateur domestic female soccer team over two consecutive seasons. Methods: A descriptive, epidemiological observational study was conducted to determine match injury incidence for 49 players over two domestic seasons. Match exposure and injury burden were calculated. Results: A total of 84 match-related injuries resulted in a match injury incidence of 145.5 (95% confidence interval (CI): 117.4 to 180.1) per 1000 match h. Attackers had a higher incidence of injuries for total (200.0 per 1000 match h) and missed matches (152.4 per 1000 match h). The lower limbs had the highest injury incidence (105.6 per 1000 match h), with ankle injury being the most reported (43.3 per 1000 match h) lower limb injury. Over three quarters (75.3%) of the injuries recorded were missed match injuries. Sprains/strains were the most recorded total (86.6 per 1000 match h) injury type. Fractures were recorded as having the highest mean injury burden (68.7 ± 70.4 days). Discussion: Historically, there was a paucity of injury burden data for female football; however, the data presented within this study can be utilised to support the identification of injury patterns and areas to be included within injury reduction programmes.Item 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play: Process and Methodology(BMC, 2025-09-25) de Lannoy, L; Lee, EY; Ryu, S; Lopes, O; S Cheruvathur, J; Thankarajah, A; Adjei Boadi, D; de Barros, I; Duncan, S; James, ME; Mygind, L; Monro Miller, R; Vanderloo, LM; Wang, PY; Heather, L; Tremblay, MSBackground: The 2015 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play highlighted the benefits of active outdoor play for child health and development and had significant impact on public policy, law, philanthropy, and research in Canada and internationally. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, we led an update to the Position Statement that is global in scope and inclusive of all human age groups. The goal of this manuscript is to outline the process and methodology involved in developing the 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play. Methods: The process involved several key steps: (1) establishing an international leadership group; (2) forming an international steering committee; (3) conducting an environmental scan of historical key events in active outdoor play; (4) using text-mining and linked network analyses to identify core research themes and map relationships among outdoor play organizations; (5) developing a conceptual framework through a consensus-building process; and, (6) using this conceptual framework to guide the completion of a series of reviews used to inform the 2025 Position Statement. Results: The environmental scan identified 136 key events that provided historical context for the evolution of active outdoor play. Text-mining and linked network analyses revealed 10 core research themes and mapped relationships among key organizations and individuals in the field. Informed by these themes and concepts, a draft conceptual framework was developed and circulated to the > 130-person steering committee for review and consensus. The final version of the conceptual framework encompassed 9 key themes, which guided the focus of 18 reviews used to inform the scope and content of the 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play. Conclusions: A three-year-long process involving an international leadership group and >130 person steering committee led to the development of an environmental scan, text-mining and linked network analysis, and a conceptual framework including 9 key themes with bidirectional relationships with active outdoor play that guided the development of 18 reviews. Collectively, this work served to inform the updated Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play, which aims to encourage humans of all ages to play, learn, teach, grow, and thrive outdoors and serve as caring stewards of the land, water, air, plants, animals, and each other.Item 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play(BMC, 2025-09-25) Lee, EY; de Lannoy, L; Kim, YB; Rathod, A; James, ME; Lopes, O; Nasrallah, B; Thankarajah, A; Adjei-Boadi, D; de Barros, MIA; Duncan, S; Miller, RM; Mygind, L; Vanderloo, LM; Wang, PY; Tremblay, MSBACKGROUND: In 2015, the Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play was released in Canada, emphasizing the critical role of active outdoor play-with its risks-in fostering children's healthy development. Building on this foundation, a 10-year update of the Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play (AOP10) was initiated to broaden its scope and impact, by encompassing all age groups and extending its reach conceptually and globally. Here we explain and present the new 2025 Position Statement. METHODS: Development of the 2025 Position Statement was informed by 18 rigorous literature reviews, a series of leadership group meetings, three rounds of draft AOP10 surveys, followed by extensive communication, translation, production, and dissemination activities. RESULTS: The 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play states: "Active outdoor play promotes holistic health and well-being for people of all ages, communities, and environments, and for our entire planet. It is critical given the multiple global challenges we face today (e.g., social and health inequities, climate change and digital addiction). Together, as a collective of the outdoor play sector, we recommend increasing opportunities for active outdoor play in all settings where people live, learn, work, and play. To achieve this, it is important to collaborate across sectors, settings, and societies to preserve, promote, and value equitable access to active play outdoors and in nature." We also provide key evidence pertaining to the nine core themes that informed the development of the 2025 Position Statement and offer recommendations across sectors, calling for multi-sectoral, multi-level collaborations. Across all three survey rounds, responses indicated strong support for the 2025 Position Statement and its supporting content (Round 3: 93-98%). Comprehensive, proactive knowledge translation and dissemination plans were executed to maximize the reach and impact of the 2025 Position Statement. CONCLUSIONS: The 2025 Position Statement calls for systemic changes that prioritize equitable access to active outdoor play opportunities and aims to create healthier communities. Achieved through international collaboration and consensus, the 2025 Position Statement aspires to connect, advise, inspire, and activate active outdoor play worldwide.