Durability of Running Economy: Differences between Quantification Methods and Performance Status in Male Runners.

Introduction: Running economy (RE) deteriorates during prolonged running, although the effect of measuring energy cost (EC) or oxygen cost (OC) on the magnitude of these changes has not been investigated. Similarly, it is unknown if runners' performance level may influence the deterioration of RE during prolonged running. The aims of this study were to compare changes in EC and OC measurements of RE during a prolonged run in a large cohort of well-trained male runners, and to compare changes between runners of high- and low-performance standard.

The Role of Musculoskeletal Training During Return to Performance Following Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.

Background: Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) is a condition that is associated with negative health and performance outcomes in athletes. Insufficient energy intake relative to exercise energy expenditure, resulting in low energy availability, is the underlying cause, which triggers numerous adverse physiological consequences including several associated with musculoskeletal (MSK) health and neuromuscular performance.

Purpose: This commentary aims to (1) discuss the health and performance implications of REDs on the skeletal and neuromuscular systems and (2) examine the role that MSK training (ie, strength and plyometric training) during treatment and return to performance following REDs might have on health and performance in athletes, with practical guidelines provided.

Energy availability modulates regional blood flow via estrogen-independent pathways in regularly menstruating young women.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of short-term low energy availability (LEA) on vascular function in young, regularly menstruating women.

Methods: Participants were 19 women, aged 22.9 ± 4.

Do Exercise-Based Prevention Programs Reduce Injury in Endurance Runners? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Endurance running is a popular sport and recreational activity yet is associated with a high prevalence of injury. Running related injuries (RRIs) are a leading cause of drop-out and represent a substantial financial burden to runners and healthcare services. There is clear evidence for the use of exercise-based injury prevention programs in games-based and youth sport settings, yet the research investigating the use of exercise to reduce injury risk in endurance runners has not been adequately reviewed recently.

Talent identification and development in an English Premiership rugby union club: the perspectives of players and coaches.

The pathway towards senior professional status in sport is affected by a multitude of factors. An abductive examination of the talent identification and development processes at an English Premiership rugby union (RU) club was undertaken for the present study. examined the perspectives on the selection and development processes of senior academy male players (= 8), whereas explored the perceptions of male coaches (= 7).

How Lifestyle Changes during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic Affected the Pattern and Symptoms of the Menstrual Cycle.

This research investigated the implications that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the menstrual cycle and any contributing factors to these changes. A questionnaire was completed by 559 eumenorrheic participants, capturing detail on menstrual cycle symptoms and characteristics prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. Over half of all participants reported to have experienced lack of motivation (61.

A Multidisciplinary Investigation into the Talent Development Processes in an English Premiership Rugby Union Academy: A Preliminary Study through an Ecological Lens.

(1) Background: The progression of youth rugby union (RU) players towards senior professional levels can be the result of various different constraints. The aim of this study was to examine characteristics that differentiated playing positions and player rankings in an English Premiership RU academy. (2) Methods: Thirty players (mean age = 18.

Incidence of bone stress injury is greater in competitive female distance runners with menstrual disturbances independent of participation in plyometric training.

Bone stress injury (BSI) is prevalent in female distance runners. Menstrual disturbances are associated with impaired bone health in endurance athletes. This study aimed to investigate the association between menstrual function and BSI and explore whether plyometric training may protect against BSI in individuals with menstrual disturbances.

Talent Identification in an English Premiership Rugby Union Academy: Multidisciplinary Characteristics of Selected and Non-selected Male Under-15 Players.

Entry into an academy can be a defining moment for a promising young player. The aim of this study was to explore the multidimensional characteristics that differentiated selected and non-selected male under-15 rugby union players at an English Premiership academy. Seventy-four players (mean age 14.

COVID-19-Considerations for the Female Athlete.

The SARS CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) caused the whole sporting calendar to be paused. As we embark on the challenge of navigating through the return to play (RTP) process, there is a necessity to consider the needs of all athletes. This commentary specifically considers recommendations and requirements for the female athlete with a physiological emphasis during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it will be relevant for any similar future scenarios that may present.

Effects of Low Energy Availability on Bone Health in Endurance Athletes and High-Impact Exercise as A Potential Countermeasure: A Narrative Review.

Endurance athletes expend large amounts of energy in prolonged high-intensity exercise and, due to the weight-sensitive nature of most endurance sports, often practice periods of dietary restriction. The Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport models consider endurance athletes at high-risk for suffering from low energy availability and associated health complications, including an increased chance of bone stress injury. Several studies have examined the effects of low energy availability on various parameters of bone structure and markers of bone (re)modelling; however, there are differences in findings and research methods and critical summaries are lacking.

Speed Demands of Women's Rugby Sevens Match Play.

Misseldine, ND, Blagrove, RC, and Goodwin, JE. Speed demands of women's rugby sevens match play. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 183-189, 2021-The purpose of this study was to quantify the running speed demands of elite female rugby sevens match play, both absolute and relative to maximal ability, and determine the importance of maximal velocity running to performance.

Prevalence and frequency of menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with availability to train and compete: a study of 6812 exercising women recruited using the Strava exercise app.

Objectives: The menstrual cycle can affect sports participation and exercise performance. There are very few data on specific menstrual cycle symptoms (symptoms during various phases of the cycle, not only during menstruation) experienced by exercising women. We aimed to characterise the most common symptoms, as well as the number and frequency of symptoms, and evaluate whether menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with sporting outcomes.

Inter-limb strength asymmetry in adolescent distance runners: Test-retest reliability and relationships with performance and running economy.

The purpose of this investigation was, firstly, to quantify the test-retest reliability of strength measures in adolescent distance runners; and secondly, to explore the relationships between inter-limb strength asymmetry and performance and running economy (RE) in a similar cohort of young runners. For the reliability study, twelve ( = 6 female) post-pubertal adolescent distance runners performed an isometric quarter-squat on a dual force plate and unilateral isometric hip extension and hip abduction tests on two occasions. For the correlation study, participants ( = 31) performed the strength tests plus a submaximal incremental running assessment and a maximal running test.

Variations in strength-related measures during the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To systematically review the current body of research that has investigated changes in strength-related variables during different phases of the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic women.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: A literature search was conducted in Pubmed, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science using search terms related to the menstrual cycle and strength-related measures.

Quantification of aerobic determinants of performance in post-pubertal adolescent middle-distance runners.

Purpose: The use of oxygen cost ([Formula: see text]) parameters to predict endurance performance has recently been criticized. Instead, it is suggested that aerobic energy cost ([Formula: see text]) provides greater validity; however, a comparison of these quantification methods has not previously been made.

Methods: Fifty-six male (n = 34) and female (n = 22) competitive adolescent (17 ± 1 years) middle-distance runners participated in a sub-maximal and maximal incremental treadmill test.

Effects of Small-Sided Games vs. Conventional Endurance Training on Endurance Performance in Male Youth Soccer Players: A Meta-Analytical Comparison.

Background: Small-sided games have been suggested as a viable alternative to conventional endurance training to enhance endurance performance in youth soccer players. This has important implications for long-term athlete development because it suggests that players can increase aerobic endurance through activities that closely resemble their sport of choice.

Objectives: The objectives of this meta-analysis were to compare male youth soccer players' adaptability to small-sided games vs.

Bilateral Deficit During Jumping Tasks: Relationship With Speed and Change of Direction Speed Performance.

Bishop, C, Berney, J, Lake, J, Loturco, I, Blagrove, R, Turner, A, and Read, P. Bilateral deficit during jumping tasks: relationship with speed and change of direction speed performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1833-1840, 2021-Research to date has investigated the phenomenon of the bilateral deficit (BLD); however, limited research exists on its association with measures of athletic performance.

Efficacy of depth jumps to elicit a post-activation performance enhancement in junior endurance runners.

Objectives: To determine the effect of performing depth jumps (DJ) pre-exercise on running economy (RE) and time to exhaustion (TTE) at the speed associated with maximal oxygen uptake (sV˙O) in a group of high-performing junior middle-distance runners.

Design: Randomized crossover study.

Methods: Seventeen national- and international-standard male distance runners (17.

Efficacy of an 8-Week Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training program on Hand Cycling Performance.

Nevin, JP, Smith, P, Waldron, M, Patterson, S, Price, M, Hunt, A, and Blagrove, R. Efficacy of an 8-week concurrent strength and endurance training program on hand cycling performance. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1861-1868, 2018-The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week concurrent strength and endurance training program in comparison with endurance training only on several key determinants of hand cycling performance.