RSS 1.0Sport and Exercise Sciences
The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences has a strong and energetic research culture. In the RAE2008, a proportion of the Department’s research was considered to be “world-leading” and other esteem indicator scores designated 70% of staff submitted to the Sports-Related studies Unit of Assessment as being “ internationally excellent” or “world leading”. Its research activity can be divided into two distinct groups – Sociology of Sport and Exercise and Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences – which focus on advancing knowledge through high quality research that is of benefit to numerous recipients as a consequence of its impact on the exercising and sporting populations, society, public policy, culture and quality of life. Staff and postgraduate research is positively developed in an energetic environment which provides the opportunity to disseminate and discuss research through Department research seminars. This facilitates an interdisciplinary approach to a number of research questions which have evolved from identified real life problems.
Collections in this community
Recent Submissions
-
From stadium to training ground: Advancing monitoring metrics in GNSS technology, peak locomotive demands, and deceleration loads in professional soccerDespite the widespread adoption of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in professional soccer, significant challenges persist in ensuring measurement accuracy across different playing contexts. These limitations are particularly evident in stadium environments where structural interference can compromise signal quality, and in the methodological disconnect between training and match monitoring approaches. Furthermore, while deceleration actions represent significant physiological loading, current monitoring practices do not prioritise deceleration loads to the same extent as other locomotor metrics, limiting their integration into applied load management strategies. This thesis aimed to enhance both theoretical understanding and practical application of load monitoring in professional soccer through four progressive studies. The first study established a novel methodology for assessing GNSS signal quality in stadium environments, revealing position-specific disparities. The second study validated contemporary GNSS technology, demonstrating improved accuracy in challenging conditions. The third study examined position-specific peak locomotor demands, while the fourth investigated deceleration load and fatigue responses in training. Data were collected across multiple competitive seasons in the English Premier League and English Second Division (Championship), incorporating multiple stadium environments and training contexts. The first study revealed that wide-positioned players experienced nearly double the signal disruptions compared to central players during matches in stadia (16.5% ± 13.9% vs. 8.4% ± 11.1%, p<0.01). This study also established a novel method for practitioners to identify and account for periods of compromised signal quality in applied settings. The second study validated contemporary GNSS technology, demonstrating improved validity in challenging stadium environments (1.2% underestimation compared to 2.9% with previous technology). Building upon these methodological advances, the third study analysed position-specific peak locomotor demands using rigorous quality control measures, challenging existing assumptions by revealing no positional differences in peak high-speed running demands in match play. The final study examined the relationship between deceleration loads and fatigue responses specifically in the training environment, revealing that traditional fatigue monitoring measures validated in match play, such as flight time and contraction time ratio, may not effectively capture training-induced responses. This study systematically established the importance of context-specific monitoring approaches while identifying optimal methods for quantifying deceleration load to capture the dose-response relationship in training. The findings from this thesis have significant implications for load monitoring in professional soccer, establishing new methodological standards while providing evidence-based frameworks for practitioners. The outcomes of this research demonstrate the critical importance of signal quality assessment in stadium environments, where wide-positioned players experienced nearly double the signal disruptions compared to central players during matches. This research challenges existing assumptions about position-specific demands by revealing no positional differences in peak high-speed running demands in match play when applying rigorous signal quality controls, contrary to previous studies reporting higher demands for wide positions. Furthermore, this work provides novel insights into training-specific fatigue monitoring by identifying that low-intensity deceleration thresholds (<-1 m·s⁻² and >20% of maximum) showed stronger associations with post-training fatigue than traditional high-intensity thresholds, and that eccentric duration and peak power during countermovement jumps were the most sensitive indicators of deceleration-induced fatigue. These advances have the potential to enhance practitioners' ability to effectively monitor and manage player loads while establishing new standards for measurement validity in applied sports science research.
-
‘Listen to students because they know more’: Physical education teachers’ views and experiences of teaching gender diverse students in EnglandPhysical education (PE) is heteronormatively structured, which creates barriers for gender diverse students. An increasing body of literature focuses on LGBTQ+ issues in PE, but there has been less focus on gender diversity specifically. Adopting a Bourdieusian perspective, this paper explores PE teachers’ views and experiences of teaching gender diverse students in England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 PE teachers, and reflexive thematic analysis led to the construction of two themes: ‘the PE field: strongly entrenched “rules of the game”’ and ‘questioning the doxa: understanding and awareness of gender diversity in PE’. The first theme demonstrates that, similar to previous research, sex/gender-segregated changing rooms and lessons, and gendered kit were highlighted as particularly problematic features of the PE field. The second theme illustrates that participants had different levels of knowledge and understanding of gender diversity, and the extent to which they reported adapting their practice to meet gender diverse students’ needs varied. The results indicate that the PE field continues to marginalise gender diverse students, but teachers recognised a need to provide an inclusive environment. To do this, they emphasised building relationships with and listening to gender diverse students.
-
Corticomotor responses to experimental, acute, and chronic lower limb pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysisBackground: Corticomotor adaptations are believed to contribute to persistent pain. However, prior reviews have lacked sufficient data to adequately explore these adaptations in lower limb pain. This restricts the generalizability of existing research given the distinct functional and neurophysiological differences between upper and lower limb musculature. This research gap has prompted increasing exploration of corticomotor adaptations in response to lower limb pain. Accordingly, this systematic review aimed to synthesize literature investigating corticomotor changes in response to experimental, acute clinical, and chronic lower limb pain. Methods: A comprehensive search of CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) outcomes were separated into single‐site assessments of corticomotor excitability over the motor cortical hotspot, assessments of inhibitory/facilitatory mechanisms, and corticomotor organization (mapping) outcomes. Critical appraisals were performed using the Downs and Black checklist and the TMS methodological checklist. Meta‐analyses employed random effects models. Results: Analyses of 18 studies found no consistent effects of lower limb pain on motor evoked potentials. However, motor threshold data indicated that corticomotor responses may vary by region and diagnosis. Results from TMS mapping studies revealed consistent shifts in CoG for representations of painful lower limb muscles, as well as increased overlap of adjacent representations. Map volume findings differed between experimental and clinical pain, suggesting temporal variation in adaptations. Conclusion: This review highlights emerging evidence that corticomotor adaptations to lower limb pain are dynamic and region‐specific. These findings lay the groundwork for future research into pain‐related motor system plasticity.
-
The effect of exercise‐induced muscle damage on lower limb side cut biomechanics and task achievement in male and female team sport athletesThe effect of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) on three-dimensional side cut biomechanics and task achievement were assessed in 16 team sport athletes (eight males and eight females) who completed 45° side cuts before and 48 h after multidirectional running. Angular displacement and joint moments of the hip and knee, and GRF impulse (IGRF) during five successful trials of a 45° side cut, were collected using a 3D motion capture system and force platform at both timepoints. At 48 h, participants had more knee internal rotation (p = 0.009), knee abduction ROM (p = 0.002), lower peak knee extensor moment (p = 0.001) and a higher hip-knee extensor ratio moment (p = 0.020). Large increases in IGRF at 48 h in females (d; ± 95% CI: 1.4; ± 1.4, p = 0.037) suggest a less effective deceleration capacity. Whilst EIMD had no effect on side cut task achievement and sagittal kinematics, EIMD caused participants to shift the extensor demands away from the knee and towards the hip to decelerate the body. Practitioners should be mindful of potential increases in frontal and transverse motions at the knee for athletes with EIMD, which might have implications for strategies to reduce injury risk.
-
Durability of the major determinants of endurance performance is not different after 15 kJ·kg −1 of moderate or heavy exerciseDurability, or resilience to deteriorations in physiological endurance characteristics during exercise, is posited to have important implications for endurance performance. However, little is known about the effects of exercise intensity on the durability of important endurance parameters. The aim of this study was to compare changes in peak ramp power (power achieved at the end of a ramp test), V ˙ $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$ O2max, lactate threshold, critical power, gross efficiency and W′ after work‐matched moderate and heavy exercise bouts. Twelve competitive cyclists ( V ˙ $\dot{\mathrm{V}}$ O2max = 62.1 ± 4.4 mL·kg−1 min−1) performed exercise testing before and after completing 15 kJ·kg−1 work bouts in the moderate (duration = 4837 ± 675 s) and heavy (4000 ± 537 s) exercise domain. Significant declines were seen in peak ramp power (baseline = 412.6 ± 64.5 W, moderate = 380.2 ± 59.7 W and heavy = 374.8 ± 59 W) and W’ (baseline = 7.8 ± 4 kJ, moderate = 4 ± 3.6 kJ and heavy = 3.6 ± 2.4 kJ)—all other parameters did not change. There were no significant differences in the magnitude of decline between the moderate and heavy work bouts for any variable. For the first time, we show that durability of important determinants of endurance performance is not different when 15 kJ·kg−1 of moderate or heavy work is performed, suggesting that exercise domain does not influence durability for exercise lasting ∼60–90 min. Further research is needed to explore exercise of longer durations and associated physiological mechanisms for deteriorations in relevant parameters.
-
A comparison of methods to predict ovulation day, menstrual cycle characteristics and variability in professional female soccer playersThis study aimed to compare three methods of predicting ovulation day: (1) a positive urinary luteinising hormone test (LH), (2) a sustained rise in salivary progesterone above critical difference (SP), and (3) a countback regression equation (CB), to determine variability in the menstrual cycle (MC) lengths and reproductive hormone concentrations of professional female soccer players. Eight players provided daily morning saliva samples for three consecutive cycles. Samples were analysed for oestradiol and progesterone concentrations. Each MC was separated into the follicular (FP) and luteal (LP) phases relative to the day of ovulation, using the three different methods. MC length ranged from 24 to 32 days (28.3 ± 2.4 days); intra‐assay coefficient of variation (7.5%) exceeded inter‐assay coefficient of variation (4.6%). Ovulation estimated using SP (15.4 ± 3.0 days) occurred later than LH (13.3 ± 2.0 days) (P = 0.017). The CB method (14.1 ± 1.8 days) did not differ from SP (P = 0.102) or LH (P = 0.262). Oestradiol and progesterone levels varied significantly between sub‐phases (P < 0.001). Inter‐variability surpassed intra‐variability for both hormones. Differences in methods for predicting ovulation indicate the need for standardised protocols. Individual variation in MC length and hormone concentrations challenges the narrative for group‐level MC recommendations, emphasising the need for individualised hormone monitoring across multiple cycles.
-
A figurational examination of the working lives of backroom staff in men’s professional football clubs in the United KingdomBackroom staff have various important roles in supporting professional footballers and first team managers. Over time, the number of support staff in football clubs has grown, as the game has become increasingly professionalised and commodified to ensure athletes are provided the most effective support. Yet, what we know about their working lives is limited. Given the growth in academic research related to those who backroom staff support, who could not do the job without them, it is also important to explore their working lives. Therefore, this study examines the working lives of backroom staff in the first team at men’s professional football clubs in the United Kingdom. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 51 backroom staff, exploring their football background, employment within the industry, aspects of their working day and relationships with key stakeholders. The study tested a figurational sociological perspective for its adequacy to make sense of their experiences. Working in men’s professional football involved accepting challenges, such as excessive working hours, work-life imbalances, job insecurity, relocation, workplace transitions and familial sacrifices, which participants felt meant the role was more akin to a lifestyle choice. Many were motivated to work in football due to their love of the game, contributing to their perseverance through the challenges experienced. Alongside their emotional motivations, constant job insecurity and a saturated job market meant staff felt they had to accept the sacrifices until they started questioning the long-term sustainability of a career in football. The relationship with the first team manager impacted participants’ current roles and future job opportunities. Backroom staff were split into the manager’s staff, referred to as the inner circle, and club staff. The inner circle was seen as a double-edged sword, as it appeared to come with greater influence and responsibility within their roles. However, such roles came with greater job insecurity during managerial change. The inner circle represents the importance of interdependent relationships in understanding the structure and functioning of football clubs as workplaces. Backroom staff developed close, personal relationships with players. Some backroom staff offered a ‘safe-haven’ to players to speak about personal issues, who would not speak to teammates or the manager about these issues through concerns of stigmatisation and risking their place in the team. Participants explained the balance they had to strike between having personal relationships to support players and ensuring their professional position would not be compromised. This provides greater insight into relationships and workplace dynamics characterised by unequal power balances. Overall, this study has provided insight into the working lives of backroom staff and developed a greater understanding of these workplaces from the unique perspective of those perceived to be lower down the organisational hierarchy.
-
Mouth rinsing and ingesting unpleasant salty or bitter solutions after heavy-intensity cycling does not influence sprint performance or knee-extensor force in trained cyclistsPURPOSE: The present study investigated the effect of unpleasant salty or bitter tastes on cycling sprint performance and knee-extensor force characteristics in different fatigue states. METHODS: Following a familiarization session, 11 trained male cyclists completed 3 experimental trials (salty, bitter, and water) in a randomized crossover order. In each trial, participants cycled at 85% of the respiratory compensation point for 45 minutes and then, after a 5-minute rest, completed a 1-minute sprint. Muscle-force characteristics were assessed using 2 knee-extensor maximal voluntary contractions immediately before, between, and after the cycling efforts. Participants mouth-rinsed and ingested 25 mL of test solution (salty, bitter, and water) immediately before each maximal voluntary contractions and the 1-minute sprint. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean and peak power output during the 1-minute sprint between conditions (mean power: 528 [71] W, 524 [70] W, and 521 [80] W in the water, salt, and bitter conditions, respectively). Muscle-force production was impaired in all conditions after the heavy-intensity cycling, evidenced by a decline in maximum force production (P = .01, effect size = 0.32) and 100- to 200-millisecond impulse (P = .04, effect size = 0.27). However, there were no significant differences between conditions in maximal force or impulse measures at rest or after exercise. CONCLUSION: These data question whether unpleasant tastes can influence muscle-force production and do not support that they may be used as an ergogenic aid for a cycling sprint performed under fatigued conditions.
-
Association between 2D landing biomechanics, isokinetic muscle strength and asymmetry in females using novel, task specific metrics based on ACL injury mechanismsThis study investigated the relationship between isokinetic muscle strength metrics, landing biomechanics, and their asymmetries, in females. Twenty-three female team sport athletes completed unilateral forward drop landings, and isokinetic muscle strength assessment of the knee extensors and flexors, on both limbs. Discrete two-dimensional kinematics of the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle in the sagittal and frontal plane and peak GRF were recorded during the drop landings. Novel, task-specific isokinetic strength metrics related to the landing task, such as peak concentric and eccentric torque, angle specific torque (AST), functional range and traditional/functional ratios were quantified. Asymmetry for kinematic and muscle strength data were quantified based on the individual variability of the task and the population mean and smallest worthwhile change. Functional concentric flexor range explained 15–18% of the variance in peak frontal trunk (P = 0.003) and hip motion (P = 0.007) and 22% in peak frontal knee motion (P = 0.005), when combined with the functional flexion ratio. Peak eccentric extensor torque explained 13–14% of the variance in peak sagittal hip (P = 0.014) and knee (P = 0.009) motion. Asymmetry in concentric extensor AST explained 28% of the variance in peak knee frontal plane asymmetry (P = 0.010), however the direction of asymmetry was rarely present on the same side for kinematic and strength variables. Novel and task specific isokinetic strength metrics explained small but significant variances in sagittal and frontal plane landing kinematics and asymmetry, which have previously been related to ACL injury risk.
-
Harried and stressful or hurried and rewarding? A study of young Norwegians’ active leisure livesAmidst the backdrop of a ‘speed-up society’, this study examines how youngsters navigate their discretionary time while juggling educational demands, social networks, family obligations, and leisure activities. Through semi-structured interviews with 41 sports-active Norwegian youngsters, the study analysed their leisure activities and experiences of time pressure. The findings revealed that, contrary to perceptions of a harried existence, young Norwegians generally perceived their busy leisure lives to be rewarding rather than stressful. Their engagement in active leisure, especially sports, was seen as a counterbalance to the stresses of educational demands. Leisure, it seems, acted as an enclave for mental and physical recreation, aiding in managing school-related stress. Their ongoing involvement in sport underscore the importance of early life experiences in shaping youths’ leisure choices. It also serves to remind us of the potential for busy leisure lives to be experienced as hurried and rewarding rather than straightforwardly harried and stress-inducing.
-
(Un)sustainability of the elite parasport development system in a Least Developed Country: an investigation of Cambodian para-Athletic career pathwaysPurpose: Establishing athletic career pathways is important for the sustainable development of elite parasport, but there is a paucity of literature on parasport athletic career pathways in economically disadvantaged, Least Developed Countries. The current study investigated how para-athletes, coaches, and administrators in Cambodia experience their athletic careers. Methodology: Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four para-athletics coaches, six para-athletics athletes, and two parasport administrators in Cambodia. The transcripts were analyzed with thematic analysis. Findings and practical implications: Key themes indicated that the lack of parasport equipment limits new athlete recruitment, the lack of a positive career outlook after athletic retirement is a cause of distress among athletes, and specialized parasport coaches are lacking. These problems suggest alack of sustainability. The Cambodian government could invest in a clearer retirement preparation system for para-athletes. In this respect, retired para-athletes could continue contributing to parasport development in the country as elite and grassroots-level coaches. Research contribution: This is the first study examining the experience of para-athletes, coaches, and administrators in a Least Developed Country. Our findings identified recruitment, retirement preparation, and coach training as major areas for development. Value: The findings would assist evidence-based policy making for more sustainable development of elite parasport.
-
A multiple case study evaluating how school sport partnerships can achieve impact within a competitive, external provider PE and school sport marketThis study aimed to research the factors required to achieve impact between England’s School Sport Partnerships (SSPs) and schools, and whether theory could help to improve evaluations. In the last 10 years, SSPs have changed from being one of the sole providers in this field towards having to compete with other agencies commonly referred to as external providers (EPs) within a marketised education system. Sixteen research participants (teachers and managers) were interviewed from SSPs within two contrasting regions. The need to capture participants’ thoughts and feelings led to a qualitative approach utilising a multiple case study design, underpinned by deductive and inductive reasoning enabling theory to emerge both before and after the collection of data. Data analysis was enacted through coding and the presentation of themes. Results revealed the importance of head teachers for creating successful partnerships leading towards impact within school communities. In addition, SSPs needed to understand context in terms of fulfilling a client’s needs, particularly in demonstrating how PE could contribute towards whole-school improvement. Theoretical findings included recommendations for SSPs to use mixed methods, instead of monitoring impact solely through a quantitative approach. Evaluations could be improved through adopting programme theory in the form of theory-based impact evaluation (TBIE) to understand why change has taken place. Stakeholders and practitioners should plan using theory and then reflect, instead of ‘doing’ and then reflecting.
-
Influence of role and competition stage on movement, heart rate and perceived task load characteristics of match officials during men’s and women’s rugby league World CupWe examined the influence of rugby league match officials' role and competition stage on movement, heart rate and subjective task loads during international competition. Measures were recorded from all 28 match officials (male <i>n</i> = 25; female <i>n</i> = 3; 4 ± 3 matches per official) comprising 42 referees and 84 touch judge performances from Men's (<i>n</i> = 29) and Women's (<i>n</i> = 13) World Cup matches. More accelerations (<i>p</i> = 0.003) and decelerations (<i>p</i> = 0.013), higher mean heart rates (<i>p</i> = 0.006) and perceived physical load (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and less high-speed running (<i>p</i> = 0.002) occured in referees compared to touch judges. Distance, high-speed running, accelerations/decelerations, heart rate, and subjective mental, physical, temporal, effort and frustration loads (all <i>p</i> < 0.05) were higher during the Men's compared to Women's competition. Mean speed and high-speed running (all <i>p</i> < 0.05) decreased between halves in the Knockout stage, while subjective mental, physical, temporal and effort load increased (all <i>p</i> < 0.05). Declines in relative high-speed running between the halves were also greater during the Knockout stage (<i>p</i> = 0.016). The on-field role, the competition and stage influence the physical, heart rate and perceived task loads of rugby league match officials.
-
Physiological, perceptual and neuromuscular responses of team sport athletes to short duration high intensity interval training using cyclingPurpose: To examine the acute physiological, perceptual and neuromuscular responses of team sport athletes to two volume-matched cycling high intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions with short work bouts (< 60 s). Methods: Using and randomised crossover design, 16 male team sport players completed 2 × 6 min (with 5 min between sets) repeated efforts of 15 s or 30 s exercising at 120% power at V˙$$\dot{\text{V}}$$O2 max (pV˙$$\dot{\text{V}}$$O2 max) followed by matched-duration passive recovery on a cycle ergometer. Results: Absolute mean V˙$$\dot{\text{V}}$$O2 (p = 0.0257) and relative mean V˙$$\dot{\text{V}}$$O2 (p = 0.0275) were higher in 15 s than 30 s HIIT. Total time at > 90% V˙$$\dot{\text{V}}$$O2 max during the HIIT was higher for 15 s compared to 30 s HIIT (p = 0.0257). Heart rate remained the same between trials (p = 0.805) as did oxygen pulse (p = 0.1161). B[La] was lower in 15 s compared to 30 s HIIT (p = 0.0257). Differences in dRPE-L (p = 0.0495), dRPE-B (p = 0.0495) and dRPE-O (p = 0.1837) suggested lower perceived exertion in 15 s compared to 30 s HIIT. Maximal isometric knee extension force revealed a greater reduction after 30 s HIIT (p = 0.0495). Conclusion: Team sport athletes using short duration cycling-based HIIT should use 15 s work intervals to elicit greater time working near V˙$$\dot{\text{V}}$$O2 max at a lower perceived exertion and with smaller reductions in peak muscle force after exercise.
-
Daily variability in sedentary behaviour and physical activity responsiveness in older womenFree-living physical behaviour (PB), from sedentarism through to vigorous physical activity (PA), is increasingly studied due to its links to health outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether pre-existing day-to-day regularity in certain PB patterns influences intervention responsiveness. Therefore, this study hypothesized that (1) inter-day variability in certain PBs would decrease following a sedentary behaviour (SB) reduction intervention, and (2) those with high inter-day variability (low regularity) at baseline would be less likely to alter their behaviour compared to those with low inter-day variability (high regularity). Thirty-six older women (73 ± 5 years) were allocated to one of three groups: (1) daily SB fragmentation (SBF) (n = 14), (2) single daily bout of continuous light-intensity PA/LIPA (n = 14), or (3) control (n = 8), where no instructions vis-à-vis altering daily physical activity or sedentary behaviour were given. PB was objectively assessed (weeks 0 and 8) using three-dimensional accelerometry. Participants (48% of the study sample) with high regularity at baseline (<25th sample percentile for SB and PA bout length), showed greater SB reduction, and increased average PA bout length (p < 0.05) at week 8. These findings suggest that baseline regularity in physical behaviour may enhance intervention responsiveness. This aligns with theories of habit formation and self-regulation, indicating that personalised interventions would benefit a wider range of populations.
-
Mean stability and between-session reliability of cycling biomechanics variables in elite pursuit cyclistsThe purpose of this study was to determine the number of crank revolutions required to obtain stable mean values of sagittal plane biomechanics variables, and the between-session reliability of these variables, whilst cyclists used an aerodynamic position. Eighteen elite cyclists completed a 3-min maximal bout on a cycling ergometer. Lower-limb kinematic and kinetic data were captured using 2D motion capture and force pedals. Raw data were filtered using a 4th order Butterworth low-pass filter (6 hz) and interpolated to 100 points per revolution. The middle 60 revolutions of each trial were extracted and 37 discrete and 15 time-series variables were calculated. Mean stability was assessed in all participants, and between-session reliability was analysed in a subset of 11 participants. Sequential averaging indicated more revolutions to stability than iterative intra-class correlation coefficients. Crank kinetics were more stable than joint kinematics and kinetics. For stable discrete and time-series variables, 30 and 38 revolutions are recommended, respectively. Between-day reliability for all variables was moderate to excellent, and good to excellent for crank kinetics and joint kinematics variables. Hip flexion-extension and ankle dorsiflexion kinetics were least reliable. Researchers and applied practitioners should consider these findings when planning, and interpreting results from, cycling biomechanics interventions.
-
Gut microbiota and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Emerging pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic ImplicationsNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently redefined as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation, this disease encompasses a spectrum from simple steatosis to more severe forms, including steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal role of gut dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of MASLD. Dysbiosis disrupts the gut–liver axis, an intricate communication network that regulates metabolic, immune, and barrier functions. Alterations in gut microbiota composition, increased gut permeability, and translocation of pro-inflammatory metabolites/factors have been shown to trigger liver inflammatory and fibrotic cascades, exacerbating hepatic inflammation and injury. Recent studies have identified microbiome signatures associated with MASLD, offering promise as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers and paving the way for new potential therapeutic strategies targeting gut dysbiosis. This review explores the crucial role of the gut microbiota in MASLD pathogenesis and highlights the need for further targeted research in this field to validate microbial biomarkers and optimize therapeutic strategies. Comprehensive understanding of the gut–liver axis may enable innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, transforming the clinical management of MASLD.
-
LinkedIn as a research participant recruitment tool: reflections from the football industryPURPOSE: The article explores the process of using LinkedIn to recruit hard-to-reach groups, reflecting on our experience of the football industry. We propose LinkedIn as a viable option to mitigate recruitment challenges, particularly in employment-focussed research. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: We examine how LinkedIn was used to recruit 43 football backroom staff for a sociological research study. It outlines the process of using LinkedIn to contact participants, the ethical considerations made throughout the research process and reflects on why LinkedIn was effective for a primarily employment-focussed study. FINDINGS: We discuss the importance of insider knowledge for identifying LinkedIn as a potentially fruitful recruitment tool and how the functionality of the platform can be beneficial for a targeted recruitment method. We also explore the ethical and practical considerations of using social media for recruitment. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Previous research discusses social media as if they are indistinguishable and interchangeable with one another and we argue that this neglects the importance of a platform’s functionality. We discuss how the decision to use a particular social media platform to recruit should be grounded in the researcher’s familiarity with the site, the functionality the platform offers and the sample recruited. This article explicitly explores the considerations taken when using LinkedIn to help overcome recruitment challenges.
-
The double-bind of competitive funding: Exploring the consequences of state-funded bidding processes in a locally managed cycling infrastructure projectIn an era of sustained budget cuts, England’s local authorities are increasingly forced to ‘apply’ for infrastructure funding via competitive bidding processes. However, we currently know little about how this method of funding impacts implementation. Accordingly, we consider the consequences of competitive funding by exploring the constraints associated with implementing infrastructure under the state-funded Cycling Demonstration Towns programme. This was achieved via a case study in Chester, a city that was unable to deliver the ambitions of their bid. This study was informed by figurational sociology in order to focus on relational processes. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with personnel involved in the planning and implementation of the project. The key findings were: (1) participants considered the bidding process to be akin to a ‘beauty contest’ where authorities were consciously making fantasy-laden promises in order to ‘impress’ the awards panel; (2) those involved in the bid did not consult key delivery parties, many of whom held car-centric predispositions, until funding was secured, and this led to complications in the delivery process; (3) during project implementation as the chains of interdependency of those involved widened, several unintended outcomes emerged which contributed to the two ‘flagship’ infrastructure proposals being halted; (4) this led to an intervention package that was heavily weighted towards promotional, or ‘soft’, interventions. Theoretical insight from this study suggests that competitive funding is likely to encourage authorities to present bids that are largely detached from the realities of implementing infrastructure, thus leading to difficulties once funding has been awarded.
-
Habitus, capital and the shaping of sporting careers: A qualitative study of Norwegian youthPrevious research has established that youngsters’ sporting repertoires become particularly malleable during the early- to mid-teenage years, shifting from formal, organized sports to more informal, recreational activities. This study investigated the processes underlying these changes, using the theoretical framework of social and cultural capital and habitus. Forty-one individual qualitative interviews, with 17–18-year-old middle-class Norwegians, were conducted in order to understand the role of family, friends, and peers in shaping sporting repertoires and careers. Through three analytical themes – ‘Shifting forms, shifting orientations’; ‘Sporting capital and family cultures of sport’; and Sporting repertoires and the growing significance of friends’ – our findings lend support to notions of family cultures as important in initiating young people’s sporting careers by building their sports-related ‘cultural capital’ and establishing sporting routines. However, our findings also indicate that such primary socialization into sport may not be enough for building the sporting repertoires necessary for lifelong engagement. The development of sporting habitus tends to be facilitated by social capital in the form of friendship networks within which friends become increasingly significant in shaping sporting repertoires. Understanding the dynamism and mutability of sporting repertoires during the youth life-stage is crucial for developing sports policies that foster lifelong sports engagement.
