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.

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Recent Submissions

  • Relative Age Effect in Male and Female Elite International Amateur Boxing

    Vladislav, Kim; Pote, Lee; Thomson, Edward; Nicholls, Scott; University of Chester; University of Derby (Taylor & Francis, 2024-10-21)
    This study aimed to determine whether the Relative Age Effect (RAE) was present in different sexes and age categories in 12 elite-level international amateur boxing competitions. A total of 4813 athletes competing between 2013 and 2022 were analysed. Athletes were split into four quartiles according to their birth date and compared to the expected (equal) birth date distribution using chi-squared goodness of fit. The results revealed greater RAE prevalence in youth compared to the senior group. RAE was more prominent in males compared to females, with the female group showing an inverse RAE trend. Odds ratio (OR) showed an overrepresentation of male boxers born in Q1 compared to Q4 (OR > 1.19-1.33), while senior female boxers presented an inverse trend (OR < 0.95). Odds Ratios for medallists within the youth group were greater than 1.07 (except Q3 × Q4 = 0.93) highlighting an overrepresentation of boxers born earlier in the year. A shift in strategy to reduce the RAE in young boxers whereby coaches focus less on the short-term pursuit of sporting success is encouraged. Organisations and coaches should increase awareness and provide systematic education around RAE, whilst creating equal competitive opportunities for all young boxers to reduce the extent of RAE in boxing.
  • The Menstrual Cycle in Professional Women’s Football: A Subjective and Objective Exploration of Player Health, Wellbeing, and Performance

    Moss, Sam; Rollo, Ian; Martin, Dan; Randell, Rebecca; Twist, Craig; Anderson, Rosie (University of Chester, 2024-07)
  • "I code as much as I can because you never know what they might ask for”. The role of the coach in Performance Analysis: The view of the analyst

    Mulvenna, Claire; Bloyce, Daniel; Twist, Craig; Thomson, Edd; Edge Hill University; University of Chester; Liverpool John Moores University (SAGE Publications, 2024-08-16)
    Performance Analysis (PA) is viewed as an integral feature of soccer; however, the processes underpinning such practice are often described as simple, linear procedures. This fails to acknowledge the dynamism of PA and given increased investment and employment of analysts in professional soccer, scrutiny of the current processes and duties associated with the role would seem timely. To this purpose, eight full-time analysts in the English Football League (EFL) and English National League (National League) participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews and transcripts were subjected to inductive reflective thematic analysis. The data analysis revealed two higher-order categories (Flying solo / Coach control) and four themes classified as lower-order (PA pragmatism / Identifying indicators / The reticent coach / Autocratic presentations). The findings of this study highlight that the responsibilities of the performance analyst range from acting on their own initiative to responding to requests and instructions from the coach. Subsequently, the responsibility for individual actions/activities related to PA is dependent on what aspects of analysis are to be used, who is the recipient of the data/video/presentation, when in the relationship between analyst and coach the activities are developed and when in the match-play process they are carried out.
  • The effect of PETTLEP-based imagery interventions on motor performance

    Wright, Caroline J. (University of Liverpool (Chester College of Higher Education), 2007)
    Abstract available in hard copy
  • The effectiveness of exercise as a treatment for patients with intermittent claudication

    Roberts, Alison J. (University of Liverpool (Chester College of Higher Education), 2007)
    Abstract available in hard copy
  • The physiological effects of massage post exercise in humans

    Jones, Gareth E. (University of Liverpool (Chester College of Higher Education), 2008)
    Abstract available in hard copy
  • Sports participation among Norwegian youth: a study of early sporting careers

    Johansen, Patrick F.; Green, Ken; Thurston, Miranda (Taylor & Francis, 2024-03-26)
    Despite a growing body of evidence suggesting that establishing sporting repertoires during youth is intimately related to ongoing participation in sport, little is known about how such repertoires develop during the crucial early teenage years, when the sporting habits that provide a basis for sporting careers take shape. The aim of the study was, therefore, to describe the structure of young people’s sporting repertoires as they move through a key formative period, as a basis for theorising their retention in sports participation. By providing a detailed analysis of a cohort of young Norwegians as they progressed through lower-secondary into upper-secondary school (13–16-year-olds), this study offers insights into how different sporting forms fluctuate during a period typically characterised by heavy drop-out and drop-off from sports participation. Data were obtained from a longitudinal cohort study of Norwegian youngsters attending 11 lower secondary schools based on annual surveys conducted from grade 8 through to grade 10 and used to describe cohort changes in sports participation rates and sporting forms over time. The noticeable movement between sporting forms alongside the marked shift towards informal sports during the period is likely to provide an important insight into how Norwegian teenagers not only maintain high levels of participation during the teenage years but also enhance their sporting repertoires in a manner likely to sustain sports participation through youth into early adulthood.
  • An Examination of the Field-Based Training Practices in European Super League’s first Quadruple Winning Champions

    Twist, Craig; Highton, Jamie; Fairbank, Matthew (University of Chester, 2023-02)
    Using a case study approach, the primary aim of this thesis was to develop an understanding of field-based training practices of a successful professional rugby league team. The research findings were applied to inform the coaching practices of the club but also offered insight that might be of interest more widely given the success of the team over an extended period. Chapter 4 quantified the types of training used during a preseason by the team. There was a 4-week increase in external load, followed by a “regeneration week” in week 5 before an increase in load during week 6. A weekly cycle also emerged with Monday primarily comprising Rugby Skill drills and Speed drills, Tuesday largely Rugby Skill based alongside Conditioning and Game-Based Training, Thursday was a mix of training types with Friday primarily consisting of Game-Based Training that also coincided with the week’s highest values for total distance, high-speed running, and high metabolic distance. Chapter 5 examined the associations between the types of training in preseason and improvements in intermittent running performance (i.e., prone Yo-Yo IR1). The intensity (r = 0.61; 95% CI 0.18, 0.84) and PlayerLoadTM (r = 0.44; 95% CI -0.05, 0.76) during Game-Based Training and high-speed running (r = 0.61; 95% CI 0.18, 0.84) in Conditioning had positive associations with the mean change in prone Yo-Yo IR1 performance (200 ± 143 m [18.1 ± 13.5%]). Total duration of Game-Based Training had a negative association with change in prone Yo-Yo IR1 performance (r = -0.57; 95% CI -0.82, -0.12). These data enable the manipulation of training practices to target specific external metrics (e.g., intensity, PlayerLoadTM, high-speed running) when improvements in intermittent running capacity of professional rugby league players is the desired goal. Chapter 6 examined the differences in external and internal load of field-based training between the three different in-season match-day microcycles and assessed the differences in external demands of matches between the microcycles. Game-Based Training contributed the most to external (total distance, high metabolic distance and PlayerLoadTM) and internal load (highest HRmax, time spent in HR band 5 and HR band 6) for the main training day in long (MD-5), medium (MD-4), and short (MD-2) turnarounds. Both short (86.7 ± 7.9 m.min-1) and medium (86.5 ± 10.9 m.min-1) turnaround matches resulted in lower intensity values than long turnarounds (89.5 ± 7.6m.min-1; P < 0.05). No other differences in external demands were observed between the 3 different match-day microcycles. The consistency in match-day external demands is a desirable outcome as the training week has effectively prepared athletes to perform in match. Additionally, the extensive use of Game-Based Training allowed for the maintenance of physical qualities whilst technically and tactically developing and preparing players for competition. Chapter 7 examined the effect altering match rules (because of COVID-19) had on the external demands of match play. There were increases in whole team high-speed running (r = 0.09; 95% CI 0.02, 0.15 c.f. r = 0.29; 95% CI 0.20, 0.38) and an increased ball-in-play time (52.16 ± 5.01 min c.f. 55.58 ± 4.04 min). These changes highlight the impact of rule changes on the movement demands of professional rugby league matches and the implications for the design of appropriate training practices to better prepare players. Chapter 8 assessed the effects altering the area size per-person of Game-Based Training and the length of Conditioning drills has on key external load metrics. The study showed that increasing the area of Game-Based Training by 10 m2 per-person resulted in athletes covering greater distance (539.3 ± 49.6 m c.f. 500.9 ± 62.9 m & 555.4 ± 55.9 m c.f. 491.4 ± 40.1 m), higher intensities (132.1 ± 12.1 m.min-1 c.f. 122.4 ± 15.4 m.min-1 & 136.8 ± 13.8 m.min-1 c.f. 121.4 ± 9.9 m.min-1), and greater high metabolic distances (122.4 ± 32.0 m c.f. 81.8 ± 22.9 m & 153.0 ± 33.0 m c.f. 120.3 ± 27.1 m). However, the smaller area Game-Based Training showed significantly greater cognitive load (dRPE-C; 73.2 ± 7.8 c.f. 56.3 ± 17.9 AU), possibly due to increased technical/tactical involvements. Increasing the length of conditioning drills resulted in an increase in all external metrics for the shuttle runs, with the linear run experiencing an increase in intensity but a reduction in total distance and PlayerLoadTM. Chapter 8 also found that the coefficient of variation (%CV) between-players during Game-Based Training was higher than previously reported in soccer, with high-speed distance found to have the highest level of variability (23 – 58%), whereas linear running Conditioning drills had much lower variability (4 – 5 %). Game-Based Training is an effective training method, however the variability experienced could leave players under or over trained if this method was solely used, highlighting the importance of using it as a part of balanced programme.
  • A formative investigation assessing menstrual health literacy in professional women’s football

    Anderson, Rosie; Rollo, Ian; Randall, Rebecca; Martin, Daniel; Twist, Craig; Grazette, Neval; Moss, Samantha; University of Chester; Gatorade Sports Science Institute; University of Lincoln; Liverpool John Moores University (Taylor & Francis, 2023-12-11)
    The aim of this study was to assess and compare menstrual health literacy in professional women’s football. A three-section questionnaire was completed by professional players (n = 25), development players (n = 22) and staff (n = 19). The mean total knowledge score (out of 19) was lower for development players (5.4 ± 2.9) than professional players (7.8 ± 3.2) and staff (9.1 ± 4.8) (p < 0.001). No group achieved >50% correct answers. For each group, knowledge of the menstrual cycle (MC) was greater than knowledge of hormonal contraceptives (HC) (p < 0.001). Previous MC and HC education did not correspond to higher knowledge scores in professional players (p = 0.823) or development players (p = 0.274). In professional and development players, comfort of communication was influenced by the sex of whom they were communicating with (p < 0.001), with a preference for females. In conclusion, results from the present study suggest refined education strategies and new approaches are required for both players and staff to improve menstrual health literacy in professional women’s football.
  • Effect of movement‐evoked and tonic experimental pain on muscle force production

    Cabral, Hélio V.; Devecchi, Valter; Oxendale, Chelsea; Jenkinson, Ned; Falla, Deborah; Gallina, Alessio; University of Birmingham; Università degli Studi di Brescia; University of Chester (Wiley, 2023-10-06)
    Introduction: When performing an exercise or a functional test, pain that is evoked by movement or muscle contraction could be a stronger stimulus for changing how individuals move compared to tonic pain. We investigated whether the decrease in muscle force production is larger when experimentally‐induced knee pain is directly associated to the torque produced (movement‐evoked) compared to a constant painful stimulation (tonic). Methods: Twenty‐one participants performed three isometric knee extension maximal voluntary contractions without pain (baseline), during pain, and after pain. Knee pain was induced using sinusoidal electrical stimuli at 10 Hz over the infrapatellar fat pad, applied continuously or modulated proportionally to the knee extension torque. Peak torque and contraction duration were averaged across repetitions and normalized to baseline. Results: During tonic pain, participants reported lower pain intensity during the contraction than at rest (p < 0.001), whereas pain intensity increased with contraction during movement‐evoked pain (p < 0.001). Knee extension torque decreased during both pain conditions (p < 0.001), but a larger reduction was observed during movement‐evoked compared to tonic pain (p < 0.001). Participants produced torque for longer during tonic compared to movement‐evoked pain (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Our results indicate that movement‐evoked pain was a more potent stimulus to reduce knee extension torque than tonic pain. The longer contraction time observed during tonic pain may be a result of a lower perceived pain intensity during muscle contraction. Overall, our results suggest different motor adaptation to tonic and movement‐evoked pain and support the notion that motor adaptation to pain is a purposeful strategy to limit pain. This mechanistic evidence suggests that individuals experiencing prevalently tonic or movement‐evoked pain may exhibit different motor adaptations, which may be important for exercise prescription.
  • It’s About Inspiring the Greater Community to Continue Supporting This Sector: Elite Sport Success as a Main Policy Objective for Disability Sport Promotion in ASEAN Member States

    Nagata, Shinichi; Bloyce, Daniel; Sato, Takahiro; Okade, Yoshinori; University of Tsukuba; University of Chester; Nippon Sport Science University (Taylor & Francis, 2023-08-27)
    Promoting sport participation among people with disabilities is often counted as one of the policy priorities of the national government as well as a main activity of sport for development initiatives to aid the Global South. However, little is known about specific systems, policy, history, and plans for disability sport promotion understood by disability sport administrators in the Global South. The current study focused on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and aimed to explore how ASEAN government officials perceive the status of sport for people with disabilities. Representatives from nine ASEAN member countries participated in individual semi-structured interviews. The results of thematic analysis generated three themes: (1) Perceived lack of disability awareness and disability sport recognition; (2) Elite sport successes address problems at hand; and (3) Elite sport success to motivate funders. These themes suggest that successes in elite sports are of central importance for sport promotion among people with disabilities in ASEAN countries because they perceive that elite sport success can raise disability awareness, popularise disability sport, and motivate funders. Also, Paralympic success is viewed as an opportunity for them to demonstrate success otherwise unattainable in the Olympics. Some of the participants’ accounts appear to go against the current knowledge generated in the Global North; however, as funding is important to develop disability sport administration, it might be inevitable for them to continue promoting elite sport success for now.
  • Understanding active travel as a public health issue in Greater Manchester: A figurational sociology study

    Bloyce, Daniel; Thurston, Miranda; White, Christopher C. (University of Chester, 2022-11-14)
    Several policies in the United Kingdom (UK) have highlighted the multifaceted benefits to be gained from active travel (AT), and in doing so, have increasingly positioned AT as a public health issue. However, little is known about the experiences and views of public health individuals in relation to AT. Accordingly, this thesis explores the realities of AT as a public health issue, focusing on public health figurations in Greater Manchester (GM). GM was identified as an area of interest because of ‘devolvement deals’ in health and transport. The devolution deals afforded GM leaders with greater powers to make decisions, separate from national government. Importantly for this study, health devolution policies focused heavily on ‘shifts’ towards ill-health prevention, where AT was described as a key activity. The study was informed by figurational sociology in order to trace the relational processes formed and maintained across participants’ figurations. Primary data consisted of 42 semi-structured interviews with people in various roles related to public health. Thematic analysis was applied to the data, generating four theoretically informed themes. Findings illustrated how various processes meant that AT work within public health figurations in GM was often more constrained than it was enabled. Constraining processes included: habitual attachments to cars and car dominated environments; enduring financial constraints; entrenched medicalised and individualistic habituses amongst figurations. These processes meant that AT programmes were regularly pushed to the peripheries of key concerns. This was strongly related to the relatively weak power of those most interested in AT to counter the stronger collective power of those who prioritised more treatment-centred work. This was exacerbated by a heavy reliance on assumptions that individuals in GM were well-placed to be ‘successful’ in implementing devolution. However, the more detailed elements of implementation were not deliberated until after the government’s financial deal. Here the realities were found to be quite different from some early, more fantasy-laden, intentions, which contributed to stagnation for ‘newer’ public health issues such as AT. A further layer of complexity was that many were, to varying degrees, dependent on councillors when seeking to make AT changes, as councillors were often closest to the centre of power dynamics in local decision-making. However, there appeared to be disparity between public health aspirations for evidence-based policy making, and the political forms of decision making that councillors had become accustomed to. In particular, councillors often placed greater importance on communication with local residents. Decisions on AT were therefore often the outcomes of blends between evidence, political and financial thinking, and various ideologies, often leading to partial stasis for AT within public health figurations.
  • The Effects of an Acute Dose of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on 5-km Running Performance

    Moss, Samantha; Brindley, Edward; Enright, Kevin; Highton, Jamie; Bott, Richard; University of Chester; Liverpool John Moores University (Human Kinetics, 2023-08-30)
    This study investigated the effects of an acute dose (900 mg) of New Zealand Blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on 5 km running performance, alongside associated physiological and metabolic responses. Sixteen trained male runners (age 26 ± 5 years, stature 173.4 ± 7.3 cm, body mass, 73.7 ± 6.9 kg, V̇O2max 55.4 ± 6.1 ml.kg-1.min-1) ingested either capsules containing NZBC extract (3 x 300 mg CurraNZTM, 315 mg anthocyanins) or a matched placebo (3 x 300 mg gluten free flour) 2 hours before exercise in a double-blind, randomised, crossover design. Performance time, physiological, and metabolic responses were assessed in a 5-km time-trial, preceded by 10 min exercise at the lactate threshold on a treadmill. NZBC extract did not alter the physiological or metabolic responses to exercise at the lactate threshold (V̇O2, RER, V̇E, carbohydrate oxidation, fat oxidation, heart rate, blood lactate or Rating of Perceived Exertion, P>0.05). The 5-km time-trial was completed in a faster time in the NZBC extract condition compared to placebo (NZBC: 1308.96 ± 122.36 s, Placebo: 1346.33 ± 124.44, P=0.001, d=-0.23, CI range=-0.46 to 0.00 s). No differences in physiological or metabolic responses were apparent between conditions for the 5-km time-trial (P>0.05). Ingesting 900 mg of NZBC extract as an acute dose improves performance in trained male runners without altering physiological or metabolic responses to exercise. Further research is needed to assess a wider range of possible mechanisms (e.g., cardiovascular function, metabolite profiles) to advance insight into improved performance following supplementation.
  • A dynamic model of the bi-exponential reconstitution and expenditure of W′ in trained cyclists

    Chorley, Alan; Marwood, Simon; Lamb, Kevin L.; University of Chester; Liverpool Hope University (Taylor & Francis, 2023-07-20)
    The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different recovery power outputs on the reconstitution of W′ and to develop a dynamic bi-exponential model of W′ during depletion and reconstitution. Ten trained cyclists (mass 71.7 ± 8.4 kg; V̇O2max 60.0 ± 6.3 ml·kg-1·min-1) completed three incremental ramps (20 W·min-1) to the limit of tolerance on each of six occasions with recovery durations of 30 s and 240 s. Recovery power outputs varied between 50 W (LOW); 60% of critical power (CP) (MOD) and 85% of CP (HVY). W′ reconstitution was measured following each recovery and fitted to a bi-exponential model. Amplitude and time constant (τ) parameters were then determined via regression analysis accounting for relative intensity and duration to produce a dynamic model of W′. W′ reconstitution slowed disproportionately as recovery power output increased (p < 0.001) and increased with recovery duration (p < 0.001). The amplitudes of each recovery component were strongly correlated to W′ reconstitution after 240 s at HVY (r = 0.95), whilst τ parameters were found to be related to the fractional difference between recovery power and CP. The predictive capacity of the resultant model was assessed against experimental data with no differences found between predicted and experimental values of W′ reconstitution (p > 0.05). The dynamic bi-exponential model of W′ accounting for varying recovery intensities closely described W′ kinetics in trained cyclists facilitating real-time decisions about pacing and tactics during competition. The model can be customised for individuals from known CP and W′ and a single additional test session.
  • ‘Now we have gym, now we have to perform’: Norwegian students’ perceptions of assessment and grading in physical education

    Green, Ken; Røset, Linda; Sigurjonsson, Thorsteinn; Tjomsland, Hege; Cale, Lorraine; Thurston, Miranda; Inland University of Applied Sciences; University of Chester; Western Norway University of Applied Sciences; Loughborough University (SAGE Publications, 2023-05-25)
    Assessment has become a routine feature of school life, internationally. Little is known, however, about the consequences for young people of assessment and grading in physical education (PE) – a subject often associated with physical recreation. This paper explores young Norwegian’s perceptions of assessment and grading in PE from a sociological perspective. In doing so, it contemplates the penetration of neo-liberal discourses as part of wider processes of globalization and Europeanization in school PE in Norway. The study utilizes data generated by 31 focus groups involving 148 youngsters from the 10th grade (15–16-year-olds) in eight purposively sampled secondary schools in Norway. Norwegian PE teachers continue to use tests in order to set grades in PE. The upshot is that students’ enjoyment of and engagement in PE, as well as their self-identities and self-esteem, can be compromised by apprehension towards assessment and grading. These processes seem likely to undermine or even erode the potential sociopsychological benefits of PE for some young people by reinforcing the impression that the subject is fast becoming just one more outcome-oriented subject on an academic treadmill. In this regard, the ascendancy of neo-liberalism – associated with the twin challenges of globalisation and European integration – appears to merely reinforce the hegemony of competitive individualism within PE in Norway, as elsewhere.
  • Physical Education Teachers on Physical Education: A Sociological Study of Philosophies and Ideologies

    Green, Ken; University of Chester (Chester Academic Press, 2003-06-30)
    This book discusses the results of a research study undertaken in the North West of England in the late 1990s, in which 35 practising PE secondary school teachers were interviewed about the nature of their subject. Their responses are analysed in terms of the theories of figurational sociology of Norbert Elias.
  • The Reconstitution and Modelling of the Work Capacity Above Critical Power Following Severe Intensity Cycling

    Lamb, Kevin; Chorley, Alan (University of Chester, 2023-04)
    The two-parameter critical power model comprising critical power (CP) and W′ is well accepted as a mathematical model representing exercise in the severe intensity domain. CP represents the maximum work rate derived from aerobic metabolism and W′ the fixed capacity of work above CP. However, within competitive cycle sport few races are performed exclusively within this domain, instead stochastic efforts where W′ is repeatedly depleted and reconstituted typify race demands. Relatively little is known about the reconstitution mechanisms and kinetics of W′ hence the initial aims of this thesis were to develop a reliable method of assessing W′ reconstruction and evaluate likely underlying physiological contributors to the rate of W′ reconstitution. Thereafter, the aim was to develop a dynamic model of W′ reconstitution and depletion which could contribute to race planning and tactics leading to improved sporting performance. A repeated ramp test developed for Study 1 to measure the amount of W′ reconstituted following its full depletion was found to produce reliable results for 2-min recoveries at 50 W (ICC ≥ 0.859; TE ≤ 559 J; CV ≤ 9.2%). A slowing of W′ reconstitution following the repeated bout was evident in this and all subsequent studies. Study 2 found that W′ reconstitution after 2-min recovery was related to measures of aerobic fitness such as V̇O2max (r = 0.81) and CP (r = 0.52) in trained cyclists, whilst the reconstitution of W′ was more related to fat mass in untrained participants (r = -0.70). Studies 1 & 2 also demonstrated existing mono-exponential models of W′ balance did not fit the results obtained after 2-min recovery periods. Therefore, Study 3 compared existing mono-exponential models to a bi-exponential model, finding the latter a much superior fit (AICc bi-exponential: 72.2 versus bi-exponential: 30.2) of the temporal profile of W′ reconstitution of trained cyclists. The resultant model demonstrated that W′ comprised distinct fast and slow components that were unrelated to each other. Study 4 assessed the likelihood of a minimum recovery power output beyond which no further improvement in the rate of W′ reconstitution was apparent. Study 5 investigated the effects of different recovery intensities on W′ reconstitution. Fitting the results of the different recovery intensities into the bi-exponential framework of Study 3 allowed a full dynamic model of W′ reconstitution and depletion to be built allowing for both duration and intensity. The model can be customised to an athlete using the known parameters of CP and W′ together with a single additional test session including a 4-min recovery at 85% of CP. The model can be applied in real time for use by cyclists in competition to aid tactical decision making and optimising race performance.
  • Effects of athletic socks with high frictional properties on in-shoe foot sliding and performance in football-specific movements

    Friedl, Felix; Smith, Grace; Lamb, Kevin L.; Worsfold, Paul R.; Palmer, Matt; University of Chester (Taylor & Francis, 2023-05-24)
    The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of high friction socks on in-shoe foot sliding and running performance of male footballers during change of direction movements. Twelve recreational football players (mean age 20.3±1.1 years) completed a 26 m dynamic agility course at their maximum running speed. 3D kinematic and kinetic data were collected for three maximum speed 45° side-cuts, and 180° turns in two different sock conditions. Comparisons were made between a sock with a high static coefficient of friction (GripSock) and a regular sock (CompressionS). The Gripsock condition significantly increased utilised traction (COFu) and a reduction of GRF angle (GRFα) were identified during the braking phase of the side cut (COFu: + 9.3±10 %; GRFα: - 3.1±2.9 %) but not in the side-cut propulsion, turn braking and turn propulsion phases. Speed perception was raised in the GripSock condition (+ 18±30 %). However, wearing a sock with high frictional properties did not significantly reduce in-shoe foot sliding in any examined direction nor did it significantly reduce running times over a functional traction course. Evidently, the relationship between in-shoe traction and running performance is complex and likely dependent on the overall interaction of shoe properties and the type of athletic sock.
  • Performance progression and variability in 100 m freestyle Paralympic swimmers: A comparison of medallists and para classifications

    Thomson, Edward; Milligan, Matthew; University of Chester; British Para-Swimming (Taylor & Francis, 2023-04-16)
    This study quantified the performance progression and variability of elite 100 m freestyle para swimmers according to classification and medal status. To depict progression, annual world ranking times from 2009 to 2016 were obtained for 253 male and 236 female para swimmers and expressed relative to their respective (2012 & 2016) Paralympic Games performances. Comparisons according to medalling status and para classification were made using linear mixed models. Although not always continuous, swimmers generally progressed year-on-year by≈0.53%. Medallists made significantly greater performance progressions (2.76 ± 0.63%) than non-medallists (2.15 ± 0.31%) over the years preceding a Paralympic Games. The most physically impaired swimmers (S1-S4 classes) made significantly greater performance progressions in the final 3 years before a Paralympic Games than all other subgroups (S5-S6, S7-S10 & S11-S13). Within-swimmer variation in swimmers overall, expressed as coefficient of variation, was 0.56 ± 0.39%, whilst between-swimmer variation was 0.9 ± 0.2%. In both scenarios, S1-S4 swimmers evidenced greater overall variation. These findings have implications for para swimmers, coaches and support staff when planning training and analysing competition outcomes. We also propose performance variation to be a useful metric in the identification of para swimmers warranting (re-)classification.
  • Performance analysis in soccer: A contemporary examination of its role within the coaching process

    Thomson, Edd; Bloyce, Daniel; Twist, Craig; Mulvenna, Claire (University of ChesterUniversity of Chester, 2022)
    There is a dearth of up-to-date literature scrutinising the experiences of soccer coaches, players and analysts involved in the collection and dissemination of findings from Performance Analysis (Henceforth PA). Given the rapid expanse of PA within soccer in recent years, a comprehensive and contemporary account of how PA is delivered and utilised by coaches appears warranted. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the challenges and opportunities experienced by coaches and analysts in embedding PA within applied soccer environments. Using an interpretivist theoretical framework and qualitative research method, this thesis included three different stages of data collection and analysis. In stage one, data were collected from eight full-time performance analysts working in the English Football League and English National League, exploring the use of PA across the phases of match-play (pre-match, match-day, and post-match). Data collected from semi-structured interviews and reflective thematic analysis identified two higher-order categories (Flying solo / coach control) and four themes classified as lower-order (identifying indicators / PA pragmatism / analysis ingredients / autocratic presentations). Consequently, this study highlighted the types of PA completed by performance analysts is context-specific and dependent on multiple factors (e.g., coach and analyst relationship) which can restrict the value of the PA produced. Consequently, PA appears to be undertaken on a continuum from coach-controlled to analyst-controlled processes, pending what aspects of analysis are used, when in the relationship between analyst and coach the process is developed and when in the matchday process they are carried out. Stage two of the research investigated PA “in-situ” through a case-study approach. This allowed a contextualised process for the use of PA at half-time to be developed and studied within a soccer academy. Reflective thematic analysis of interviews with the lead coach, assistant coach, head of coach development and six players, both before and after PA was available, highlighted two higher-order themes (Opportunity knocks / Conflict of interest) and four lower-order themes (Supporting current practice / Race to the tech / Prioritising performance / The best before the rest). Meanwhile, reflective thematic analysis of six half-time team teams before and after PA was introduced, generated two higher-order themes (Coach-controlled feedback and evidence informed evaluation) and four lower-order themes (Scouting report / effort and attitude / tactical deconstruction / inspiring individuals). This stage of the research highlighted that within the Elite Player Performance Plan (Henceforth EPPP), the role of the coach, and application of PA, appears complicated and multifaceted despite an enthusiasm expressed by all stakeholders to access PA. (NB the EPPP is the talent identification and development programme initiated by the Premier League in consultation with the Football Association and English Football League [Henceforth EFL] to identify and develop male footballers in England). In the third stage of the research, twelve coaches were interviewed to identify the ways in which they engage with PA to underpin their coaching practice and utilise the findings to aid player and team development. The data analysis identified two higher-order themes (external auditors and weaponisation of PA) and five lower-order themes (tick in a box, prescription PA, continuous professional denial, collateral damage and exit strategy). The results demonstrate that talent development programmes are complex environments, and several problems were revealed in the manner coaches are prepared for, and subsequently used, PA to support their practice. Despite an enthusiasm from coaches about PA, both a lack of education regarding how best to use PA and the influence of senior coaches within an academy impacted how PA was used. Furthermore, the desire of an academy to win matches, as well as to develop the players perceived to be the ‘best’ and achieve a specific EPPP category status influenced the use of PA. The empirical findings of this thesis have revealed the complexity experienced when utilising PA within applied coaches’ practice. Despite coaches appearing enthusiastic at the prospect of implementing PA, the use of analysis is highly contextualised and reliant on several cultural and ethical issues including the coach-analyst relationship, coach education regarding the effective context-specific use of PA and the desire of a club to be seen to engage in PA to improve EPPP category status. Consequently, there appears to be several inter-related factors that contribute to PA being used sporadically by coaches within applied soccer environments. Therefore, as individuals and clubs embark upon using PA, an understanding of both the opportunities and challenges of PA should inform the development of the role of the analyst and the way in which PA is used to support coaching practice.

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