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Hearn DW, Kerr ZY, Wikstrom EA, Goss DL, Cameron KL, Marshall SW, Padua DA. Modeling Risk for Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury in U.S. Military Academy Cadet Basic Training. Mil Med 2024:usae083. [PMID: 38554261 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sport and tactical populations are often impacted by musculoskeletal injury. Many publications have highlighted that risk is correlated with multiple variables. There do not appear to be existing studies that have evaluated a predetermined combination of risk factors that provide a pragmatic model for application in tactical and/or sports settings. PURPOSE To develop and test the predictive capability of multivariable risk models of lower extremity musculoskeletal injury during cadet basic training at the U.S.Military Academy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cadets from the class of 2022 served as the study population. Sex and injury history were collected by questionnaire. Body Mass Index (BMI) and aerobic fitness were calculated during testing in the first week of training. Movement screening was performed using the Landing Error Scoring System during week 1 and cadence was collected using an accelerometer worn throughout initial training. Kaplan-Meier survival curves estimated group differences in time to the first musculoskeletal injury during training. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used to compare model fit. RESULTS Cox modeling using HRs indicated that the following variables were associated with injury risk : Sex, history of injury, Landing Error Scoring System Score Category, and Physical Fitness Test (PT) Run Score. When controlling for sex and history of injury, amodel including aerobic fitness and BMI outperformed the model including movement screening risk and cadence (AIC: 1068.56 vs. 1074.11) and a model containing all variables that were significant in the univariable analysis was the most precise (AIC: 1063.68). CONCLUSIONS In addition to variables typically collected in this tactical setting (Injury History, BMI, and aerobic fitness), the inclusion of kinematic testing appears to enhance the precision of the risk identification model and will likely continue to be included in screening cadets at greater risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren W Hearn
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, South College, Knoxville, TN 37909, USA
- Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8700, USA
- United States Army, Fort Liberty, NC 28310, USA
| | - Zachary Yukio Kerr
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8700, USA
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7505, USA
| | - Erik A Wikstrom
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8700, USA
| | - Donald L Goss
- Department of Physical Therapy, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268, USA
| | - Kenneth L Cameron
- John Feagin Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship, Keller Army Hospital, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, 10996 USA
| | - Stephen W Marshall
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7505, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7505, USA
| | - Darin A Padua
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8700, USA
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7505, USA
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2
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Haller N, Behringer M, Reichel T, Wahl P, Simon P, Krüger K, Zimmer P, Stöggl T. Blood-Based Biomarkers for Managing Workload in Athletes: Considerations and Recommendations for Evidence-Based Use of Established Biomarkers. Sports Med 2023; 53:1315-1333. [PMID: 37204619 PMCID: PMC10197055 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01836-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Blood-based biomarkers can provide an objective individualized measure of training load, recovery, and health status in order to reduce injury risk and maximize performance. Despite enormous potentials, especially owing to currently evolving technology, such as point-of-care testing, and advantages, in terms of objectivity and non-interference with the training process, there are several pitfalls in the use and interpretation of biomarkers. Confounding variables such as preanalytical conditions, inter-individual differences, or an individual chronic workload can lead to variance in resting levels. In addition, statistical considerations such as the detection of meaningful minimal changes are often neglected. The lack of generally applicable and individual reference levels further complicates the interpretation of level changes and thus load management via biomarkers. Here, the potentials and pitfalls of blood-based biomarkers are described, followed by an overview of established biomarkers currently used to support workload management. Creatine kinase is discussed in terms of its evidence for workload management to illustrate the limited applicability of established markers for workload management to date. We conclude with recommendations for best practices in the use and interpretation of biomarkers in a sport-specific context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Haller
- Department of Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation and Disease Prevention, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Schlossallee 49, Salzburg, 5400 Hallein-Rif, Austria
| | - Michael Behringer
- Department of Sports Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Reichel
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Sports Therapy, Institute of Sports Science, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Patrick Wahl
- Department of Exercise Physiology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Perikles Simon
- Department of Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation and Disease Prevention, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Karsten Krüger
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Sports Therapy, Institute of Sports Science, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Philipp Zimmer
- Division of Performance and Health (Sports Medicine), Institute for Sport and Sport Science, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Thomas Stöggl
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Schlossallee 49, Salzburg, 5400 Hallein-Rif, Austria.
- Red Bull Athlete Performance Center, Salzburg, Austria.
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3
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Kadlec D, Miller-Dicks M, Nimphius S. Training for "Worst-Case" Scenarios in Sidestepping: Unifying Strength and Conditioning and Perception-Action Approaches. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2023; 9:22. [PMID: 37017787 PMCID: PMC10076474 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00566-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Sidesteps can impose high demands on the knee joint and lead to non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Understanding how different constraints shape an athlete's movement strategy and the associated joint demands can help design training interventions to increase injury resilience. Motor capacities, such as muscular strength and power, act as boundaries for the safe execution of perceptual-motor skills and co-determine the emergence of unique movement strategies. Increasing single- and multi-joint strength enables a broader solution space for movement strategies and increases load tolerance. Manipulating task constraints during sidesteps can be used in the training process to systematically expose athletes to increasing demands (on the knee joint or any joint or structure) in preparation for "worst-case" scenarios. In particular, the type and timing of information available influence the preparation time, subsequently affecting the movement strategy and the associated magnitude of external knee joint loading (e.g., knee valgus moment). While an athlete's perceptual-cognitive skills contribute to the preparation time during in situ scenarios, attempts to further improve those skills with the aim of increasing athlete preparation time prior to "worst-case" scenarios are yet to demonstrate conclusive evidence of transfer to on-field situations. Therefore, in the current article, we reflect on the impact of different interacting constraints that influence the execution of sidesteps during in situ scenarios and impose high demands on the knee joint. Subsequently, we discuss how an integrated perspective, drawing on knowledge and perspectives from strength and conditioning and perception-action, may enhance an athlete's ability to withstand "worst-case" scenarios and adapt to perform varied movement executions when sidestepping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kadlec
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Human Performance, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.
| | - Matt Miller-Dicks
- School of Sport, Health Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Sophia Nimphius
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Human Performance, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
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4
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Mifsud B, Stephens JM, Warmenhoven J, Ball N. Curves and kinematics: Relationship between the force-time curve and landing ability. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:420-432. [PMID: 36408795 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have a significant impact on athletic performance and long-term quality of life. Force plates and qualitative screening tools are feasible and effective screening methods to identify abnormal movement quality associated with increased injury risk. Comparing qualitative assessments of landing ability with force-time curves, may detect unique differences between safe and high-risk athletic movement patterns. The aim of this study was to determine low- and high-risk landing ability from qualitive landing assessments and to examine the resulting force-time curves using functional principal component analysis (fPCA). Thirty-one healthy academy athletes (10 males and 21 females) completed double- and single-leg dominant and non-dominant jump-landing-rebound tasks. All movements were filmed in multiple-planes, and vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF) were simultaneously collected. The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) and Single-Leg Landing Error Scoring System (SL-LESS) were used to score landing footage. From these scores, athletes were categorized into low-risk and high-risk groups for further analysis. fPCA was used to examine differences between landing quality groups force-time curves. Compared to high-risk landers, low-risk landers demonstrated significantly longer contact times across all movements. Scores from fPC1 revealed safe and high-risk landing techniques expose athletes to significantly different loading patterns during double- and single-leg dominant movements. A significant positive relationship was observed between fPC1 and LESS scores, however this relationship was not observed in both single-leg landing scores. Where possible incorporating curve analysis methods like fPCA into multi-faceted screening approaches may help practitioners uncover unique insights into athletic loading strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brayden Mifsud
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport Exercise (UCRISE), University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS), Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Jessica M Stephens
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport Exercise (UCRISE), University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS), Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - John Warmenhoven
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport Exercise (UCRISE), University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nick Ball
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport Exercise (UCRISE), University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Houtmeyers KC, Brink MS, Helsen WF, Haelewijn N, Hagen M, Jaspers A, Vanrenterghem J. A lab-based comparison of differential ratings of perceived exertion between a run and jump protocol involving low or high impacts on the lower extremities. Eur J Sport Sci 2022; 23:746-754. [PMID: 35348436 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2060136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTThe rating of perceived exertion method allows to describe training intensity in a single value. To better understand the underlying components, the separate rating of perceived breathlessness (RPE-B) and leg-muscle exertion (RPE-L) has been proposed. Here we hypothesized that the separation between the two components may (partly) be determined by the impacts on the lower extremities. In this study, we aimed to experimentally evaluate the differential effect of high versus low impact running and jumping on RPE-B and RPE-L in team sport activities by manipulating the movement strategy (heel strike and passive landing pattern versus forefoot strike and active landing pattern). Eighteen recreational team sport players participated in two submaximal tests consisting of a sequence of running and jumping bouts, whilst ground reaction forces (GRF) were collected. RPE-B and RPE-L data were collected after each bout using the CR100 scale. Paired-samples t-tests were used to analyse between-session differences in these variables. GRF analysis showed that absorption mechanics differed considerably between the two sessions. RPE-L was on average 6.50 AU higher in the low impact session (p = 0.006). However, RPE-B was also increased by 4.96 AU with low impact (p = 0.009). We conclude that the extent to which the lower extremities are being exposed to high or low impacts does not explain a possible separation between the two RPE types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kobe C Houtmeyers
- Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium @MichelBrink, @WeHelsen, @HoutmeyersKobe
| | - Michel S Brink
- Center for Human Movement sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center, Groningen, Netherlands @Nhaelewijn, @jaspersarne
| | - Werner F Helsen
- Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium @MichelBrink, @WeHelsen, @HoutmeyersKobe
| | - Nicolas Haelewijn
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Brugge, Belgium, @ScienceJos
| | - Michiel Hagen
- Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium @MichelBrink, @WeHelsen, @HoutmeyersKobe
| | - Arne Jaspers
- Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium @MichelBrink, @WeHelsen, @HoutmeyersKobe
| | - Jos Vanrenterghem
- Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium @MichelBrink, @WeHelsen, @HoutmeyersKobe
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Pietrosimone LS, Blackburn JT, Wikstrom EA, Berkoff DJ, Docking SI, Cook J, Padua DA. Differences in Biomechanical Loading Magnitude During a Landing Task in Male Athletes with and without Patellar Tendinopathy. J Athl Train 2021; 57:464343. [PMID: 33887762 PMCID: PMC9875712 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0548.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Prior research has not established if overloading or underloading movement profiles are present in symptomatic and asymptomatic athletes with patellar tendon structural abnormality (PTA) compared to healthy athletes. OBJECTIVE The purpose was to compare involved limb landing biomechanics between male athletes with and without patellar tendinopathy. DESIGN Cross-sectional study Setting: Laboratory Patients or Other Participants: 43 males were grouped based on patellar tendon pain & ultrasound imaging of the proximal patellar tendon: symptomatic with PTA (SYM-PTA; n=13; 20±2yrs; 1.8±0.1m; 84±5kg), asymptomatic with PTA (ASYM-PTA; n=15; 21±2yrs; 1.8±0.1m; 82±13kg), and healthy control (CON; n=15; 20±2yrs; 1.8±0.1m; 79±12kg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES 3D biomechanics were collected during double-limb jump-landing. Kinematic (knee flexion angle (KF)) and kinetic (vertical ground reaction force (VGRF); internal knee extension moment (KEM); patellar tendon force (FPT)) variables were analyzed as continuous waveforms during the stance phase for the involved limb. Mean values were calculated for each 1% of stance, normalized over 202 data points (0-100%), and plotted with 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was defined as a lack of 95% CI overlap for ≥ 6 consecutive data points. RESULTS SYM-PTA had lesser KF than CON throughout the stance phase. ASYM-PTA had lesser KF than CON in the early and late stance phase. SYM-PTA group had lesser KEM and FPT than CON in early stance, as well as ASYM-PTA in mid-stance. CONCLUSIONS Male athletes with SYM-PTA demonstrated a patellar tendon load-avoidance profile compared to ASYM-PTA and CON athletes. ASYM-PTA did not show evidence of overloading compared to CON. Our findings support the need for individualized treatments for athletes with tendinopathy to maximize load-capacity. TRIAL REGISTRY ClinicalTrials.gov (#XXX).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J. Troy Blackburn
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Erik A. Wikstrom
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - David J. Berkoff
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Sean I. Docking
- La Trobe Sports and Exercise Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Jill Cook
- La Trobe Sports and Exercise Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Darin A. Padua
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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7
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Wilkerson GB, Acocello SN, Davis MB, Ramos JM, Rucker AJ, Hogg JA. Wellness Survey Responses and Smartphone App Response Efficiency: Associations With Remote History of Sport-Related Concussion. Percept Mot Skills 2020; 128:714-730. [PMID: 33357092 DOI: 10.1177/0031512520983680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent research findings have strongly suggested that sport-related concussion (SRC) increases risk for subsequent injury of any type, as well as a potential for long-term adverse effects on neurological and psychological well-being. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the reliability and discriminatory power of clinical testing procedures for detecting persisting effects of SRC. We used a cross-sectional study design to assess both self-reported symptoms commonly associated with post-concussion syndrome, and the effects of mental or physical activity on metrics derived from a smartphone app designed to test perceptual-motor responses. Among 30 physically active college students, 15 participants reported a SRC occurrence prior to testing (M time-since-injury = 4.0 years, SD = 3.1, range = 5 months to 11 years). We found good test-retest reliability for key metrics derived from the smartphone app (ICC ≥ .70); and the internal consistency for the Overall Wellness Index (OWI) for 10 categories of 82 post-concussion symptoms was ideal (Cronbach's α ≥ .80). Moderate intensity treadmill running demonstrated the strongest differential effect on perceptual-motor responses between participants with a history of SRC (HxSRC) and those with no such history (No SRC), which was best represented by the speed-accuracy trade-off quantified by the inverse efficiency index (IEI: group X trial interaction p = .055). Self-reported OWI symptoms ≥4 and post-physical activity IEI ≥ 568 ms provided the strongest discrimination between HxSRC and NoSRC participants (≥1 versus 0: OR = 9.75). Our findings suggest that persisting effects from a remote SRC occurrence can be detected by easily administered screening procedures that have the potential to identify individual athletes who might derive benefit from interventions to restore their optimal function and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary B Wilkerson
- Graduate Athletic Training Program, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, United States
| | - Shellie N Acocello
- Graduate Athletic Training Program, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, United States
| | - Meredith B Davis
- Graduate Athletic Training Program, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, United States
| | - Justin M Ramos
- Graduate Athletic Training Program, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, United States
| | - Abigail J Rucker
- Graduate Athletic Training Program, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, United States
| | - Jennifer A Hogg
- Graduate Athletic Training Program, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, United States
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Hearn DW, Frank BS, Padua DA. Use of double leg injury screening to assess single leg biomechanical risk variables. Phys Ther Sport 2020; 47:40-45. [PMID: 33152587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this article was to determine if differences in kinematic and kinetic variables observed in a double-leg screen carried over to a single-leg task. DESIGN We used a case-control design with grouping based on performance during a double-leg jump landing. SETTING All participants were selected from a large university setting and testing was performed in a biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Participants were females between 18 and 25 years of age with at least high school varsity experience in one or more of the following sports: soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, basketball, or team handball. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome measures were knee angles in the frontal and sagittal planes as well as vertical ground reaction force (vGRF). RESULTS There were significant between group differences in peak knee flexion and knee flexion displacement during both the double and single-leg tasks, however between group differences for peak knee valgus and knee valgus displacement noted in the double-leg task were not observed in the single-leg task. vGRF was significantly different in the single-leg task but not the double-leg task. CONCLUSION A double leg screening may not provide complete identification of risk of injury during sports requiring single leg tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren W Hearn
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, MOTION Science Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
| | - Barnett S Frank
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, MOTION Science Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Darin A Padua
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, MOTION Science Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
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Serpell BG, Waddington G, McGrath B, Cook CJ. Is There a Link between Stress and Cognition, and Capacity to Execute Motor Skill? Med Sci Sports Exerc 2020; 52:2365-2372. [PMID: 33064410 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the link between stress (measured via salivary cortisol and testosterone), cognition (measured via pupillometry, with greater pupil constriction and reduced pupil constriction latency associated with increased attention and improved information processing), and motor skill capacity (measured via somatosensory processing). METHODS Twenty-five professional rugby players participated in this study. Saliva samples were collected upon waking, before pupillometry and somatosensory processing testing, and after testing. Testing times varied for participants; however, it was always in the morning, and the order of testing was randomized. RESULTS Very small differences in hormone concentrations were seen across the morning (effect size = 0.01). Moderate to large differences in left eye pupil constriction for direct (left eye) versus consensual (right eye) stimulus were also seen (P < 0.01; effect size = 0.51 to 1.04). No differences for pupil constriction latency were seen for direct versus consensual stimulus. Some positive weak to moderate relationships were seen for testosterone and pupil constriction latency (r = 0.37 to 0.39, P < 0.05). Moderate to strong inverse relationships were seen for hormones with left eye pupil constriction difference between direct and consensual stimulus, and for pre- to posttest testosterone-to-cortisol ratio decline with left eye pupil constriction for direct and consensual stimulus (r = 0.41 to 0.52, P < 0.05). Weak to moderate inverse relationships for testosterone-to-cortisol ratio decline and somatosensory processing were seen (r = 0.36 to 0.47, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Stress may affect ability to receive information and ability to execute motor tasks. Thus, stress may compromise ability to make appropriate objective decisions and consequently execute skill/task behavior. Strategies to help mitigate negative stress responses are noted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Braden McGrath
- Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
| | - Christian J Cook
- Human Performance, Sport and Physiology Group, Brain-Behaviour Research Group, Biomedical Discipline School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, AUSTRALIA
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Serpell BG, Larkham S, Cook CJ. Does stress affect nonverbal engagement in teams? A case study in professional team sport. TEAM PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/tpm-06-2019-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Team effectiveness is often predicated by a group’s ability to communicate. However, the effect of stress response on communication success, particularly nonverbal engagement, and how this might affect team performance, is not clear; a “phenomenon” this study sought to explore.
Design/methodology/approach
This was an observational study in a cohort of professional rugby players. Participants gave presentations to their peers on two separate occasions during a “live-in” camp designed to have psychologically stressful elements. Presentations were video recorded and audience engagement was measured. Testosterone and cortisol were used as biomarkers of stress response, with a high testosterone–cortisol ratio considered positive. A team training session followed the presentations and participants were rated for training quality.
Findings
A small decline in testosterone was observed each day after waking. Conversely, cortisol rose after waking, with the rise being the highest on the first day. A decline in testosterone–cortisol ratio was also seen each day after waking; the decline was greatest on the first day. Presentation duration and audience engagement was greatest for the second presentation; when the testosterone-cortisol ratio decline and the cortisol increase after waking was smaller. Training quality was also better that day. Pooled data revealed a moderate inverse relationship and weak positive relationships for audience engagement with post-meeting cortisol and post-meeting testosterone–cortisol ratio, respectively. Training quality was related to testosterone and testosterone–cortisol ratio, but inversely related to cortisol.
Originality/value
This study suggests that in stressful conditions, as suggested by an awakening hormone response, communication and team performance could become compromised with reduced ability to engage with others.
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