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Wijekulasuriya GA, Canham B, Pane C, Dower H, Larkin P. The Determinants of Maximal Speed Adaptation During Preseason in Subelite Female Australian Rules Footballers. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2024; 19:1041-1047. [PMID: 39168462 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Maximal speed is an important physical-fitness attribute for female Australian footballers. The effects of sprint training, maximal strength, and technical training have been reported in laboratory studies. However, no study has determined the combined effect and relative contribution of these training modalities on maximal speed adaptation in situ. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the training factors affecting maximal speed adaptation during a preseason in subelite female Australian Rules footballers. METHODS Maximal speed during field training, predicted 1-repetition maximum (1RM) for box squat and hip thrust, and sprint biomechanics were assessed during early and late preseason (∼9 wk apart) in 15 female subelite Australian Rules Football players (age 20 [3] y). On-field training volume and intensity (total distance, high-speed running, very-high-speed running, and maximal speed) were determined using a Global Positioning System. A multivariate regression model was used to determine the factors associated with changes in maximal speed across the preseason. RESULTS The preseason training program had a small effect on maximal speed and large to very large effects on strength and sprint biomechanics. The multivariate regression with the greatest fit (P < .001, R2 = .939) included change in estimated 1RM box squat (β = -0.63), total distance per week (β = -0.55), and change in hip projection (β = 0.16) as factors. Multivariate regression of biomechanical factors (P = .044, R2 = .717) and maximal strength factors (P = .003, R2 = .676) were also significant. CONCLUSION The development of maximal speed across a preseason is dependent on (1) total distance per week, (2) maximal strength adaptation, and (3) sprint technique adaptation in female subelite Australian rules football players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyan A Wijekulasuriya
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Western Bulldogs Football Club, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- MSA Research Center, Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brendan Canham
- Western Bulldogs Football Club, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Calvin Pane
- Western Bulldogs Football Club, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Hannah Dower
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Western Bulldogs Football Club, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul Larkin
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- MSA Research Center, Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Otte CJ, Mantzioris E, Salagaras BS, Hill AM. Comparison of Australian Football League Women's athletes match day energy and nutrient intake to recommendations. Nutr Diet 2024; 81:325-334. [PMID: 38747095 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
AIMS This cross-sectional observational study quantified Australian Football League Women's athletes' match volume, and compared match-day dietary intakes against recommendations. METHODS Self-report, direct observation, and fluid measurements determined dietary intake (n = 17, 25 ± 4.5 years, 22.8 ± 1.8 kg/m2) on five home match days (early or late starting). Global positioning system software captured match volume. Linear mixed effects models evaluated differences in early versus late match volume and nutrient intakes. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS Athletes covered 6712 ± 622 m during matches, with similar numbers of very high-intensity running efforts over equal distances in early and late matches (early vs. late efforts [no.]: 8.5 ± 4.9 vs. 9.5 ± 5.5; distance [m]: 203 ± 127 vs. 212 ± 113). Across all match days, 71% (n = 12) of athletes met their predicted daily energy requirements. However, 82% (n = 14) failed to meet minimum daily carbohydrate recommendations; intake was lower on early compared with late match days (4.7 g/day vs. 5.4 g/kg/day, p = 0.027). On average, no athletes met carbohydrate recommendations in the 2 h prior to a match and only 24% (n = 4) met recommendations during matches. All athletes met post-match carbohydrate and protein requirements. CONCLUSION Athletes cover large distances during games with frequent bursts of high-intensity running. However, they do not adjust their intake to meet the energy demands of competition, with inadequate fuelling prior to and during matches. These findings emphasise the need for greater athlete education and dietary support to maximise strategic fuelling to optimise athletic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Otte
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Evangeline Mantzioris
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Brianna S Salagaras
- Football Department, Adelaide Football Club, West Lakes, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alison M Hill
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Otte CJ, Mantzioris E, Salagaras BS, Hill AM. Seasonal health tracking of Australian Football League Women's athletes. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2024; 8:103-111. [PMID: 36744433 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2023.2175901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies evaluating the dietary intake of Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) athletes are few and limited to the preseason. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate seasonal changes in dietary intake and health parameters of professional AFLW athletes. METHODOLOGY Dietary intake (3-day weighed food records), body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis, skinfolds), physical performance (global positioning system, GPS), and iron status (fasted blood sample) were assessed in 19 athletes (24 ± 5 years, 170 ± 6 cm, 22.8 ± 2.1 kg/m2) at three timepoints: start of preseason, end of preseason, and end of competition season. Sociodemographic information, sports nutrition knowledge (SNK), and risk of low energy availability (LEA) questionnaires were completed at the start of preseason. RESULTS Mean daily energy and carbohydrate (CHO) intakes were lower than recommendations across all seasons (p < 0.05). Mean daily CHO intake was highest at start of preseason (3.6 g/kg/day), decreased during preseason (3.1 g/day) and remained low during competition (3.2 g/day); >80% of players did not meet minimum recommendations at each timepoint (all, p < 0.05). The sum of seven skinfolds and fat mass (%) decreased during preseason (both, p < 0.05). Serum iron fell within recommended ranges for 95% of athletes at all timepoints. The total distance (m) and number of Very High Intensity (>21 km/h) efforts significantly increased across preseason and decreased during competition (all, p < 0.05). Nutrition knowledge was 'poor', and 42% of athletes were at risk of LEA. CONCLUSIONS AFLW athletes do not meet energy and carbohydrate requirements across the preseason and competition seasons, which may impact health and performance if deficits are sustained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Otte
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Evangeline Mantzioris
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Brianna S Salagaras
- Football Department, Adelaide Football Club, West Lakes, Australia
- Performance Health, Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, Nathan, Australia
| | - Alison M Hill
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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van der Vegt BR, Gepp A, Keogh JW, Farley JB. Methods of performance analysis in women's Australian football: a scoping review. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14946. [PMID: 36935923 PMCID: PMC10019326 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The first women's Australian football (AF) professional competition was established in 2017, resulting in advancement in performance analysis capabilities within the sport. Given the specific constraints of women's AF, it is currently unclear what match-play performance analysis methods and techniques are implemented. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to describe and critically appraise physical, technical, and tactical performance analysis methods that have been employed in women's and girls' AF match-play. Methodology A systematic search was conducted on the 27th of June 2022 through five databases. Eligibility criteria were derived from the PCC framework with the population (P) of women and girls AF players, of any level of play; concepts (C) of interest which were measures, data, and methods related to the sport's physical, technical, and tactical performance; and the context (C) of methods that analysed any match-play performance. A narrative synthesis was conducted using extracted study characteristic data such as sample size, population, time period, collection standards, evaluation metrics for results, and application of thematic categorisations of previous sports performance reviews. Critical appraisal of eligible studies' methodologies was conducted to investigate research quality and identify methodological issues. Results From 183 studies screened, twelve eligible studies were included, which examined match-play through physical (9/12, 75%), technical (4/12, 33%), and tactical analysis (2/12, 17%). Running demands and game actions analysis were the most researched in senior women's AF. Research into junior girls' AF match-play performance has not been investigated. No research has been conducted on non-running physical demands, contact demands, acceleration, and tactical aspects of women's AF. All studies utilised either inferential statistics or basic predictive models. Critical appraisal deemed most studies as low risk of bias (11/12, 92%), with the remaining study having satisfactory risk. Conclusions Future research utilising increased longitudinal and greater contextual data is needed to combat the prominent issue of data representativeness to better characterise performance within women's and girls' AF. Additionally, research involving junior and sub-elite AF players across the talent pathways is important to conduct, as it provides greater context and insight regarding development to support the evolving elite women's AF competition. Women's AF has been constrained by its resource environment. As such, suggestions are provided for better utilisation of existing data, as well as for the creation of new data for appropriate future research. Greater data generation enables the use of detailed machine learning predictions, neural networks, and network analysis to better represent the intertwined nature of match-play performance from technical, physical, and tactical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braedan R. van der Vegt
- Centre for Data Analytics, Bond Business School, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adrian Gepp
- Centre for Data Analytics, Bond Business School, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Justin W.L. Keogh
- Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Cluster for Health Improvement, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Sports Performance Research Centre New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jessica B. Farley
- Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Dane K, Simms C, Hendricks S, West SW, Griffin S, Nugent FJ, Farrell G, Mockler D, Wilson F. Physical and Technical Demands and Preparatory Strategies in Female Field Collision Sports: A Scoping Review. Int J Sports Med 2022; 43:1173-1182. [PMID: 35767989 DOI: 10.1055/a-1839-6040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Women's participation in field collision sports is growing worldwide. Scoping reviews provide an overview of scientific literature in a developing area to support practitioners, policy, and research priorities. Our aim is to explore published research and synthesise information on the physical and technical demands and preparation strategies of female field collision sports. We searched four databases and identified relevant published studies. Data were extracted to form (1) a numerical analysis and (2) thematic summary. Of 2318 records identified, 43 studies met the inclusion criteria. Physical demands were the most highly investigated (n+=+24), followed by technical demands (n+= 18), tactical considerations (n+=+8) and preparatory strategies (n=1). The key themes embody a holistic model contributing to both performance and injury prevention outcomes in the context of female field collision sports. Findings suggest a gender data gap across all themes and a low evidence base to inform those preparing female athletes for match demands. Given the physical and technical differences in match-demands the review findings do not support the generalisation of male-derived training data to female athletes. To support key stakeholders working within female field collision sports there is a need to increase the visibility of female athletes in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Dane
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Trinity College Dublin School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciaran Simms
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin School of Engineering, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Cape Town and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
- Health, Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Observatory, South Africa
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Leeds Beckett University Institute for Sport Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Stephen W West
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Steffan Griffin
- Centre for Sport and Exercise, University of Edinburgh Institute for Sport Physical Education and Health Sciences, Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Medical services, Rugby Football Union, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Frank J Nugent
- Physical Education and Sport Sciences Department, University of Limerick Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Limerick, Ireland
- Sport and Human Performance Research Cluster, University of Limerick, Health Research Institute, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Garreth Farrell
- Department of Physiotherapy, Leinster Rugby, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Mockler
- John Stearne Library, University of Dublin Trinity College School of Medicine John Stearne Medical Library, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona Wilson
- Trinity College Dublin School of Medicine, Discipline of Physiotherapy, Dublin, Ireland
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Teune B, Woods C, Sweeting A, Inness M, Robertson S. A method to inform team sport training activity duration with change point analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265848. [PMID: 35312735 PMCID: PMC8936438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Duration is a key component in the design of training activities in sport which aim to enhance athlete skills and physical qualities. Training duration is often a balance between reaching skill development and physiological targets set by practitioners. This study aimed to exemplify change point time-series analyses to inform training activity duration in Australian Football. Five features of player behaviour were included in the analyses: disposal frequency, efficiency, pressure, possession time and player movement velocity. Results of the analyses identified moments of change which may be used to inform minimum or maximum activity durations, depending on a practitioner’s objectives. In the first approach, a univariate analysis determined change points specific to each feature, allowing practitioners to evaluate activities according to a single metric. In contrast, a multivariate analysis considered interactions between features and identified a single change point, reflecting the moment of overall change during activities. Six iterations of a training activity were also evaluated resulting in common change point locations, between 196 and 252 seconds, which indicated alterations to player behaviour between this time period in the training activities conduction. Comparisons of feature segments before and after change points revealed the extent to which player behaviour changed and can guide such duration decisions. These methods can be used to evaluate athlete behaviour and inform training activity durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Teune
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Western Bulldogs, Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Carl Woods
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alice Sweeting
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Western Bulldogs, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mathew Inness
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Western Bulldogs, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sam Robertson
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
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Sullivan CJ, Leabeater AJ, Clarke AC. The AFLW draft combine: Seasonal changes and relationships to draft success. J Sports Sci 2021; 40:600-605. [PMID: 34812128 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.2006411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify seasonal changes in AFLW Draft Combine assessments, examine the physical and anthropometric assessments associated with draft outcome and investigate the presence of a relative age effect. Three seasons (2017-2019) of the AFLW Draft Combine assessment data were obtained (n = 131). Testing data between seasons were examined using a MANOVA. A factor analysis using principal components (identifying speed, lower body power, aerobic capacity, and anthropometry) was conducted prior to the construction of a binary logistic regression model. Speed (including 5, 10 and 20 m sprint times) significantly contributed to the binary logistic regression model discriminating drafted and non-drafted players (p = 0.040). A significant main effect of season was reported (p ≤ 0.01) with post-hoc tests confirming 5, 10 and 20 m sprint times were faster in the 2018 AFLW Draft Combine compared with the 2017 AFLW Draft Combine. No relative age effect was observed in this dataset. Overall, the 20 m sprint test showed the greatest difference between drafted and non-drafted players, while speed (collectively) was the greatest predictor of draft outcome. This data provides insight into the physical qualities of prospective players that were associated with selection to the AFLW competition in its first 3 years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alana J Leabeater
- School of Allied Health, Human Services, and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthea C Clarke
- School of Allied Health, Human Services, and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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