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Background: For athletes, overcoming obstacles in challenging situations like pandemic home training is crucial. Strategies and approaches in this context are not well-documented. Our study aims to investigate such a scenario from a performance standpoint, based on a major global crisis: the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed athletes without disabilities using online questionnaires (35 languages) from May to July 2020. Questions included aspects of alternative routines, training monitoring, recovery, sleep patterns, injury occurrence/prevention based on structured answers, and an open-ended question on lockdown training experiences.
Background: Research in sports medicine and exercise science has experienced significant growth over recent years. With this expansion, there has been a concomitant rise in ethical challenges specific to these disciplines. While various ethical guidelines exist for numerous scientific fields, a comprehensive set tailored specifically for sports medicine and exercise science is lacking. Objective: Aiming to bridge this gap, this paper proposes a comprehensive, updated set of ethical guidelines specifically targeted at researchers in sports medicine and exercise science, providing them with a thorough framework to ensure research integrity. Methods: A collaborative approach was adopted, involving contributions from a diverse group of international experts in the field. A thorough review of existing ethical guidelines was conducted, followed by the identification and detailed examination of 15 specific ethical topics relevant to the discipline. Each topic was discussed in terms of its definition, consequences, and preventive measures.
A method called “differential learning” (introduced already 3 decades) would optimise learning and adaptation in skill development.
Variability: Avoid repetitive practice of the same task, and consider varying the tasks. Example: changing environment, tools (equipment), or methods used in practice; eg, training in different conditions, use different equipment, or alter their technique slightly each time.Adaptation and problem-solving: encourage athletes to adapt and find new solutions themselves. This process enhances cognitive and physical adaptability (for skill mastery).
Error emphasis: In learning, we usually aim to minimise errors; we actually need to emphasise the importance of making mistakes. Errors are seen as opportunities for learning and adjusting techniques.
Individualised approach: takes into account individual differences in learning styles and rates.
Feedback and reflection: an integral part of training (or learning), not just from coaches or trainers, but also self-reflection by athletes.
QUIET EYE DURATION AND PERFORMANCE OUTCOME IN PETANQUE
Petanque is a competitive skill sport that is popular in Malaysia. Athletes often must perform in a high-pressure situation during a game. The purpose of the research is to understand the influence of the quiet eye duration on the performance outcome across different difficulties amongst the athletes. The arrangement of a double ball (DB)is more difficult compared to a single ball (SB). Successful trials were recorded when the targeted ball was displaced from its original position in SB (whole ball) and in DB (ball on the right). From the statistical findings, it was found that irrespective of distance,there is a difference in the quiet eye between a SB and a DB. Study also found that there is no significant difference between distance and quiet eye for both (SB & DB). In conclusion, the duration of the quiet eye is influenced by the difficulty level of the ball arrangement. The performance outcome was not found to be influenced by the quiet eye.
Objectives OpenAI's Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) technology enables conversational interactions with applications across various fields, including sport. Here, ChatGPT's proficiency in designing a 12-week resistance training programme, following specific prompts, was investigated. Material and methods GPT3.5 and GPT4.0 versions were requested to design 12-week resistance training programmes for male and female hypothetical subjects (20-years-old, no injury, and ‘intermediate’ resistance training experience). Subsequently, GPT4.0 was requested to design an ‘advanced’ training programme for the same profiles. The proposed training programmes were compared with established guidelines and literature (e.g.,NSCA textbook), and discussed. Results ChatGPT suggested 12-week training programmes comprising three, 4-week phases, each with different objectives (e.g.,hypertrophy/strength). GPT3.5 proposed a weekly frequency of ~3 sessions, load intensity of 70-85% of one repetition-maximum, repetition range of 4-8 (2-4 sets), and tempo of 2/0/2 (eccentric/pause/concentric/‘pause’). GPT4.0 proposed intermediate- and advanced programme, with a frequency of 5 or 4 sessions, 60-90% or 70-95% intensity, 3-5 sets or 3-6 sets, 5-12 or 3-12 repetitions, respectively. GPT3.5 proposed rest intervals of 90-120s, and exercise tempo of 2/0/2. GPT4.0 proposed 60-180 (intermediate) or 60-300s (advanced), with exercise tempo of 2/1/2 for intermediates, and 3/0/1/0, 2/0/1/0, and 1/0/1/0 for advanced programmes. All derived programmes were objectively similar regardless of sex. Conclusions ChatGPT generated training programmes which likely require additional fine-tuning before application. GPT4.0 synthesised more information than GPT3.5 in response to the prompt, while demonstrated recognition awareness of training experience (intermediate vs advanced). ChatGPT may serve as a complementary tool for writing ‘draft’ programme, but likely requires human expertise to maximise training programme effectiveness.
Physiological characteristics and performance of a world-record breaking tower runner
This study reports the physiological and performance profiles of a world-class tower runner during a 6-week period surrounding a successful Guinness World Record (WR) attempt, and discusses the efficacy of a tower running specific field test. The world-ranked number 2 tower runner completed four exercise tests [laboratory treadmill assessment (3 weeks before the WR attempt), familiarisation to a specific incremental tower running field test (1 week before), tower running field test (1 week after), and tower running time trial (TT) (3 weeks after)] and the WR attempt within 6-week period. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) during the laboratory test, field test, and TT were 73.3, 75.5 and 78.3 mL·kg−1·min−1, respectively. The VO2 corresponding to the second ventilatory threshold was 67.3 mL·kg−1·min−1 (89.1% of VO2peak), identified at stage 4 (tempo; 100 b·min−1), during the field test. The duration of the TT was 10 min 50 s, with an average VO2 of 71.7 mL·kg−1·min−1 (91.6% of VO2peak), HR of 171 b·min−1 (92% of peak HR), vertical speed of 0.47 m·s−1, and cadence was 117 steps·min−1. A world-class tower runner possesses a well-developed aerobic capacity. A specific, field-based test revealed greater VO2peak than a laboratory test, indicating a need for sport-specific testing procedures.
Prevalence of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) among National Athletes in Malaysia
A good diet is necessary for athletes to meet their energy needs and attain their peak level of health and performance. Energy availability (EA) is the amount of energy available for normal metabolic function following exercise energy expenditure [1]. Low energy availability (LEA) develops when an individual or athlete consumes a low energy intake that is relative to expending a high exercise energy expenditure (EEE), which can occur intentionally in athletes who wish to lose weight or maintain a lower body weight through dietary restriction.
The current obesity epidemic is a global health issue evidencedthrough a tripling of obesity incidence since 1975 and has emergedas the leading cause of non-communicable diseases (WHO, 2021).Individuals with overweight or obesity, defined as body mass index(BMI) ≥25 and ≥30 kg·m2, respectively, are at higher risk ofimpaired metabolic homeostasis, reduced insulin sensitivity(Krogh-Madsen et al., 2010) and postprandial lipid metabolism(Booth et al., 2012), which can be contributed by physicalinactivity (WHO, 2021).
To improve sports performance, overall health and well-being, as well as to reduce the risk of injury, it is essential for athletes to consume optimal nutrients (Kerksick et al., 2018; Thomas et al., 2016). In general, athletes should get sufficient energyfrom natural sources to provide them with adequate amounts of carbohydrate, protein and fat. Besides that, an athlete’s training plan, competition target and food preferences should also be considered (Thomas et al., 2016). When athletes do not follow these recommendations, their performance may be affected.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-mediated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic enforced global change upon day-to-day life. Most nations responded with one or more periods of localised or country-wide lockdowns, resulting in increased anxiety and depression, sedentary lifestyle, and ‘screen time’. Holistically, lockdown-mediated home confnement resulted in lower social participation and life satisfaction, increased psychological strain, social and physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and poor sleep hygiene, particularly among female and younger individuals.
Healthy adult Muslims fast for 29–30 days each year during Ramadan. Eating and drinking are not permitted between dawn (imsak) and sunset (iftar), a duration generally ~10–22 hours, dependent on geographical location. At extreme latitudes where an absence of sunrise/sunset occurs, clerical decree’s set fasting hours. Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) through various religious and nonreligious forms, particularly the former, modifies sleep-wake cycles and eating patterns, generally disrupting ‘normal’ lifestyle whilst compromising physical and cognitive performance. Blood glucose levels, hydration status and availability of metabolites for short explosive and endurance physical efforts are likely sub-optimal during this fasting period. These challenges are evidently more pronounced in athletic compared to sedentary populations undertaking RIF.
Effect on sleeping behaviour during Covid-19 lockdown
Research has found that reducing training intensity during the COVID-19-induced lockdown. And it was associated with lower sleep quality and higher insomnia severity in elite athletes. Lockdown duration had further disrupting effects on elite athletes’ sleep behavior.
Hypoxic conditioning: Effective treatment strategy for obesity
Obesity is a major global health issue and a primary risk factor for metabolic-related disorders. While physical inactivity is one of the main contributors to obesity, it is a modifiable risk factor with exercise training as an established non-pharmacological treatment to prevent the onset of metabolic-related disorders, including obesity. Exposure to hypoxia via normobaric hypoxia (simulated altitude via reduced inspired oxygen fraction), termed hypoxic conditioning, in combination with exercise has been increasingly shown in the last decade to enhance blood glucose regulation and decrease the body mass index, providing a feasible strategy to treat obesity. However, there is no current consensus in the literature regarding the optimal combination of exercise variables such as the mode, duration, and intensity of exercise, as well as the level of hypoxia to maximize fat loss and overall body compositional changes with hypoxic conditioning.