St George's Park

Ultra-endurance sports and exercise events are becoming increasingly popular for older age groups. We aimed to evaluate changes in cardiac function and physical fitness in males aged 50-60 years who completed a 50-day transoceanic rowing challenge. This case account of four self-selected males included electro- and echo-cardiography (ECG, echo), cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness measures recorded nine months prior to and three weeks after a transatlantic team-rowing challenge. No clinically significant changes to myocardial function were found over the course of the study. The training and race created expected functional changes to left ventricular and atrial function; the former associated with training, the latter likely due to dehydration, both resolving towards baseline within three weeks post-event. From race-start to finish all rowers lost 8.4-15.6 kg of body mass. Absolute cardiorespiratory power and muscular strength were lower three weeks post-race compared to pre-race, but cardiorespiratory exercise economy improved in this same period. A structured program of moderate-vigorous aerobic endurance and muscular training for>6 months, followed by 50-days of transoceanic rowing in older males proved not to cause any observable acute or potential long-term risks to cardiovascular health. Pre-event screening, fitness testing, and appropriate training is recommended, especially in older participants where age itself is an increasingly significant risk factor.

Previous studies demonstrate that "under-fuelling" (i.e., reduced carbohydrate (CHO) and energy intake (EI) in relation to recommended guidelines) is prevalent within adult female soccer players, the consequence of which may have acute performance and chronic health implications. However, the dietary practices of adolescent female soccer players, a population who may be particularly at risk for the negative aspects of low energy availability (LEA), are not well documented. Accordingly, we aimed to quantify EI and CHO intake, physical loading and estimated energy availability (EA) in elite national team adolescent female soccer players (n = twenty-three; age, 17.9 ± 0.5 years) during a 10-day training and game schedule comprising two match days on day six (MDa) and nine (MDb). The players self-reported their EI via the remote food photography method, whilst the physical loading and associated exercise energy expenditure were assessed via GPS technology. The relative CHO intake was significantly greater (all p < 0.05) on the day before the first match (MD-1a) (4.1 ± 0.8 g·kg-1), on the day before the second match (MD-1b) (4.3 ± 1.1 g·kg-1), MDa (4.8 ± 1.2 g·kg-1) and MDb (4.8 ± 1.4 g·kg-1) in comparison to most other days (<4 g·kg-1). The mean daily measured EA over the 10-day period was 34 ± 12 kcal·kg FFM-1·day-1 (with six players, i.e., 34%, presenting LEA), though, when adjusting the energy intake for potential under-reporting, these values changed substantially (44 ± 14 kcal·kg FFM-1·day-1, only one player was classed as presenting LEA). Such data suggest that the prevalence of LEA amongst female team sport athletes may be over-estimated. Nonetheless, players are still likely under-fuelling for the work required in relation to the daily CHO recommendations (i.e., >6 g·kg-1) for intensive training and game schedules. These data provide further evidence for the requirement to create and deliver targeted player and stakeholder education and behaviour change interventions (especially for younger athletes) that aim to promote increased daily CHO intake in female soccer players.

The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) has commonly been investigated in isolation, however, within practice multiple modalities are commonly incorporated. However, the NHE has a low level of compliance within sport, with sprinting being potentially being preferred. The present study aimed to observe the effect of a lower-limb program with either additional NHE or sprinting on the modifiable risk factors hamstring strain injury (HSI) and athletic performance. 38 collegiate athletes were randomly assigned into three groups: control standardised lower-limb training program (n = 10 (2 female, 8 male), age = 23.50 ± 2.95 years, height = 1.75 ± 0.09 m, mass 77.66 ± 11.82 kg), additional NHE (n = 15 (7 female, 8 male), age = 21.40 ± 2.64 years, height = 1.74 ± 0.04 m, mass 76.95 ± 14.20 kg) and additional sprinting (n = 13 (4 female, 9 male), age = 22.15 ± 2.54 years, height = 1.74 ± 0.05 m, mass 70.55 ± 7.84 kg). All participants performed a standardised lower-limb training program twice per week for seven weeks, including Olympic lifting derivatives, squatting movements, and the Romanian deadlift, with experimental groups performing with either additional sprinting or NHE. Bicep femoris architecture, eccentric hamstring strength, jump performance, lower-limb maximal strength and sprint ability were measured pre and post. All training groups demonstrated significant (p < 0.001), small-moderate increases in Bicep femoris architecture (g = 0.60–1.22), with significant (p < 0.001), small-large increases in absolute and relative eccentric peak force (g = 0.60–1.84). Significant and small increases were observed in take-off velocity and mean propulsion force (p < 0.02, g = 0.47–0.64), with non-significant and small increases for both the sprint and control training groups for mean propulsion force (p > 0.05, g = 0.42–0.50). Nordic and sprint training groups had significant and small increases in peak absolute and relative net force (p < 0.001, g = 0.44–0.60). The control group had a non-significant trivial increase in absolute peak net force (p > 0.05, g = 0.22), with a significant and small increase in relative peak relative net force (p = 0.034, g = 0.48). Significant and small decreases for the NHE and sprinting training groups was observed for 0–10 m, 0–20 m, and 10–20 m sprint time (p < 0.010, g = 0.47–0.71). Performing multiple modalities, with either additional NHE or sprinting, as part of a complete resistance training program was superiorly effective for measures of modifiable risk factors HSI, with similar increases observed in measures of athletic performance derived from the standardised lower-limb training program.

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to explore the features of the athletic environment that influence thriving within a British Olympic and Paralympic sport organisation and to understand the interconnectedness of these factors across a range of individuals and contexts. These aims were pursued within a decentralised organisation that was undergoing a leader-led cultural change strategy. MethodTo develop an understanding of the environmental factors that facilitate athlete thriving, a 16-month ethnography was conducted. Data analysis consisted of reflexive thematic analysis of observational notes, reflexive diaries, and interview transcripts. The findings are presented in an ethnographic tale. ResultsAlongside the complexities of implementing a culture change strategy across a decentralised organisation, the ethnographic tale details three key features of the athletic environment targeted by senior leadership to successfully influence the athletes’ ability to thrive within their silos. Underpinning these factors are three interconnected themes of understanding, openness, and trust. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates how empowering devolved leadership was impactful for organisational culture by reducing the homogeneity of leader-centric change initiatives. Further, harnessing an organisation-wide commitment to promoting relationships founded on understanding, openness, and trust can create athletic environments that facilitate thriving. Therefore, while a decentralised structure may present challenges for promoting a duty of care, it is possible to create an environment that supports athletes to thrive.

The use of technology in football is increasing, although, products predominantly focus on men’s football in performance, safety, comfort, and fit considerations. A recent scoping review identified just 32 published scientific articles on technology in women’s football, despite demands of those playing/working in the women’s game increasing. We wish to highlight the progressions made so far and barriers remaining in the elite women’s football technology to shed a light on this topic and prod researchers and manufacturers to help support the evolution of women’s-football-focussed technological considerations. The ten questions presented in this paper address the generic question on whether women’s specific tailoring is needed (Question 1) as well as addressing specific questions on football technology and engineering, such as the progressions made and ongoing issues in the following areas: football kits, religious considerations (hijab designs), sports bras, football boots, balls, football pitches, performance tracking devices, menstrual cycle tracking devices (Question 2–10). It is evidence that certain areas have received more attention than others and with these ten questions we hope to steer readers towards research and engineering gaps for future work.

The Nordic Hamstring exercise program (NHP) is an evidence-based injury prevention protocol. The aims of this study were to (a) report professional English football clubs' practices of hamstring injury prevention strategies, (b) identify the NHP implementation in English football, and (c) understand reasons for the NHP's inclusion or exclusion. An electronic survey was completed by 53 of 91 (58%) English professional football clubs. Forty-three clubs had a formal hamstring injury prevention program with the NH exercise (95%), eccentric strength exercises (93%), and functional training (81%) the most common methods utilized. Twenty clubs (38%) implemented the NHP, but only 9 (17%) completed the full program and were classed as compliant. Respondents partially agreed (Mean 3.92 ± SD 0.87) the NHP could substantially reduce injuries in football and would be effective at their own club (3.77 ± 0.72). Participants partially agreed the exercise caused muscle soreness (3.90 ± 0.85). Barriers to wider implementation included players not positively perceiving the program (79%) and resulting muscle soreness (60%). 57% believed a cultural shift was required to increase compliance. Medical professionals within English football value the injury prevention role of the NHP. A cultural shift would be required mainly from players to allow successful implementation.

Football players are at risk of overuse injuries, discomfort and decreased performance due to the boot design and repetitive plantar loading of the sport. However, there is no agreement of normative values for plantar pressure in football or how these should be assessed. Therefore, the aims of this study were to systematically review plantar pressures obtained for male and female adult football players and the methodology applied in the literature. PubMed [MEDLINE], EmBase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to 19/11/2018 using key terms related to football, plantar, foot and pressure. Two independent reviewers reviewed each paper. Quality of included studies was assessed using The NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional studies. Fourteen studies were included, 10 looking at male players, and 4 at both male and female players. Out of the 14 studies, 2 were poor quality, 7 were fair quality and 5 were good quality. Heterogeneity was seen in test setup, assessment method and information provided on external impacting factors. The forefoot region most commonly resulted in the highest pressure in both male and female players, with the highest reported forefoot pressure occurring during side cut in both male (653 ± 131 kPa) and female (492 ± 86 kPa) players. Common pressures for males and females subdivided by movement was summarized. Yet, the heterogeneity in methodology and low number of studies decrease the strength of the data. Therefore, suggestions have been made for future research to improve evidence, and for application of standardized test protocols.

Decommissioning of subsea infrastructure requires input from engineering and environmental studies, as well as the stakeholders, so that informed decisions can be made. This paper discusses the technical and environmental considerations relating to the decommissioning of subsea infrastructure for the full range of subsea components, including structures, rigid pipelines, flexible flowlines and control systems. Example engineering and environmental assessments that could be performed are discussed, such as stability, corrosion, lifting, materials degradation, net environmental benefit assessment (NEBA) and marine and fishing studies. The stakeholder engagement process is also presented. The paper discusses processes leading up to the decommissioning decision and what operators can do, to ensure that there is adequate information to support decisions that need to be made on transitioning into the final stage of the asset lifecycle. The paper will provide guidance on execution of the decommissioning works, how to ensure success and considerations for material handling, management and disposal of potentially hazardous and contaminated material and other environmental impacts. The technical aspects will be presented using case studies on past and present decommissioning projects in Australia. Solutions for in situ, recovery and repurposing that have been adopted will be presented, as well as alternative solutions that are currently being developed.

Skin disorders are potentially important to dentists in diverse ways. The skin disease itself might have oral manifestations, and drugs used to treat skin disorders may impact on dental management. This first chapter considering skin disorders examines points to look out for in the history and considers specific groups of conditions.