Case study of a female ocean racer: prerace preparation and nutritional intake during the Vendee Globe 2008.

The Vendée Globe is a solo round-the-world sailing race without stopovers or assistance, a physically demanding challenge for which appropriate nutrition should maintain energy balance and ensure optimum performance. This is an account of prerace nutritional preparation with a professional and experienced female racer and assessment of daily nutritional intake (NI) during the race using a multimethod approach. A daily energy intake (EI) of 15.1 MJ/day was recommended for the race and negotiated down by the racer to 12.7 MJ/day, with carbohydrate and fluid intake goals of 480 g/day and 3,020 ml/day, respectively. Throughout the 99-day voyage, daily NI was recorded using electronic food diaries and inventories piloted during training races. NI was assessed and a postrace interview and questionnaire were used to evaluate the intervention. Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed pre- (37 days) and postrace (11 days) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and body mass was measured before the racer stepped on the yacht and immediately postrace. Mean EI was 9.2 MJ/day (2.4-14.3 MJ/day), representing a negative energy balance of 3.5 MJ/day under the negotiated EI goal, evidenced by a 7.9-kg loss of body mass (FM -7.5 kg, FFM -0.4 kg) during the voyage, with consequent underconsumption of carbohydrate by ~130 g/day. According to the postrace yacht food inventory, self-reported EI was underreported by 7%. This intervention demonstrates the practicality of the NI approach and assessment, but the racer's nutrition strategy can be further improved to facilitate meeting more optimal NI goals for performance and health. It also shows that evaluation of NI is possible in this environment over prolonged periods, which can provide important information for optimizing nutritional strategies for ocean racing

Insights into relationships between body mass, composition and bone: findings in elite rugby players.

Recent reports indicate that bone strength is not proportional to body weight in obese populations. Elite rugby players have a similar body mass index (BMI) to obese individuals, but differ markedly with low body fat, high lean mass and frequent skeletal exposure to loading through weight-bearing exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between body weight, composition and bone strength in male rugby players characterised by high BMI and high lean mass. Fifty two elite male rugby players and 32 non-athletic, age-matched controls differing in BMI (30.2±3.2 v 24.1±2.1 kg.m-2; p=0.02) received one total body and one total hip DXA scan. Hip Structural Analysis of the proximal femur was used to determine bone mineral density (BMD) and cross-sectional bone geometry. Multiple linear regression was computed to identify independent variables associated with total hip and femoral neck BMD and HSA-derived bone geometry parameters. Analysis of covariance was used to explore differences between groups. Further comparisons between groups were performed after normalising parameters to body weight and to lean mass. There was a trend for a positive fat-bone relationship in rugby players, and a negative relationship in controls, although neither reached statistical significance. Correlations with lean mass were stronger for bone geometry (r2=0.408-0.520) than for BMD (r2=0.267-0.293).Relative to body weight, BMD was 6.7% lower in rugby players than controls (p<0.05). Rugby players were heavier than controls, with greater lean mass and BMD (p<0.01). Relative to lean mass, BMD was 10-14.3% lower in rugby players (p<0.001). All bone geometry measures except cross-sectional area, were proportional to body weight and lean mass. To conclude, BMD in elite rugby players was reduced in proportion to body weight and lean mass. However, their superior bone geometry suggests that overall bone strength may be adequate for loading demands. Fat-bone interactions in athletes engaged in high impact sports require further exploration

Investigating the efficacy of universally delivered cognitive behaviour therapy in the promotion of emotional literacy and mental wellbeing with year 5 pupils

This study builds on existing research into the efficacy of universal Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) based programmes in schools in the promotion of Emotional Literacy and more broadly Mental Wellbeing. Previous research in this area has focused on CBT interventions delivered to targeted groups. In this instance, the focus was on CBT based universal, whole class intervention. The specific CBT intervention utilised the ‘Think Good Feel Good: A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Workbook for Children and Young People’ (TGFG) resource (Stallard, 2002). The researcher was also able to take the opportunity to evaluate the possible additional impact of conducting CBT based interventions in parallel with the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) programme. Initially, a pilot study was conducted with a single Year 5 child. The purpose of the pilot was to provide a guide as to the effectiveness of the resources to be used, to familiarise the researcher with those tools and principles of the study, and to provide meaningful feedback to aid in the fine tuning of the full research. The main research study was conducted in two schools within the local authority in which the researcher was a practising Trainee Educational Psychologist. Participants consisted of 85 Year 5 pupils (aged between 9 and 10). Measures were recorded before and following intervention using the Southampton Emotional Literacy Resource (SELR) and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Data were collected from teachers, parents and the children. A fixed design was employed, with participants placed in one of three groups: Experimental group 1 - One class (n=25) received CBT intervention alongside the SEAL programme over a 6 week period. The CBT intervention consisted of two one hour long sessions per week and was delivered by the researcher, with support from the relevant class teachers Experimental group 2 - A second class (n=31) received only the CBT based intervention, for the same period and delivered in the same manner as with experimental group 1 Control group 3 - A group of 29 Year 5 pupils were also part of the study but received no intervention. Statistical analysis on the non-normally distributed dataset indicated that significant differences were found in some domains for experimental group 2 (CBT) compared to the control group (3). Further analysis indicated that these significant differences were as a result of positive change. Additionally, significant differences were found in some domains for experimental group 1 (SEAL + CBT) when compared with experimental group 2 (CBT alone). Further analysis indicated that these significant differences were as a result of negative change. The researcher suggests that the present study tentatively contributes to the growing evidence base for the potential effectiveness of CBT based interventions delivered within a universal framework regarding the promotion of emotional literacy and mental wellbeing. Findings lend some support for the use of CBT based interventions (i.e. the Think Good Feel Good resource) as part of the standard curriculum for Year 5 pupils, suggesting a possible positive impact on some areas of emotional literacy and more broadly mental wellbeing. Additionally, the study offers potential suggestions for future study along with implications and considerations for educational psychologists when undertaking therapeutic type work with children

Evaluation of movement and physiological demands of rugby league referees using global positioning systems tracking.

The use of global positioning systems (GPS) technology within referees of any sport is limited. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the movement and physiological demands of professional rugby league referees using GPS tracking analysis. Time-motion analysis was undertaken on 8 referees using 5-Hz GPS devices and heart rate monitors throughout a series of Super League matches. 44 data sets were obtained with results identifying similar total distance covered between first and second half periods with a significant (P=0.004) reduction in the number of high velocity efforts performed between 5.51-7.0 m.s-1 (1st=21±8, 2nd=18±8). Mean distance covered from greatest to least distance, was 3 717±432 m, 3 009±402 m, 1 411±231 m, 395±133 m and 120±97 m for the following 5 absolute velocity classifications, respectively; 0.51-2.0 m.s-1; 2.1-4.0 m.s-1: 4.01-5.5 m.s-1; 5.51-7.0 m.s-1; <7.01 m.s-1. Heart rate was significantly (P<0.001) greater in the first (85.5±3.4% maxHR) compared to the second (82.9±3.8% maxHR) half. This highlights the intermittent nature of rugby league refereeing, consisting of low velocity activity interspersed with high velocity efforts and frequent changes of velocity. Training should incorporate interval training interspersing high velocity efforts of varying distances with low velocity activity while trying to achieve average heart rates of ~ 84% maxHR to replicate the physiological demands

Movement and Physiological Demands of Australasian National Rugby League Referees.

Purpose: To evaluate the movement and physiological demands of the Australasian National Rugby League (NRL) referees, officiating with a ‘two referee’ (i.e., ‘lead’ and ‘pocket’) system and to compare the demands of the lead referee and pocket referees. Methods: 10 Hz global positioning system devices were used to obtain 86 data sets (‘lead’, n=41; ‘pocket’, n=45) on 19 NRL referees. Total distance, relative distance covered and heart rate per half and across match-play was examined within and between referees using t-tests. Distance, time and number of movement 'efforts' were examined in six velocity classifications (i.e., standing 7.0 m.s-1) using ANOVA. Cohen's d effect sizes were reported. Results: There were no significant differences between the ‘lead’ and ‘pocket’ referee for any movement or physiological variable. There was an overall significant (large; very large) effect for distance (% distance) and time (% time) (P 5.51 m.s-1. Conclusions: Findings highlight the intermittent nature of rugby league refereeing, but show that there were no differences in the movement and physiological demands of the two refereeing roles. Findings are valuable for those responsible for the preparation, training and conditioning of NRL referees, and to ensure training prepares for and simulates match demands

Three-Compartment Body Composition in Academy and Senior Rugby League Players.

Purpose: This study compared the body size and three compartment body composition between academy and senior professional rugby league players using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Methods: Academy (age 18.1±1.1 years; n=34) and senior (age 26.2 ±4.6 years; n=63) rugby league players received one total-body DXA scan. Height, body mass and body fat percentage alongside total and regional fat mass, lean mass and bone mineral content (BMC) were compared. Independent t-tests with Cohen’s d effect sizes and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), controlling for height and body mass, with partial eta squared (η2) effect sizes, were used to compare total and regional body composition. Results: Senior players were taller (183.2±5.8 vs. 179.2±5.7 cm; p=0.001; d=0.70) and heavier (96.5±9.3 vs. 86.5±9.0 kg; p<0.001; d=1.09) with lower body fat percentage (16.3±3.7 vs. 18.0±3.7 %; p=0.032; d=0.46) than academy players. MANCOVA identified significant overall main effects for total and regional body composition between academy and senior players. Senior players had lower total fat mass (p<0.001, η2=0.15), greater total lean mass (p<0.001, η2=0.14) and greater total BMC (p=0.001, η2=0.12) than academy players. For regional sites, academy players had significantly greater fat mass at the legs (p<0.001; η2=0.29) than senior players. Conclusions: The lower age, height, body mass and BMC of academy players suggest that these players are still developing musculoskeletal characteristics. Gradual increases in lean mass and BMC whilst controlling fat mass is an important consideration for practitioners working with academy rugby league players, especially within the lower body

Using anthropometric and performance characteristics to predict selection in junior UK Rugby League players.

Research examining the factors influencing selection within talented junior Rugby League players is limited. The aims of this study were firstly to determine whether differences existed for anthropometric and performance characteristics between regional and national selection in high performance UK junior Rugby League players, and secondly to identify variables that discriminated between these selection levels. Regional representative (n=1172) selected junior players (aged 13-16 years) undertook an anthropometric and fitness testing battery with players split according to selection level (i.e., national, regional). MANCOVA analyses, with age and maturation controlled, identified national players as having lower sum of 4 skinfolds scores compared to regional players, and also performed significantly better on all physical tests. Stepwise discriminant analysis identified that estimated maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), chronological age, body mass, 20 m sprint, height, sum of 4 skinfolds and sitting height discriminated between selection levels, accounting for 28.7% of the variance. This discriminant analysis corresponded to an overall predictive accuracy of 63.3% for all players. These results indicate that performance characteristics differed between selection levels in junior Rugby League players. However, the small magnitude of difference between selection levels suggests that physical qualities only partially explain higher representative selection. The monitoring and evaluation of such variables, alongside game related performance characteristics, provides greater knowledge and understanding about the processes and consequences of selection, training and performance in youth sport

Three-Compartment Body Composition Changes in Professional Rugby Union Players Over One Competitive Season : A Team and Individualized Approach

The purpose of this study was to investigate longitudinal body composition of professional rugby union players over one competitive season. Given the potential for variability in changes, and as the first to do so, we conducted individual analysis in addition to analysis of group means. Thirty-five professional rugby union players from one English Premiership team (forwards: n = 20, age: 25.5 ± 4.7 years; backs: n = 15, age: 26.1 ± 4.5 years) received one total-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan at preseason (August), midseason (January) and endseason (May), enabling quantification of body mass, total and regional fat mass, lean mass, percentage tissue fat mass (%TFM) and bone mineral content (BMC). Individual analysis was conducted by applying least significant change (LSC), derived from our previously published precision data and in accordance with International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) guidelines. Mean body mass remained stable throughout the season (p > 0.05), but total fat mass and %TFM increased from pre to endseason, and mid to endseason (p < 0.05). There were also statistically significant increases in total-body BMC across the season (p < 0.05). In both groups, there was a loss of lean mass between mid and endseason (p < 0.018). Individual evaluation using LSC and Bland-Altman analysis revealed a meaningful loss of lean mass in 17 players and a gain of fat mass in 21 players from pre to endseason. Twelve players had no change and there were no differences by playing position. There were individual gains or no net changes in BMC across the season for 10 and 24 players, respectively. This study highlights the advantages of an individualised approach to DXA body composition monitoring and this can be achieved through application of derived LSC

Physiological and Movement Demands of Rugby League Referees: Influence on Penalty Accuracy.

Research into the physiological and movement demands of Rugby League (RL) referees is limited, with only one study in the European Super League (SL). To date, no studies have considered decision-making in RL referees. The purpose of this study was to quantify penalty accuracy scores of RL referees and determine the relationship between penalty accuracy and total distance covered (TD), high-intensity running (HIR) and heart rate per 10-min period of match-play. Time motion analysis was undertaken on 8 referees over 148 European SL games during the 2012 season using 10Hz GPS analysis and heart rate monitors. The number and timing of penalties awarded was quantified using Opta Stats. Referees awarded the correct decision on 74 ± 5% of occasions. Lowest accuracy was observed in the last 10-minute period of the game (67 ± 13%), with a moderate drop (ES= 0.86) in accuracy observed between 60-70 minutes and 70-80 minutes. Despite this, there were only small correlations observed between HRmean, total distance, HIR efforts and penalty accuracy. Although a moderate correlation was observed between maximum velocity and accuracy. Despite only small correlations observed, it would be rash to assume that physiological and movement demands of refereeing have no influence on decision-making. More likely, other confounding variables influence referee decision-making accuracy, requiring further investigation. Findings can be used by referees and coaches to inform training protocols, ensuring training is specific to both cognitive and physical match demands

UCS protein function is partially restored in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae she4 mutant with expression of the human UNC45-GC, but not UNC45-SM

A dedicated UNC45, Cro1, She4 (UCS) domain-containing protein assists in the Hsp90-mediated folding of the myosin head. Only weak sequence conservation exists between the single UCS protein of simple eukaryotes (She4 in budding yeast) and the two UCS proteins of higher organisms (the general cell and striated muscle UNC45s; UNC45-GC and UNC45-SM, respectively). In vertebrates, UNC45-GC facilitates cytoskeletal functions, whereas the 55% identical UNC45-SM assists assembly of the contractile apparatus of cardiac and skeletal muscles. A Saccharomyces cerevisiae she4Δ mutant, totally lacking any UCS protein, was engineered to express as its sole Hsp90 either the Hsp90α or the Hsp90β isoforms of human cytosolic Hsp90. A transient induction of the human UNC45-GC, but not UNC45-SM, could rescue the defective endocytosis in these she4Δ cells at 39 °C, irrespective of whether they possessed Hsp90α or Hsp90β. UNC45-GC-mediated rescue of the localisation of a Myo5-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion to cortical patches at 39 °C was more efficient in the yeast containing Hsp90α, though this may relate to more efficient functioning of Hsp90α as compared to Hsp90β in these strains. Furthermore, inducible expression of UNC45-GC, but not UNC45-SM, could partially rescue survival at a more extreme temperature (45 °C) that normally causes she4Δ mutant yeast cells to lyse. The results indicate that UCS protein function has been most conserved-yeast to man-in the UNC45-GC, not UNC45-SM. This may reflect UNC45-GC being the vertebrate UCS protein that assists formation of the actomyosin complexes needed for cytokinesis, cell morphological change, and organelle trafficking-events also facilitated by the myosins in yeast