Examination of the magnitude and timing of hip flexion torque in high degree of difficulty forward somersault dives on the 3m springboard

While there has been much research published on the kinematics and kinetics of forward dives from a springboard, very little has been done on the effect the timing and magnitude of hip flexion torques has on forward dives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the timing and magnitude of hip flexion torques prior to the take-off and the vertical velocity at take-off in high demand rotational forward dives. Twenty-six elite divers (14 males and 12 females) competing in the United Kingdom leg of the 2001 FINA Diving Grand Prix performed high demand rotational dives. The males performed a forward three and one-half somersault dive in the pike position (107B) whilst the females performed a forward two and one-half somersault dive in the pike position (105B) off the 3m springboard. A video camera operating at 60Hz recorded all dives in the preliminaries and finals. Video footage was digitised from the 10 frames preceding touchdown from the hurdle to 10 frames following take-off to yield vertical and horizontal velocity and angular displacement data. Furthermore, the hip joint torque was calculated via a six segment \u27top-down\u27 model. An independent sample t-test was used to determine whether there were any significant differences between the two gender groups for selected variables whilst a Pearson\u27s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) was calculated for both the male and female divers to establish whether the timing and magnitude of the peak hip flexion torque had an influence on vertical velocity at last contact and dive score. Results showed that the male divers produced significantly (

EFFECT OF THE TIMING OF HIP TORQUE ON HEIGHT ACHIEVED IN HIGH DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY FORWARD SOMERSAULT DIVES ON THE 3m SPRINGBOARD

While there has been much research published on the kinematics and kinetics of forward dives from a springboard, very little has been done on the effect on the timing of hip f1exion in forward dives. To gain maximum height, the diver must achieve a high vertical velocity at the initiation of flight by utilising the energy stored in the springboard (Miller & Munro, 1984). To do this the diver tries to minimise the energy absorbed by the muscles following landing from the hurdle and maximise the work done to store additional energy in the springboard whilst depressing the board (Sanders & Wilson, 1988). This is done by minimising eccentric action associated with flexion of the hip, knee and ankle joints after landing from the hurdle and maximising concentric work by extending during depression. Flexion of the hips during recoil of the springboard assists in generating angular momentum but reduces height achieved as the board is unweighted due to accelerating mass towards the board. Thus, hip flexion absorbs energy from the springboard. If the diver flexes late in the recoil phase then much of the springboard energy has already been used to increase vertical velocity and good height would be achieved. On the other hand, if the diver flexes early in the recoil phase then much of the energy would be absorbed and poor height would be achieved. Thus, it is hypothesised that the timing of hip flex ion in high degree of difficulty forward somersault dives affects height achieved in the dive. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between vertical velocity at take-off of high demand rotational dives, and the timing of hip torques prior to the take-off

“I feel happy when I surf because it takes stress from my mind”: An Initial Exploration of Program Theory within Waves for Change Surf Therapy in Post-Conflict Liberia

Surf therapy is a novel form of sport for development (SFD) intervention being utilized to support well-being within post-conflict settings. There is currently little research exploring surf therapy program theory in SFD contexts. Theoretical exploration is important for optimization, monitoring, and further expansion of service delivery. This research utilized pragmatic qualitative methods to explore participant-perceived impacts and outcomes within the Waves for Change (W4C) surf therapy intervention, as implemented in Harper, Liberia, that aims to support youth well-being. Twenty-three past W4C participants (17 males and 6 females, mean age = 15.8 years, SD = 3.6 years, range 11-25 years) took part in semistructured interviews about their experiences of surf therapy. Data were analyzed through constant comparative analysis. Six impacts and outcomes were identified within three intervention domains: Social, Skills Curriculum/Bananas Culture, and Surfing. The findings highlight sport as an adaptable vehicle for improving well-being and skills within successful intervention delivery while providing a foundation for further in-depth exploration of program theory. Furthermore, the findings provide empirical evidence on how to optimize and proliferate surf therapy within other post-conflict settings. The findings also provide transferable conclusions for the improvement of SFD more generally

“I feel happy when I surf because it takes stress from my mind”: An Initial Exploration of Program Theory within Waves for Change Surf Therapy in Post-Conflict Liberia

Surf therapy is a novel form of sport for development (SFD) intervention being utilized to support well-being within post-conflict settings. There is currently little research exploring surf therapy program theory in SFD contexts. Theoretical exploration is important for optimization, monitoring, and further expansion of service delivery. This research utilized pragmatic qualitative methods to explore participant-perceived impacts and outcomes within the Waves for Change (W4C) surf therapy intervention, as implemented in Harper, Liberia, that aims to support youth well-being. Twenty-three past W4C participants (17 males and 6 females, mean age = 15.8 years, SD = 3.6 years, range 11-25 years) took part in semistructured interviews about their experiences of surf therapy. Data were analyzed through constant comparative analysis. Six impacts and outcomes were identified within three intervention domains: Social, Skills Curriculum/Bananas Culture, and Surfing. The findings highlight sport as an adaptable vehicle for improving well-being and skills within successful intervention delivery while providing a foundation for further in-depth exploration of program theory. Furthermore, the findings provide empirical evidence on how to optimize and proliferate surf therapy within other post-conflict settings. The findings also provide transferable conclusions for the improvement of SFD more generally

Translational Applications of Wearable Sensors in Education: Implementation and Efficacy

Background: Adding new approaches to teaching curriculums can be both expensive and complex to learn. The aim of this research was to gain insight into students' literacy and confidence in learning sports science with new wearable technologies, specifically a novel program known as STEMfit. Methods: A three-phase design was carried out, with 36 students participating and exposed to wearable devices and associated software. This was to determine whether the technology hardware (phase one) and associated software (phase two) were used in a positive way that demonstrated user confidence. Results: Hardware included choosing a scalable wearable device that worked in conjunction with familiar and readily available software (Microsoft Excel) that extracted data through VBA coding. This allowed for students to experience and provide survey feedback on the usability and confidence gained when interacting with the STEMfit program. Outcomes indicated strong acceptance of the program, with high levels of motivation, resulting in a positive uptake of wearable technology as a teaching tool by students. The initial finding of this study offers an opportunity to further test the STEMfit program on other student cohorts as well as testing the scalability of the system into other year groups at the university level

“When I was surfing with those guys I was surfing with family.” A Grounded Exploration of Program Theory within the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation Surf Therapy Intervention

Surf therapy is an intervention increasingly being utilized to tackle a range of health inequalities for military veterans. While increasing evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of surf therapy, there has been limited exploration of program theoretical explanations as to how it achieves positive outcomes. Theoretical understanding is important as it allows for service optimization, monitoring and further development. The current study utilized a pragmatic qualitative approach to explore theoretical mediators of the outcomes of Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation (JMMF) surf therapy intervention. JMMF is a California (USA)-based program supporting military veterans facing mental and physical health challenges. Eighteen people who had participated in JMMF interventions (12 males and 6 females; mean age = 42 years; standard deviation = 11 years; range 28-71) were interviewed in depth about their experiences of the surf therapy intervention. Data were analyzed through constant comparative analysis and memo writing in line with pragmatic grounded theory. Two core intervention categories (relating to service delivery) were identified: “Constant challenge tackled at own pace” and “A non-judgmental familial safe space.” A further three individual categories (relating to participants) were identified: “Accomplishment,” “Respite,” and “Social Connections.” One contextualized category was identified; “Physical Therapeutic Elements.” Furthermore, a culture of “Reframing Failure” pervaded every element of the intervention. The findings demonstrated strong links to self-determination and flow theories which suggest potential theoretical frameworks for better understanding of the constructs that underpin surf therapy. The findings provide empirical evidence as to how best to optimize and expand JMMF service delivery in the US and potentially for surf therapy in wider veteran population

A grounded theory exploration of programme theory within waves of wellness surf therapy intervention

ObjectivePoor mental health represents a large proportion of disease burden faced by young Australians, which has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the reluctance of this population to seek support. Surf therapy is a novel form of intervention targeting mental health. The objective of this study was to interrogate programme theory within surf therapy, as delivered by the Waves of Wellness Foundation (WOW) in Australia.Methods and MeasuresThe study utilised grounded theory to understand or develop theoretical mediators for WOW surf therapy based on interviews exploring the experiences of previous intervention participants (n = 16; mean age = 18.4 years, SD = 2.8, range 14–24). Data were analysed through constant comparative analysis.ResultsFive categories emerged from participant data as foundational to WOW programme theory: (a) Safe Space, (b) Social Support, (c) Sensory Grounding, (d) Mastery and (e) Respite. These categories have novel theoretical and practical implications for both surf therapy and wider clinical practice, especially around concepts such as delivering ‘mental health by stealth’ and fostering longer term ‘mental health maintenance’ for participants.ConclusionThe study developed an initial WOW programme theory, highlighting the importance of foundational therapeutic structures beyond simply going surfing

The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phases on Running Repeated Sprint Ability

Female participation in regular sport activities has increased in recent years, yet their representation in sports and exercise science literature remains low. This can be partly attributed to the complexities associated with the menstrual cycle (MC). Despite these challenges, sport and exercise science studies should not ignore the effects of the MC and its hormonal fluctuations on performance and physiological measures. The aim of this study was to compare performance, physiological and perceptual differences when performing a running repeated sprint ability (RSA) exercise during the early-follicular, and mid-luteal sub-phases of the MC. Five healthy, physically active participants (25.4 ± 3.0 years; 1.65 ± 0.1 m; 64.5 ± 18.6 kg; 43.2 ± 5.2 ml O2·kg-1) took part in this study. The participants completed two familiarization and four intervention sessions (twice during each MC sub-phase) of the RSA exercise. The RSA protocol consisted of five ‘all-out’ sprints of six seconds on a non-motorized treadmill with 24 seconds of walking between the sprints. Results indicated no significant differences (p > 0.05) between MC sub-phases in body mass index, fat mass, mean and peak power output, fatigue index for peak power output, distance, peak acceleration, pre-exercise lactate, oxygen uptake, and heart rate. However, significant differences were found in post-exercise lactate (p = 0.04) and rating of perceived exertion (p = 0.001). In conclusion, MC phases do not appear to influence most of the chosen RSA performance indicators thus suggesting that practitioners should not tailor repeated sprint exercises and tests based on the MC phases

The Assessment of Isometric, Dynamic, and Sports-Specific Upper-Body Strength in Male and Female Competitive Surfers

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in the dynamic strength index (DSI): an assessment of upper-body dynamic strength relative to maximal isometric strength. The secondary purpose was to investigate gender differences in the dynamic skill deficit (DSD): an assessment of sports-specific dynamic strength relative to maximal isometric strength, and its association with a sports-specific performance measure in surfers. Nine male (age = 30.3 ± 7.3 yrs) and eight female (age = 25.5 ± 5.2 yrs) surfers undertook three upper-body assessments: isometric push-up, dynamic push-up, and a force plate pop-up to determine the DSI and DSD. The performance measure of time taken to pop-up (TTP) was recorded. No gender differences for the DSI (d = 0.48, p = 0.33) or DSD (d = 0.69, p = 0.32) were observed. Normalized peak force (PF) of the isometric push-up, dynamic push-up, and force plate pop-up were significantly greater in males (p ≤ 0.05), with males recording significantly quicker TTP (d = 1.35, p < 0.05). The results suggest that male and female surfers apply a similar proportion of their maximal strength in sports-specific movements. However, greater normalized isometric and dynamic strength in males resulted in greater sports-specific PF application and a faster TTP. It would appear favorable that female surfers improve their maximal strength to facilitate sports-specific pop-up performanc