Effect of individual environmental heat stress variables on training and recovery in professional team sport

Context: Exercise in hot environments increases body temperature and thermoregulatory strain. However, little is known regarding the magnitude of effect that ambient temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH), and solar radiation individually have on team-sport athletes. Purpose: To determine the effect of these individual heat-stress variables on team-sport training performance and recovery. Methods: Professional Australian Rules Football players (N = 45) undertook 8-wk preseason training producing a total of 579 outdoor field-based observations with Ta, RH, and solar radiation recorded at every training session. External load (distance covered, in m/min; percentage high-speed running [%HSR] >14.4 km/h) was collected via a global positioning system. Internal load (ratings of perceived exertion and heart rate) and recovery (subjective ratings of well-being and heart-rate variability [root mean square of the successive differences]) were monitored throughout the training period. Mixed-effects linear models analyzed relationships between variables using standardized regression coefficients. Results: Increased solar-radiation exposure was associated with reduced distance covered (−19.7 m/min, P 85% HRmax (3.9%, P a was associated with increased distance covered (19.7 m/min, P < .001) and %HSR (3.5%, P = .005). Conclusions: The authors show the importance of considering the individual factors contributing to thermal load in isolation for team-sport athletes and that solar radiation and RH reduce work capacity during team-sport training and have the potential to slow recovery between sessions.</p

Exercise and the treatment of depression: A review of the exercise program variables

Stanton, R ORCiD: 0000-0002-6684-5087There is growing interest in the use of exercise in the treatment of depression. A number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated a reduction in depressive symptoms with both aerobic and non-aerobic exercise interventions. This has been supported in a number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. However, the heterogeneous nature of the exercise intervention trials makes determining the appropriate program variables (frequency, intensity, duration and type of exercise) difficult. Design: A systematic review was undertaken on all RCTs reporting a significant treatment effect of exercise in the treatment of depression. Methods: Studies were analyzed for exercise frequency, intensity, session duration, exercise type, exercise mode, intervention duration, delivery of exercise, level and quality of supervision and compliance. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: Five RCTs published since 2007 met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently analyzed. Most programs were performed three times weekly and of moderate intensity. All included trials used aerobic exercise, either treadmill or outdoor walking, stationary cycle or elliptical cross trainer exercise. Intervention duration ranged from four to twelve weeks. Both group and individual programs were shown to be effective in lowering the symptoms of depression. Some level of supervision is recommended. Conclusions: There is evidence for the use supervised aerobic exercise, undertaken three times weekly at moderate intensity for a minimum of nine weeks in the treatment of depression. Further research on the manipulation of program variables is warranted

An investigation of work-life conflict in regional Australia : empirical evidence from an Australian regional university

Work-life conflict is a form of inter-role conflict where simultaneous occurrence of role pressure from work and other aspects of life such as family may lead to a conflict situation as compliance with one may limit an individuals' ability to meet the demands of the other domain. The extant research of work-life conflict literature mostly focused on the issues related with non-regional areas. There is scope of research to be conducted among the work-life balance issues in the regional areas. The purpose of this study was to examine work-life conflict experience among academics and general staff of a regional Australian university. The study would therefore explore how total work-hours and associated variables such as strain and social support affect work-life conflict among university employees. Both academic (n=132) and general (administrative) staff members (n=149) completed a web-based survey (Survey Monkey) designed to measure each of the research variables. Total work-hours of academics was significantly greater than those of general staff (48 vs 38 hours) (p<0.05). The result suggests that total work-hours significantly affect work-life conflict experience for both the academics and general staff members. Further analysis reveals that academics experience significantly more (p< 0.05) work-life conflict compared to the general staff members. It was found that there is no significant difference in strain experience between these two cohorts. Finally, the study found that the general staff experienced significantly (p< 0.05) greater level of work related social support. The study recommends practical implications for management of academics in regional university in Australia and guides for future research