The effects of morning preconditioning protocols on testosterone, cortisol and afternoon sprint cycling performance [conference presentation]

Opportunities exist for athletes to undertake morning exercise protocols in an attempt to potentate afternoon performance. Four sub elite track sprint cyclists completed a morning cycling (Cyc) or weights-based protocol (WP) prior to an afternoon cycling time trial (500m) in a repeated measures, counterbalance crossover design. Measured variables included heart rate, blood lactate, cycling peak power, salivary testosterone (T) and cortisol levels along with time trial performance. Standardised differences in means via magnitude-based inferences were calculated using paired samples T-tests in SPSS version 24 with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The WP produced significantly faster times in the final 250m in comparison to CycP. The anticipated circadian decline of T was observed after the CycP but was however mitigated following the WP. While slight decreases in 500m times were experienced during the WP, they were not significant and were considered within the normal variations experienced between performances by elite athletes. The effect of the WP on the circadian rhythm of T could be linked to a greater recruitment of muscle fibres. Results suggest a morning resistance protocol can positively affect testosterone levels for afternoon performance. Possible gender and individual responses from conducting a W over Cyc protocol were observed and require further investigation

The relationship between maturation and athletic motor skills in youth males

The influence of maturation on talent identification and development is often overlooked. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between maturity offset and athletic motor skills and differences between pre-PHV, circa-PHV and post-PHV males

The effectiveness of progressive and traditional coaching strategies to improve sprint and jump performance across varying levels of maturation within a general youth population

Literature pertaining to youth development has identified the importance of understanding the physical, intellectual and emotional needs of adolescents prior to, during, and after their peak height velocity (PHV) period. The purpose of this study was to compare the use of a ‘traditional’ and ‘progressive’ coaching style to train a general male youth population to improve sprint and jump performances whilst assessing enjoyment to comment on long-term application. Maximal sprint times, sprint kinematics, unilateral jump distances and repetitive tuck jump scores were measured alongside anthropometric variables to characterise performance. The results revealed significant (p < 0.05) pre/post differences in anthropometric variables across all maturation groups, and each of the maturational levels displayed a tendency to favor a particular coaching or control condition. Pre-PHV groups responded most effectively to the progressive style of coaching, displaying improvements in horizontal jump performances, and −0.7% to −2.7% improvements in all sprint times, despite also showing the largest increase in tuck jump scores (25.8%). The circa-PHV group produced their greatest improvements in the traditional intervention, as displayed through significant improvements (p < 0.05) in 20-m sprint times and dominant-leg horizontal jump performance, whilst also revealing the greatest deterioration in tuck jump scores (14.2%). Post-PHV displayed the greatest improvements in the control setting, suggesting that the natural benefits gained through adolescent development were greater than the influence of the training interventions. In conclusion, the results suggest that matching coaching strategies and delivery techniques to the period of biological maturation may have implications for both performance and athlete safety

The effectiveness of progressive and traditional coaching strategies to improve iprint and jump performance across varying levels of maturation within a general youth population

Literature pertaining to youth development has identified the importance of understanding the physical, intellectual and emotional needs of adolescent youth. The purpose of this study was to compare the use of a ‘traditional’ and ‘progressive’ coaching style to train a general male youth population to improve sprint and jump performances, whilst assessing enjoyment to comment on long term application. Maximal sprint times, sprint kinematics, unilateral jump distances and repetitive tuck jump scores were measured alongside anthropometric variables to characterise performance. Results revealed significant (p>0.05) pre/post differences in anthropometric variables across all maturation groups, and each of the maturational levels displayed a tendency to favour a particular coaching or control condition. Pre-PHV groups responded most effectively to the progressive style of coaching, displaying improvements in horizontal jump performances, and -0.7 to -2.7% improvements in all sprint times, despite also showing the largest increase in tuck jump scores (25.8%). The circa-PHV group produced their greatest improvements in the traditional intervention, as displayed through significant improvements (p<0.05) in 20m sprint times and dominant-leg horizontal jump performance, whilst also revealing the greatest deterioration in tuck jump scores (14.2%). Post-PHV displayed the greatest improvements in the control setting, suggesting the natural benefits gained through adolescent development were greater than the influence of the training interventions. In conclusion, it is suggested that matching coaching strategies and delivery techniques to the period of biological maturation may have implications for both performance and athlete safety

Relationship between maturation, strength, movement competency and motor skill performance in adolescent males

Despite the limited research available, understanding how maturation, strength and movement skill influence long-term athletic development is crucial when working with young people. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between maturation, strength, movement competency and motor skill performance in young males. One-hundred and ten adolescent males (mean ± SD; age 13.8 ± 0.6 y; height = 165.8 ± 9.4 cm; mass = 57.1 ± 13.9 kg; maturity offset = 0.1 ± 0.9 y) were tested for movement competency (resistance training skills battery, RTSB), strength (isometric midthigh pull, IMTP), speed (10, 20, 30 m sprint), power (horizontal jump, HJ; vertical jump, CMJ; seated medicine ball throw, SMBT) and repeat sprint ability (RSA). Results showed that maturity offset had small correlations with CMJ (r = 0.25), moderate correlations with speed (r = -0.31 to -0.35) and HJ (r = 0.33), and strong correlations with absolute strength (r = 0.70) and SMBT (r = 0.76). Relative strength showed small to large correlations with all motor skill variables (r = 0.27-0.61), whereas absolute strength was significantly correlated with speed, power and RSA (r = 0.29-0.83). The RTSB score showed small to moderate correlations with RSA (r = 0.27) and 20 and 30 m sprint performance (r = -0.34). Relative strength was the strongest predictor for all sprints (adjusted R2 = 0.38-0.40), CMJ (adjusted R2 = 0.16) and RSA (adjusted R2 = 0.27), whereas absolute strength was strongest for HJ and SMBT (adjusted R2 = 0.21 and 0.70, respectively). Maturity offset further explained sprint, CMJ and SMBT performance whereas RTSB did not help predict the performance of any dependent variables. Strength, movement competency and maturity are important considerations for motor skill performance, but strength may be most important and should be developed early on using appropriate training recommendations

Functional movement, maturation and physical performance in youth female netball athletes

Introduction The need to understand how maturation and functional movement relate to physical performance in female netballers is important to aid in the facilitation of their performance enhancement. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between movement competency, maturation and physical performance outcomes of youth female netball players. Methods A cross sectional sample of 8 female senior high school Netball players (Age: 16.4±0.6 y; maturity offset 3.9±0.5y) had their movement competency assessed utilising the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Physical performance tests including speed, agility and both horizontal and vertical bilateral jumps were assessed utilising Netball New Zealand guidelines. Results FMS scores demonstrated a very large (r=0.75) and large (r=0.56) relationship with horizontal Jump and vertical jump respectively. FMS competency was moderately correlated with maturation (r=0.41) and locomotive tasks (r=-0.37 to -0.45). There were trivial to moderate relationships between maturation and physical performance test outcomes. A very large correlation between maturation and vertical jump height (r=0.72) was identified. Discussion The findings demonstrate that aspects of physical performance may be influenced by functional movement ability and maturation. Take Home Message Consideration of strategies that increase functional movement competency may be advantageous in improving physical performance in youth female netball players

The effect of functional movement training on sprint performance in youth males

Introduction Understanding the role biological maturity plays in responsiveness to changes in speed post training may have implications for athlete development programmes. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of functional movement training on sprint performance in youth males. Methods High school youth males were categorised by maturation (pre, circa, or post peak height velocity (PHV)) and allocated to either a 6-week (2 sessions per week) functional movement training group or control group. Forty seven participants completed a 10m sprint assessment pre and post 6-week intervention period. Training consisted of body weight strength and sprint technique activities that were progressively overloaded to induce a training stimulus. Results Relative to the control group the training group netted small to moderate improvements in 10m sprint time post 6-weeks of training for pre PHV (N=8; %change= -2.4, ±2.4%; d=-0.35; p=0.085), circa PHV (N=8; %change= -3.7, ±2.3%; d=-0.78; p=0.012) and post PHV individuals (N=8; %change= -1.8, ±1.1%; d=-0.25; p=0.014). Discussion Within training group responses seem to be sensitive to the maturation status of the individuals. Specifically, training elicited small effects on 10m sprint performance for pre and circa PHV individual’s whereas post PHV individual’s responses were trivial. Take home message A 6-week functional movement training programme consisting of body weight strength and sprint technique activities induces meaningful improvements in sprint performance for youth males circa PHV

An investigation into the impact of coaching strategies with respect to physical and performance characteristics of male youth of varying biological maturation

This thesis will be presented as two standalone experimental chapters which will culminate in a thesis discussion linking the two papers under the overarching concept of maturation in male youth. Chapter 2 is currently under review in ‘Cogent Medicine’, and the intention of Chapter 2 is to identify physical, injury and performance-based differences between maturational groups within a general school-based population of 8 youth. These observed differences within Chapter 2 will then inform the methodology and coaching strategies utilised within Chapter 3, which will investigate the effectiveness of various coaching methods in order to maximise adaptation, motor ability and injury prevention within each maturational group. The outcome of this thesis hopes to inform practitioners as to how they can best implement their training programmes to maximise learning and adaptation across a range of biological maturation levels. Rather than just knowing when training should occur which has been investigated previously, it is hoped this thesis will provide insight into how coaching should occur to maximise learning within this diverse adolescent population. Due to the layout of this thesis with the individual papers, there is an element of content repetition throughout Chapters 1,2,3 and 4 which needs to be acknowledged, although the various contexts provides uniqueness throughout

Does maturation influence functional performance in youth males?

Introduction: Understanding the role biological maturity has on athletic motor skills may have implications for athlete development programmes. The purpose of this study was to identify the influence maturation has on functional performance in youth males. Methods: A cross sectional sample of 97 youth males (Age range 13.2 to 15.7 years old with a maturity offset of -1.0 to 2.6 years) were allocated into either pre, circa, or post PHV maturation groups. Participants performed 20m sprint, unilateral horizontal jump, and a 10s bilateral tuck jump (TJ) assessments. Results: Significant group differences (p<0.01) revealed increased maturation status positively influenced speed performances (ES = 0.64 to 1.03) but not jump performances. Associations between speed performances and horizontal jump performances were large to very large (r=-0.67 to -0.74). Discussion: Maturation status appears to influence speed especially over 10m and 20m but not initial acceleration or jump capability, despite the strong associations between speed and horizontal jump performances. Take home message: It appears there is a need to consider biological maturity when determining speed characteristics in male youths

The biomechanics of standing start and initial acceleration: Reliability of the key determining kinematics

The reliability of the key determining kinematic variables associated with short sprint performance provide insight into how and why movement may vary between individual trials. Currently, literature surrounding these determinants is scarce when investigating the first three strides of a sprint. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of sprint acceleration and the key kinematic determinants involved during the first three steps of the movement. The aim was to use a practical method of kinematic analysis to help explain why changes may occur in sprint performance via the use of correlative statistics and to provide reference values for intervention research to make conclusions about their change scores. Ten male volunteers from various team sports attended two separate testing sessions, a minimum of 48 hours apart. They performed three maximal sprint trials over a 10m distance from a standing start, where researchers captured 5m and 10m sprint times alongside high speed camera footage, from which the key kinematic variables were measured. Results demonstrated that although 5m and 10m sprint times depicted moderate to large levels of similarity between sessions, neither of these variables met the criteria to be classified as adequately, or highly reliable. Kinematic measures typically produced ICC values > 0.70 and CV% < 10%, demonstrating all relevant statistical traits to be categorised as reliable measures. Step frequency and flight time during the third step showed the largest correlation with performance, exhibiting ‘r’ values of -0.386 and 0.396, respectively. These findings demonstrate that kinematic variables may not have an influential role with sprint times; therefore suggesting kinetic concepts may in fact be the key determinants of speed. Future research is required investigating the interaction of kinetic and kinematic variables associated with sprinting and how the variability in these concepts effects the reliability of performance