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This survey sought to establish current use, knowledge and perceptions of cold-water immersion (CWI) when used for recovery. 111 athletes, coaches and support practitioners completed the anonymous online survey, answering questions about their current CWI protocols, perceptions of benefits associated with CWI and knowledge of controlling mechanisms. Respondents were largely involved in elite sport at international, national and club level, with many having used CWI previously (86%) and finding its use beneficial for recovery (78%). Protocols differed, with the duration of immersion one aspect that failed to align with recommendations in the scientific literature. Whilst many respondents were aware of benefits associated with CWI, there remains some confusion. There also seems to be a gap in mechanistic knowledge, where respondents are aware of benefits associated with CWI, but failed to identify the underlying mechanisms. This identifies the need for an improved method of knowledge transfer between scientific and applied practice communities. Moreover, data herein emphasises the important role of the 'support practitioner' as respondents in this role tended to favour CWI protocols more aligned to recommendations within the literature. With a significant number of respondents claiming they were made aware of CWI for recovery through a colleague (43%), the importance of knowledge transfer and context being appropriately applied to data is as important as ever. With the firm belief that CWI is useful for recovery in sport, the focus should now be on investigating the psychophysiological interaction and correct use of this methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This two-experiment study aimed to examine (1) the accuracy and reliability of repetitions-in-reserve and (2) using a randomized trial, the efficacy of repetition-in-reserve compared to traditional percentage-based training during a 4-week pre-season strength training block in elite rugby league players. Methods: In experiment 1, participants performed deadlift, bench press and weighted pull up exercises for 3, 6, and 9 repetitions to failure using self-selected loads. This was undertaken on two occasions, separated by 8-weeks. In experiment 2, participants were randomly separated into either repetitions-in-reserve or percentage-based training groups. They completed a 4-week pre-season training block with training prescribed based on the group to which they were assigned. Measures of body mass and 3 repetition max strength in the aforementioned exercises were measured pre and post intervention. Results: Experiment 1 showed that repetitions-in-reserve exhibited generally acceptable levels of accuracy and moderate-good levels of reliability. However, the deadlift when the required number of repetitions was 6 and 9 and the bench press when number of repetitions was 9 were not associated with acceptable levels of accuracy and reliability, respectively. Experiment 2 showed that there were no differences between repetitions-in-reserve or percentage-based training group for the strength outcomes, although there were significant increases in body mass in the percentage-based group (pre = 85.6 ± 10.6 kg, post = 86.4 ± 10.8 kg). Conclusion: Repetitions-in-reserve is generally associated with acceptable levels of accuracy and moderate-good levels of reliability, although there were some exceptions for the deadlift in relation to accuracy and bench press for reliability. Experiment 2 shows that although there were no differences between groups for the strength-based outcomes, significant increases in body mass in the percentage-based group may make this approach a more effective approach to prepare players for the rigors of the rugby league season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the current investigation was to comparatively examine the effects of knee wraps/sleeves on kinetics, three-dimensional kinematics and muscle forces during the barbell back squat. Methods: Fifteen male lifters completed squats at 70% of their 1 repetition maximum, in four different conditions (nothing, competition knee wrap, training knee wrap and knee sleeve). Three-dimensional kinematics were measured using an eight-camera motion analysis system, ground reaction forces using a force platform and muscle forces using musculoskeletal modelling techniques. Differences between conditions were examined using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The results showed that the integral of the quadriceps (nothing = 58.30, competition = 51.87 and training wrap = 53.33 N/kg s), hamstring (nothing = 39.01, competition = 35.61 and training wrap = 33.97 N/kg s), gluteus maximus (nothing = 24.29, competition = 22.22 and training wrap = 21.03 N/kg s), gastrocnemius (nothing = 7.25, competition = 5.97 and training wrap = 6.39 N/kg s) and soleus muscles (nothing = 15.49, competition = 12.75 and training wrap = 13.64 N/kg s) during the ascent phase was significantly greater in the nothing condition compared to both knee wraps. In addition, whilst knee wraps and knee sleeves significantly improved perceived knee stability, perceived comfort was significantly reduced in the knee wraps and improved in the knee sleeve. Conclusions: Taking into account the reduced muscle kinetics, knee wraps may diminish lower extremity muscle development. Therefore, knee sleeves may be more efficacious for athletes who regularly utilise the back squat for their training goals, although further longitudinal analyses are required before this can be fully established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of prophylactic knee bracing on patellar tendon loading parameters.Methods: Twenty recreational athletes (10 male and 10 female) from different athletic disciplines performed run, cut and single leg hop movements under two conditions (prophylactic knee brace/no-brace). Lower extremity kinetics and kinematics were examined using a piezoelectric force plate and three-dimensional motion capture system. Patellar tendon loading was explored using a mathematical modelling approach, which accounted for co-contraction of the knee flexors. Tendon loading parameters were examined using 2 (brace) × 3 (movement) × 2 (sex) mixed ANOVAs.Results: Tendon instantaneous load rate was significantly reduced in female athletes in the run (brace 289.14 BW/s no-brace 370.06 BW/s) and cut (brace 353.17 BW/s/no-brace 422.01 BW/s) conditions whilst wearing the brace.Conclusions: Female athletes may be able to attenuate their risk from patellar tendinopathy during athletic movements, through utilization of knee bracing, although further prospective research into the prophylactic effects of knee bracing is required before this can be clinically substantiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the current investigation was to utilize a musculoskeletal simulation approach to resolve muscle forces during the pedal cycle, to specifically examine the effects of chainring geometry on patellofemoral loading during cycling.Methods: 15 healthy male recreational cyclists rode a stationary cycle ergometer at a fixed cadence of 70 RPM in two chainring conditions (round and oval). Patellofemoral loading was explored using a musculoskeletal simulation and mathematical modeling approach. Differences between chainring conditions across the entire pedal cycle were examined using one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping, and patellofemoral force experienced per 20 km was explored using a paired samples t test.Results: No significant (P > 0.05) differences in patellofemoral force or stress were found throughout the pedal cycle between chainring conditions. It was also shown that no significant (P > 0.05) differences in patellofemoral force per 20-km joint were evident (round 38,576.40 N/kg s and oval = 35,637.00 N/kg s).Conclusions: The current analysis found no effects of chainring geometry, on the forces experienced by the patellofemoral joint during the pedal cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]