Search

Scaling, to remove the effects of body size, is an important methodological approach for enabling an equitable comparison of performance differences between individuals who vary in anthropometric characteristics. Many previous studies using scaling in sport have done so based on only one or two anthropometric characteristics, with only one study to date adopting a three‐dimensional approach. To apply a three‐dimensional allometric model to rowing ergometer performance (REP) in adolescents, and to detect whether key 'scaling' parameters remain stable when scaling REP both before and after a 6‐week training intervention. Novel three‐dimensional allometric models were used, incorporating body mass, stature and waist circumference (WC) to detect the most appropriate body size dimension(s) and scaling parameters associated with REP before and after a 6‐week training intervention. Using this more flexible and sensitive three‐dimensional allometry demonstrated that, following 6‐weeks of training, there was a change in the ideal body shape associated with REP. Before training, taller, but not heavier, adolescents performed better. After 6‐weeks of training, older participants with a greater body mass but smaller WC performed better. Scaling approaches are important for evaluating performance differences between individuals of differing body size. The findings from the current study (using a novel three‐dimensional allometry approach) emphasise that relatively subtle changes in individuals' behavioural characteristics, such as changes in their training/fitness status, can result in quite dramatic changes in the body dimension characteristics and scaling parameters deemed to be key for performance in activities such as REP. Highlights: This study examined three‐dimensional allometric models of rowing ergometer performance (REP) before and after a 6‐week rowing training intervention.At baseline, stature was the most important determinant of REP.Following a 6‐week training intervention, the three‐dimensional allometric model revealed a positive effect of body mass and negative effect of waist circumference on REP.These findings highlight that allometric models are sensitive to changes over time, even in response to a relatively modest 6‐week training intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The efficacy of structured physical exercise (SPE) has been examined in empirical studies to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This review aimed (i) to systematically review and quantify the effects of SPE on ADHD symptomology and executive function (primary outcomes) and on physical health, physical fitness and mental health issues (secondary outcomes) in children/adolescents with ADHD; (ii) to evaluate the study quality and explore moderation of the effects of SPE; and (iii) to summarize the design of SPE interventions. Methods: An extensive literature search in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCOhost was conducted to identify eligible intervention studies for meta‐analysis. A descriptive account of the features of the studies is provided, including assessment of risk/quality (ROB‐2/ROBINS‐I). Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with random effects models to compare post‐intervention effects. Results: A total of 18 studies were included in the review. The majority of the studies examined the effects of SPE lasting for 3–12 weeks. Assessment of bias/quality indicated half of the included studies as high quality. The meta‐analysis (pooled n = 627) revealed that SPE had a positive effect on primary and secondary outcomes, that is, inattention (SMD = −1.79), executive function (SMD = 2.19), physical fitness (SMD = 1.39) and mental health issues (SMD = −0.89). Subgroup analysis showed that long‐term practice of SPE, featured/tailored SPE, non‐Chinese participants, taking methylphenidate and study with low quality had larger effects. Conclusions: There is emerging evidence that SPE is a promising option to enhance symptom management and physical/mental health in children/adolescents with ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prior exertion of self‐control has previously been shown to negatively affect physical performance, yet the effects on complex sporting skill performance have not been examined. Therefore, this study examined whether prior self‐control exertion influences performance on a field hockey task, alongside measuring plasma cortisol concentration and attention as potential mechanisms to explain any effects. Following familiarization, 13 male hockey players (20 ± 1 years) participated in a randomized, order‐balanced, crossover design. For the manipulation of self‐control, participants completed an incongruent (self‐control exertion trial) or a congruent (control trial) Stroop task. Skill performance was assessed using a field hockey skills task. Capillary blood samples, for the determination of plasma cortisol concentration, were taken at baseline, post‐Stroop task, and post‐field hockey skills task. Cognitive tests of attention (RVIP and Flanker tasks) were completed following the field hockey skills task. Participants made more errors in the latter stages of the field hockey skills task following self‐control exertion (trial*time interaction, p = 0.041). Participants also made more errors on the RVIP task following self‐control exertion (p = 0.035); yet the time taken to complete the hockey skills task, performance on the flanker task, and plasma cortisol concentrations were unaffected (all p > 0.05). Overall, these findings suggest that prior self‐control exertion has detrimental effects on subsequent sporting skill performance (more errors made on the field hockey task), which may be explained by poorer sustained attention (lower accuracy on the RVIP task). This suggests that athletes should aim to avoid self‐control exertion before a competitive match to optimize performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An acute bout of endurance exercise in adults stimulates a same‐day anti‐inflammatory response which may affect low‐grade chronic inflammation and insulin resistance and benefit cardio‐metabolic health. The anti‐inflammatory responses to intermittent games‐based exercise and to exercise in young people beyond 2 hours post‐exercise are unknown. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to examine the anti‐inflammatory, glycemic and insulinemic response to games‐based activity in adolescents. Following ethical approval and familiarization, 39 adolescents (12.3 ± 0.7 years) completed an exercise (E) and rested (R) trial in a counterbalanced, randomized crossover design. Following a standardized breakfast, participants completed 1‐hour games‐based activity. Capillary blood samples were taken at baseline, immediately and 1 hour post‐exercise, and 30, 60 and 120 minutes following a standardized lunch. A final blood sample was taken the next morning. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. IL‐6 concentration was higher on day one of the exercise trial (E:3.4 ± 0.4, R:2.7 ± 0.4 pg/mL; P = 0.006), as was the anti‐inflammatory IL‐6:TNF‐α ratio (E:5.53 ± 0.93, R:3.75 ± 0.45; P = 0.027). Levels of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 increased on day two of the exercise trial (E:2.11 ± 0.23, R:1.66 ± 0.16 pg/mL; P = 0.032). Insulin sensitivity was enhanced on the exercise trial with a reduction in iAUC following the standardized lunch (E:2310 ± 834, R:3122 ± 1443 mU/L × 120 minutes; P < 0.001). Games‐based activity stimulated an anti‐inflammatory response up to 24 hours post‐exercise and improved insulin sensitivity in response to a standardized meal in healthy adolescents. These novel findings suggest that games‐based activity is an ecologically valid mode of exercise to elicit beneficial effects on cardio‐metabolic risk factors in young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]