Recent publications
Although esports has grown significantly over the past decades with educational programs expanding globally, there is a lack of understanding of the specific areas where students in esports require development, including technical and interpersonal skills essential for success in emerging disciplines. To identify these educational needs in esports and thereby inform future research and educational programs, a Delphi study including global experts was conducted. Using an online survey, 25 experts prioritized educational needs for esports based on existing programs and suggest missing elements. Following this survey, 20 experts joined panel discussions to discuss the survey ranking and reach consensus. The study highlighted "Entrepreneurship and Innovation," "Sport Science and Health," and "Esports Management and Business" as the top three educational needs. Although aspects such as "Technology and IT Skills," "Broadcasting and Journalism," and "Game Design and Development" were ranked lower, the panels stressed the role of every educational need identified within this study and the constant-changing environment, including short-and long-term needs. The findings underline the necessity for evidence-based educational programs to support the esports industry and facilitate the transition from education to employment. Further research is needed to adjust educational pathways to keep up with the evolving esports industry.
With the rise of dance science in ballet, professionals have increasingly focused on exploring advanced training methods. Core stability, an essential component of ballet training, has sparked widespread discussions in the industry. This study is a literature review of the fields of dance, sports science, and anatomy, summarising and analysing research trends in core training, to offer new perspectives on traditional ballet core stability training. Traditional core training methods focus primarily on enhancing abdominal muscle strength. However, this study highlights the limitations and potential risks associated with muscle-centric training. To further investigate the optimal way to achieve core stability, this study integrates anatomical and kinematic theories, proposing that, under the premise of diaphragmatic breathing to establish intra-abdominal pressure, the use of a holistic movement pattern can effectively improve core stability. This study offers theoretical and innovative insights into ballet core training.
Theoretically, the serial measurement of biomarkers to monitor physiological responses to military training could be used to mitigate musculoskeletal injury risk and better understand the recovery status of personnel. To date, the cost and scalability of these initiatives have impeded their uptake by defence organisations. However, advances in technology are increasing the accessibility of a range of health and performance biomarkers. This paper presents a synthesises of findings from the literature and discussions with informed stakeholders to provide contextually relevant advice for future efforts to monitor military personnel, together with key considerations to ensure actionable outcomes from the data captured. The aim of this review is, therefore, twofold; first, to demonstrate how wearable devices and biomarkers have been used in defence research to assess the context-specific, occupational demands placed on personnel; and second, to discuss their potential to monitor military workloads, optimise training programming and understand soldier adaptation to multi-stressor environments.
Sleep hygiene can be defined as practicing habits that facilitate sleep; poor sleep hygiene is common among elite athletes, and improving this can be one way to enhance sleep indices. Given the large inter‐individual variability of sleep, there is a need for further investigation into individualised sleep hygiene for elite female athletes, with consideration for the practical application of the method. Using a self‐controlled time series design with repeated measures, n = 16 professional female footballers completed a 9‐week study during mid‐season. Monitoring of sleep (actigraphy, self‐report) occurred at week 1, 4, 7 and 9—a control period occurred at week 2 and 3, and a subsequent intervention period occurred at weeks 5 and 6. Based on baseline sleep monitoring, media‐based messages were designed with the purpose of giving a singular sleep hygiene message; all participants received these individualised messages daily across the 2‐week intervention period at a standardised time of 8.00 p.m., with the intention of them actioning the sleep hygiene point. One‐way analysis of variance with repeated measures was conducted to assess the differences between control period, intervention period and follow‐up for each measured variable. Significant differences were observed post‐intervention for sleep efficiency (p < 0.001) and sleep latency (p < 0.001), whereas the athlete sleep behaviour questionnaire score significantly improved in the follow‐up period (week 9) post intervention (p = 0.039). This is the first study to present this novel method of individualised sleep hygiene education for elite female athletes and is also the first study to demonstrate the use of sleep hygiene interventions to improve sleep factors for female athletes' mid‐season. This demonstrates a promising, time‐efficient approach to sleep hygiene education, with a potentially wide scope of application, as well as demonstrating there is indeed potential for elite female athletes to gain sleep improvements mid‐season.
The special issue on “Psychology of Esports: Breakdown under Pressure” represents a significant advancement in understanding the psychological aspects of competitive gaming. The collected works explore diverse topics, including mental health, cognitive processes, performance factors, and practical applications in esports. Key findings highlight the high prevalence of mental health issues among professional players, the importance of cognitive training and visual attention, and the impact of communication styles on team performance. Theoretical frameworks are proposed for integrating performance psychology theories and understanding decision-making processes in esports. The research also examines psychophysiological stress responses and motivational factors, influencing performance. Challenges in the field are identified, including the need for more robust theoretical foundations, improved ecological validity, and larger sample sizes. Future directions for research are suggested, emphasizing longitudinal studies, cross-cultural perspectives, and interdisciplinary approaches. The special issue underscores the rapid growth of esports psychology as a field and the critical need for evidence-based practices to support the health, well-being, and performance of esports athletes in an evolving competitive landscape.
Aims : Think aloud (TA) is a tool that has been used in sport and exercise psychology research and applied contexts to understand participants’ cognitions. We aimed to explore applied sport and exercise psychologists (ASEPs’) perceptions of using TA in their applied practice. Method : Following a workshop on TA, 10 ASEPs engaged in semistructured interviews about their experiences of using TA with clients. Data were analyzed via content analysis. Results : TA was used as part of the needs-analysis process and to facilitate reflection and evaluation. The following considerations were highlighted: client factors (e.g., individual differences), consulting factors (i.e., teaching participants how to TA), and the client–consultant relationship (i.e., strength of the working alliance). Conclusion : This is the first study to consider ASEPs’ perspectives on how TA can be used in applied practice, and it offers considerations to ASEPs on the use of TA as a tool in service delivery.
The aim of this study is to explore doctoral students' (DS) perceptions of social practices that contribute to their well‐being. Utilising social practice theory, specifically the framework of social practices as an interplay of ‘materials’, ‘meanings’ and ‘competences’, we examine which social practices enhance DS well‐being and the contexts in which these practices occur. We employ an auto‐photography methodology. Twelve UK‐based DS took photographs of places that relate to their well‐being and participated in interviews to explain their photos. On completing a three‐stage data analytic procedure, our findings show that DS well‐being is shaped by social practices shared between students and supervisors, where informal settings and the significance of place play a crucial role. We demonstrate that such settings, both on and off campus, act as facilitators for the performance of well‐being‐enhancing practices. Instead of solely attributing DS well‐being to micro‐level individual choices or macro‐level institutional factors, as is often conceptualised, we propose that scholars must focus on the dynamic interplay of social practices that shape DS well‐being. By demonstrating how social practices connect micro‐level experiences with macro‐level structures, we provide a deeper understanding of what shapes well‐being and highlight the essential role of place. Understanding these practices can inform targeted interventions and policies, ultimately enhancing well‐being among doctoral students.
Intake of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract for 7 days has been shown to improve high-intensity intermittent running (HIIR) performance. Objectives: We examined the repeat response of NZBC extract on HIIR performance. Methods: Sixteen active males (age: 23 ± 3 yrs, height: 179 ± 5 cm, mass: 79 ± 11 kg, V˙O2max: 55.3 ± 5 mL∙kg⁻¹∙min⁻¹, velocity at V˙O2max: 17.2 ± 0.8 km∙h⁻¹, mean ± SD) participated. Familiarized subjects completed the HIIR test at individualized exercise intensities with stages consisting of six 19 s high-intensity running bouts interspersed by 15 s of low-intensity running and 1 min of inter-stage rest. The test was repeated at increasing speeds until exhaustion, under four conditions; two with a daily dose of 600 mg of NZBC extract (CurraNZ™, providing 210 mg anthocyanins) and two with a placebo, each over 7 days. The study used a double-blind, randomized, cross-over design with a wash-out period of at least 14 days. Results: For the cohort, there were no differences between the placebo and NZBC conditions for mean heart rate (p = 0.071), mean oxygen uptake (p = 0.713), and mean lactate (p = 0.121) at exhaustion for the HIIR. The NZBC extract increased the mean total running distance and mean high-intensity running distance by 7.9% and 8.0% compared to the placebo. With NZBC extract, 8 of the 16 participants (50%) enhanced in both trials beyond the smallest worthwhile change for total running distance (≥173 m) and high-intensity running distance (≥111 m). For repeated responders, total running distance and high-intensity running distance was increased by 16.7% (95% CI [11.0, 22.4%] and 16.6% (95% CI [11.0, 22.2%]. Three participants had enhanced running performance in one trial beyond the SWC, and five participants were considered non-responders. Conclusions: This is the first study on the repeated response by an anthocyanin-rich supplement on high-intensity running performance. New Zealand blackcurrant extract can substantially enhance intermittent high-intensity running performance in consistent responders. Future work should examine dosing strategies of New Zealand blackcurrant, and whether a repeated response rate exceeding 50% can be attained. These findings suggest that NZBC extract could be beneficial for athletes participating in high-intensity team sports.
British Army basic training (BT) and initial trade training (ITT) enable personnel to develop role‐related physical capability to perform in‐service job‐roles. The study aimed to compare physical performance of trainees (completing ITT) and trained soldiers, on a series of gym‐based fitness tests and representative military tasks. A total of 316 British Army personnel [68 trainees (63 men: 22 ± 3 years, 71.6 ± 8.4 kg and 1.74 ± 0.07 m) and 248 trained soldiers (225 men: 27 ± 6 years, 78.7 ± 12.7 kg and 1.76 ± 0.08 m)] completed two sessions. Session 1; body mass, stature, age and gym‐based tests (2 km run, broad jump, seated medicine ball throw, hex bar deadlift, 100 m shuttle sprints, pull‐ups and mid‐thigh pull). Session 2; representative military tasks (loaded carriage [stage 1, 4 km, 35–40 kg and 4.8 km h⁻¹ fixed pace and stage 2, 2 km, 20–25 kg and individual best‐effort speed], tactical movement, casualty drag, stretcher carry, vertical lift, repeated carry and incremental lift). Independent sample t‐tests were employed to examine group differences. Compared to trainees, trained soldiers were older (p < 0.001), heavier (p < 0.001) and scored higher on broad jump (p = 0.024), medicine ball throw (p = 0.007) and mid‐thigh pull (p = 0.048), but were slower on 2 km run (p = 0.047), loaded carriage (p < 0.019), tactical movement (p < 0.001) and casualty drag (p < 0.001). Overall, trainees achieve higher scores on aerobic/anaerobic tests, whereas trained soldiers outperform trainees in strength/power‐based tests. Although a cross‐sectional comparison does not provide strong evidence, the results may indicate that cardiovascular fitness is developed during BT, whereas muscle strength/power develops post BT/ITT. These findings would need confirming by a longitudinal study and could inform the development/management of role‐related fitness during BT, ITT and through career.
While physical activity generally declines in middle‐aged adults, group exercise participation among 40‐64‐year‐old is increasing. This rise may be due to the accessibility of online group exercise formats and their ability to reflect members' identities. This research explores how social identification processes facilitate participation in Zwift, an online group exercise platform. Seventeen Zwift participants aged 40–64 were recruited for three data collection stages: (1) an initial semi‐structured interview on exercise history and Zwift usage; (2) a two‐week post‐exercise diary capturing social identification experiences; and (3) a follow‐up interview to discuss topics from the first two stages. Data were analysed using abductive thematic analysis. Zwift supports three levels of social identity abstraction: (1) Identity Continuity, maintaining a cyclist identity through online cycling; (2) A Compatible New Identity as a Zwifter, formed through group interaction and social support; and (3) New Group Membership, developed through in‐team belonging, recognition, and social status. Mid‐life is a period of transition and identity change. Findings in this study suggest four ways that online platforms could facilitate social identification within online exercise platforms, namely (a) empower selection via perceived life‐stage similarity and age, (b) enable ‘digital proximity’ via text chat and participant on‐screen avatars, (c) enable the common fate of shared real‐time exercise experiences, and (d) facilitate interaction and belonging via a pre and post‐exercise ‘digital clubhouse’ via a social media page.
Substance addiction can be considered a form of social injustice grounded in interactions between individual, family and community‐level risk factors. Although prevention and treatment of substance use disorder is a key target of the United Nations sustainable development goal Good Health and Well‐Being, many low‐and‐middle‐income countries lack a culturally validated approach for its management. We contend that a resilience approach may provide a sound basis from which to develop such an approach in non‐western, low‐resource settings. Hence, the aim of this study is to identify factors supporting resilience for recovery from substance addiction in the lived experience of young adults in Assam, India. We used photo‐led interviews to centre the lived experience of young adult addicts‐in‐recovery (11 men, 5 women; 19–24 years) recruited through two rehabilitation services and their networks. Reflexive thematic analysis of the data produced three clusters of themes: (i) precursors to recovery; (ii) repairing relationships; and, (iii) structuring a life of recovery. Findings are discussed and potential areas for intervention are identified to support a multi‐level, culturally informed, community‐driven approach to recovery from substance addiction.
The transportation industry, followed by the energy sector, emits the highest amount of carbon, which negatively impacts the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and slows down the 2050 Net-Zero target. In the UK, 78% of every household owns at least one car, thus worsening the carbon footprint statistics, including the health risks associated with the frequent use of cars. Braking of such vehicles loses the kinetic energy environment. Sustainable transport, such as cycling on pedal bicycles, can be strenuous, leading to exhaustion, fainting, accidents, or deaths. Electric-powered bicycles (or E-bikes) can mitigate these problems as the users can engage in moderate exercise void of the risks above. However, E-bikes expend the energy stored in batteries and may not suffice for distant travel. Regenerative electric braking (REB) in E-bikes can store the would-have-lost braking energy in supercapacitors to extend the travel range, battery life and efficiency. Our experimental study shows a 4.14% net gain in energy efficiency when supercapacitors are used with REB. On top of that, we show that a lightweight, low-volume REB system could be constructed at a low cost, showing that future E-bikes with a similar system could be financially viable.
Introduction
Many patients with obesity experience knee pain. Excess body weight is a modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) and weight loss is encouraged in patients with OA. Bariatric surgery could improve or limit the progression of these conditions through significant weight loss. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) is a validated tool in the assessment of knee replacement surgery for OA. We present a novel application of the OKS to assess knee pain & function after weight loss surgery. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether there was a significant difference in mean OKS before and 24 months after weight loss surgery.
Method
Eighteen female participants were included in this study. They underwent sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Patient demographics, body mass index (BMI) and OKS were collected pre- and 24 months post operatively.
Result
There was an increase in the mean OKS from 31.8 (SD 11.8) pre surgery to 36.6 (SD 12.3) at 24 months. This was statistically significant (95% CI 0.99-10.5, p=0.02). Mean BMI reduced from 46.6 kg/m ² (SD 5.8) to 33.0 kg/m ² (SD 3.5).
Conclusion
A significant improvement in mean OKS was seen after weight loss surgery. These findings demonstrate an improvement in knee pain & function with weight loss. This study contributes to a larger project evaluating the kinetic and kinematic changes to walking gait from weight loss.
Introduction
Weight is a modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Despite the emphasis on weight loss, data quantifying the changes seen in joint biomechanics are limited. Bariatric surgery patients experience rapid weight loss. This provides a suitable population to study changes in joint forces and function as weight changes.
Method
10 female patients undergoing gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy completed 3D walking gait analysis at a self-selected pace, pre- and 6 months post-surgery. Lower limb and torso kinematic data for 10 walking trials were collected using a Vicon motion capture system and kinetics using a Kistler force plate. An inverse kinematic model in Visual 3D allowed for no translation of the hip joint centre. 6 degrees of freedom were allowed at other joints. Data were analysed using JASP with a paired samples t-test.
Result
On average participants lost 28.8±7.60kg. No significant changes were observed in standing knee and hip joint angles. Walking velocity increased from 1.10±0.11 ms ⁻¹ to 1.23±0.17 ms ⁻¹ (t(9)=-3.060, p = 0.014) with no change in step time but a mean increase in stride length of 0.12m (SE: 0.026m; t(9)=-4.476, p = 0.002). A significant decrease of 21.5±4.2% in peak vertical ground reaction forces was observed (t(9)=12.863, p <0.001). Stride width significantly decreased by 0.04m (SE: 0.010m; t(9)=4.316, p = 0.002) along with a decrease in lateral impulse of 21.2Ns (SE: 6.977Ns; t(7), p = 0.019), but no significant difference in knee joint angles were observed. Double limb support time also significantly reduced by 0.02s (SE: 0.006s; t(9) = 3.639, p=0.005)
Conclusion
The reduction in stance width and lateral impulse suggests a more sagittal compass-gait walk is being achieved. This would reduce valgus moments on the knee reducing loading in the medial compartment. The reduction in peak ground reaction force would reduce knee contact forces and again potentially slow OA progression.
This article examines the need and types of support for children with a parent in prison, the measures in place to know who they are and the consequences of associated policies for their development. These are discussed within a cultural‐historical child development framework and, within that, questions are raised about optimal development and children's rights. The article is grounded in a mixed‐methods study of a support service for children of prisoners in Worcestershire. Parental imprisonment can impact negatively on societal, institutional and personal aspects of children's development. However, when children are supported through family‐centred, relationship‐focused, strengths‐based services, they can engage more fully in the institutions and social situations of their daily lives.
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