University of Suffolk

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the acute physiological, physical, and technical demands in soccer players during different sided game formats (1v1 to 10v10). The review included studies on soccer players with a competitive or developmental level, focusing on games with at least one comparison of sided formats. Outcomes assessed included physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate, blood lactate), physical demands (e.g., distance, accelerations), and technical actions (e.g., passes). ROBANS-2 and GRADE were used to evaluate the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence. The search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified 2545 records, of which 72 studies were included. Meta-analyses found that 2v2 and 3v3 formats were more physiologically intense, showing higher perceived exertion and blood lactate, with 3v3 also having higher heart rates. The 4v4 and 3v3 formats resulted in greater physical demands compared to 2v2, with increased distance covered at various speeds, though differences were minimal beyond 4v4. Smaller formats promoted ball possession, while 3v3 resulted in more successful shots, dribbles, and passes. In conclusion, smaller-sided games (<3v3) were more physiologically demanding, mid-sized formats (>4v4) increased locomotor demands, and smaller formats improved technical skills, although the findings should be interpreted cautiously due to study limitations.

Background Soccer requires players to cover distances around 10–12 km, with numerous consecutive sprints throughout the 90-min game. As such, aerobic fitness and repeated sprint ability (RSA) are crucial physical qualities for the modern soccer player to cope with the demands of the game. However, a comprehensive and systematic search of aerobic fitness and RSA assessment procedures in elite soccer has yet to be conducted. Objectives The aims of this systematic review were to (1) identify the tests and outcome variables used to assess aerobic fitness and RSA of elite male soccer players, (2) provide normative values for the most common tests of aerobic fitness and RSA across different playing levels, and (3) report the reliability values of these aerobic fitness and RSA tests. Methods A systematic review of the academic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and OVID for studies published until August 2023 was conducted, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were eligible for inclusion if (1) they were original research studies, published in a peer-reviewed journal, and written in English language; (2) they had the primary aim of assessing aerobic fitness and/or RSA; (3) players were male and older than 17 years of age (i.e. mean age of the group); and (4) their playing level was defined as ‘professional’, ‘international’, or ‘elite’. Results For aerobic fitness testing, 124 studies and 35 different tests were identified. Of those, 26 tests (74%) were field-based, whereas only nine (26%) were laboratory-based tests. The incremental treadmill test to exhaustion was the most commonly used aerobic fitness assessment method (56 studies, 45%), with maximal oxygen consumption ($\dot{V}$O2max) (mL/kg/min) being the most prevalent outcome variable (49 studies, 87%). The YYIR1 and YYIR2 were also commonly used tests, identified in 22 (18%) and ten studies (8%), respectively. The most frequently reported outcome variable in both tests was distance in metres, reported in 20 studies (91%) for YYIR1 and in all ten studies (100%) for YYIR2. For RSA testing, 27 studies and 18 different tests were identified. Substantial variability in the identified RSA testing protocols was observed in terms of direction (linear vs. multidirectional), sprint repetitions (6–15), sprint distance (20–40 m), type of recovery (active vs. passive), and recovery duration (10–30 s). The 6 × 40-m shuttle sprint protocol with a 180° change of direction and 20 s passive recovery was the most common RSA test, employed in eight studies (29%). Conclusions This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the testing methods used to assess aerobic fitness and RSA in elite male soccer players. A total of 35 different aerobic fitness tests and 18 RSA tests were identified, highlighting the diversity in methodologies used. The most prevalent aerobic test was the incremental treadmill testing to exhaustion, with a median $\dot{V}$O2max value of 58 mL/kg/min. Field-based tests were preferred due to their practicality, cost-efficiency, and ability to assess multiple athletes simultaneously. A substantial variability in RSA testing protocols was identified in terms of sprint directions, distances, repetitions, and recovery types. Future research should focus on establishing the diagnostic accuracy of the most commonly used aerobic fitness tests to inform their utility in practice and bridge the gap between current testing practices and optimal fitness evaluation.

In this study, 23,084 balls bowled by elite level spin bowlers across six competitions were analysed in order to fulfil two main aims; (1) investigate whether the type of spin bowler presents any tactical advantages and (2) investigate the most effective type of spin bowling variation. The results of logistic regression analyses revealed significant relationships between specific bowler–batter match‐ups and runs conceded (p < 0.001). Specifically, opposing match‐ups where the ball naturally spins away from right‐handed and left‐handed batters were revealed to be a particularly effective strategy at restricting runs conceded. Right‐handed leg‐spin bowlers are revealed to be significantly more likely to take the wickets of right‐handed batters. Results also revealed that the ‘googly’ and ‘carrom ball’ variations are particularly effective at both, restricting runs scored and taking wickets when they are bowled to right‐handed batters (both p < 0.001). Evidence suggests that certain bowler–batter match‐ups present some tactical advantages and should therefore be taken into consideration in T20 cricket. Furthermore, the results also highlight the value of a wrist spinner capable of bowling ‘googly’ or ‘carrom ball’ variations. The findings of this study could potentially influence team selection, strategies, recruitment policy and general coaching practice.

Background Motor neurone disease (MND) results in complex and disabling symptoms that give rise to significant and challenging care needs. While much of the care required is typically provided by the partner of the individual who has been diagnosed with MND, there are few studies that have investigated the impact of MND on the couple’s relationship. Objectives To establish the current state of the research literature examining the impact of MND on the couple’s relationship. Methods A scoping review was undertaken with thematic analysis used to synthesize the data. Results The scoping review identified 15 studies that were thematically analyzed to identify prominent themes. The following 5 themes were identified: adjusting to new roles; changes in communication and values; spouse well-being and health; and changes to social relationships and intimacy changes. Significance of results This scoping review highlighted the impact of the MND trajectory on the couple’s relationship overall and on key areas of couple communication and functioning. These areas can be used to guide the development of interventions and services that are tailored to the needs of couple relationships. Further understanding of the factors impacting the couple’s relationship on the MND journey and how to navigate these factors is critically warranted.

Smart farming leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address modern agricultural sustainability challenges. This study investigates the application of machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and time series analysis in agriculture through a systematic literature review following the PRISMA methodology. The review highlights the critical roles of ML and DL techniques in optimizing agricultural processes, such as crop selection, yield prediction, soil compatibility classification, and water management. ML algorithms facilitate tasks like crop selection and soil fertility classification, while DL techniques contribute to forecasting crop production and commodity prices. Additionally, time series analysis is employed for demand forecasting of crops, commodity price prediction, and forecasting crop yield production. The focus of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of ML and DL techniques within the farming industry. Utilizing crop datasets, ML algorithms are instrumental in classifying soil fertility, crop selection, and various other aspects. DL algorithms, when applied to farming data, enable effective time series analysis and crop selection. By synthesizing the integration of these technologies, this review underscores their potential to enhance decision-making in agriculture and mitigate food scarcity challenges in the future.

The Czech version of the Social Support Survey Instrument (CZ-SSSI) was developed and validated to assess social support among postpartum women, a crucial factor in mitigating mental health challenges during the perinatal period. This cross-sectional study recruited 486 Czech postpartum women via online platforms focused on motherhood and childcare. The CZ-SSSI was translated using a forward and backward method, with psychometric validation conducted through confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency testing (Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s Omega), and validity assessments using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The results demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.9 across subscales), confirming the robustness of the four-factor model. Convergent validity was established through significant correlations with mental health measures, and the instrument effectively distinguished between groups with differing levels of depression and infant health status. The CZ-SSSI is a reliable and valid tool for assessing postpartum social support, with potential applications in both clinical assessment and perinatal mental health research. By providing a standardized measure, this instrument can contribute to a better understanding of the role of social support in postpartum well-being and inform targeted interventions to support maternal mental health.

Flagship species are used to promote conservation and tourism. Africa's famous ‘Big five’ have become marketing flagships that fundraisers and tourism promoters emulate globally. Species can be selected systematically for marketing using characteristics such as colour, size or behaviour, but this approach can overlook unique animals or homogenise selections. Alternatively, polling the public can reveal existing preferences for animals directly. We used questionnaires with tourists in the Peruvian Amazon to identify existing biases for species and rank them for suitability for tourism and conservation marketing. Polling revealed several species that would not be considered good flagship candidates using systematic methods based on species characteristics. ‘Free listing’ tourists expressed preferences at inconsistent taxonomic levels. The response ‘monkeys’ (infraorder Simiiformes) was highest ranked, followed by ‘jaguar’ (Panthera onca), ‘Amazon dolphin’ (Inia geoffrensis), ‘sloths’ (suborder Folivora), and ‘caiman’ (subfamily Caimaninae) and ‘birds’ (class Aves). When ranking from a preselected shortlist, jaguar, Amazon dolphins and sloths (represented by Bradypus variegatus) remained popular, while vote splitting within higher taxonomic levels, in particular monkeys, made room for green‐winged macaw (Ara chloropterus) and anaconda (Eunectes murinus). When asked about their willingness to pay for excursions or donate to conservation, tourists were overwhelmingly more likely to quote larger figures for jaguars than any other species, but results for other species were more homogenous. Some popular taxonomic groups are diverse in Amazonia; up to 14 monkey species may be present at some sites Amazonia, alongside several hundred bird species. A Big five strategy obscures this diversity. Using physical characteristics as selection criteria underplays diversity and overlooks popular taxa—notably sloths for the Amazon. A strategy of polling the public to select popular species as flagships more directly identifies salient species for marketing and efficiently considers existing biases. However, diversity will trump a Big five approach in megadiverse areas.

Purpose: Confirmation bias, a cognitive phenomenon deeply ingrained in human thinking, shapes our perception of reality. It leads individuals to favor information that aligns with their preexisting beliefs while dismissing or undervaluing the contrary evidence. In sport science, where precision and evidence-based practices are critical aspects to optimize performance, confirmation bias can decisively impact decision-making processes. In this context, practitioners rely on both objective and subjective data to be interpreted to enhance athletic performance. However, confirmation bias introduces a subtle yet powerful distortion, which is difficult to control and quantify. We usually believe that our observations can justify expectations or predictions about future observations, as well as broader generalizations beyond what we have directly observed-inductive inferences. Researchers and practitioners may therefore unknowingly seek out evidence that confirms their beliefs, inadvertently overlooking alternative viewpoints and interpretations. Conclusions: This paper explores the concept of confirmation bias in sport science, providing practical examples in the contexts of testing, training, and monitoring. By understanding how confirmation bias operates (ie, heuristic of decision making), we may develop strategies to mitigate its effects and promote more accurate and effective decision making in sport science (eg, performance).

Aims Investigate the perception of male accessibility to the fields of nursing practice by those studying or teaching nursing in England. Design Cross‐sectional survey. Methods Online questionnaire with three closed‐scale questions and two open‐text questions designed to elicit perceptions on the accessibility of men to the fields of nursing practice. The questionnaire was distributed to the staff and students at 61 nursing schools in England. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the closed questions data and inductive content analysis was used to analyse open‐text questions data. Results Students (n = 52) and staff (n = 51) responded to the survey. Adult (Mdn = 6, IQR = 2) and mental health (Mdn = 6, IQR = 2) were perceived as the most accessible fields of nursing practice to men, and child (Mdn = 4, IQR = 2) the least. Specialised practice areas in acute and emergency (Mdn = 6, IQR = 2), education (Mdn = 6, IQR = 2), leadership (Mdn = 7, IQR = 1), prison services (Mdn = 7, IQR = 1), and research (Mdn = 7, IQR = 2) were rated the most accessible to men and neonatal care (Mdn = 3, IQR = 3) the least. Societal stereotyping and stigma were seen as barriers to men entering the nursing profession. The perception that nursing is a feminised profession persists and a distrust of men is associated with child nursing. Men were viewed as progressing to leadership roles with greater ease than women. Conclusion Societal level stereotyping and stigma are perceived as prevalent in nursing practice areas considered less accessible to men entering the nursing profession. Impact This study adds insight into the gendered nature of nursing and highlights the barriers to men entering a profession with a workforce crisis. Reporting Methods STROBE cross‐sectional studies guidelines. COREQ guidelines for content analysis. Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public contribution.

Considering the great popularity of eccentric-based training, the purpose of this review is to first provide the scientific rationale for its use; second, summarize the eccentric-based training modalities that can be used; and finally, offer practical recommendations on how to implement eccentric-based modalities to enhance sports performance. The molecular and neural mechanisms underlying eccentric actions are partially distinct from those of concentric and isometric actions. During eccentric actions, theories suggest a strain-induced modulation of actin-myosin interactions at the cross-bridge level, activation of structural protein titin, and winding of titin on actin. Eccentric acute physiological responses differ from concentric exercise responses, including variations in neuromuscular, metabolic, hormonal, and anabolic signaling. Eccentric training elicits greater improvements in muscle strength, power, and stretch-shortening cycle function compared with concentric-only or traditional resistance training. Therefore, eccentric-based training can lead to unique neuromuscular (e.g., improved coordination of motor units) and morphological (e.g., increased muscle fascicle length and enhanced distal cross-sectional area) adaptations that could play a key role in sport performance. Practitioners may implement eccentric exercises with external loads, fully eccentric-based exercises (e.g., Nordic hamstring curl), accentuated eccentric loading, flywheel resistance exercise, and plyometrics to develop specific physical adaptations in line with their goals. Eccentric work (e.g., for hamstrings) can be obtained during other exercises such as downhill running tasks, decelerations, and sprinting activities. Practitioners need to be aware that no single “silver bullet” training modality exists; consequently, practitioners should use a combination of eccentric-based training approaches with their athletes to obtain the desired adaptations.

This paper poses an important challenge to the growing trend of strategic environmental litigation in the EU: when making strategic choices about bringing, framing, and litigating claims, what becomes more important—being heard through strategically critical procedural choices or being true through ensuring that rights holders and the environment remain at the forefront of decision-making? There are many legal hurdles to bringing environmental claims and it is possible that the voice of the environment and those most adversely affected by its degradation is lost in the strategic legal decision-making. This study uses a small number unstructured scoping interviews with practitioners active in bringing litigation to the CJEU to inductively analyse voice and representation in strategic environmental litigation. This initial research indicates that there are areas which should be further explored. First, all of the practitioners brought up the issue of access to resources. This raises concerns about potential elitism. Second, practitioners highlighted that there are numerous strategic choices made during case selection and framing which could affect how voices are heard. Finally, practitioners felt strongly that admissibility rules have a negative impact on claimants’ voices. Challenges in legal standing and establishing individual harm or direct concern have an enormous impact on what claims are heard and how they are heard.

This chapter explores how Otherness has been constructed in right-wing political discourses in Poland. Using critical discourse analysis, the authors examine how the former government, with previously ruling Law and Justice party (PiS), has framed people on-the-move at the Polish-Belarusian border, mainly from the Middle East and Africa, as a threat to the Polish nation and the EU. The chapter focuses on the interplay of ethnicity, religion and gender in shaping these narratives, noting that Poland's position as part of the European periphery and its history of emigration and immigration contribute to these dynamics. This chapter sheds light on the multifaceted processes underpinning the construction of Otherness through the right-wing political discourses.

This chapter will discuss the use of technology in the Block. It will consider how the embedded use of the Learning Management System (LMS), and a range of learning technologies can enhance the experience and potentially mitigate some of the potential challenges a move to the Block may create.

Despite extensive research into how best to support bereaved people, little empirical evidence is available exploring how bereaved people themselves can shape the technology designed to provide this support. This significant gap highlights the need for both end-user involvement and a user-centred approach in the design and development of digital grief services. In order to do so however, first we need to learn about how bereaved people use digital services when bereaved, which is the focus of this article. Adopting a user-centred approach to understand user needs, interview findings show how immediacy, anonymity, and choice over engagement levels play key roles in bereaved people engaging with digital grief services. Though digital technologies are widely used and perceived as beneficial early on in grief, some participants express concern over text-based communications and social media use, including content type and volume, interactions and accessibility. This paper highlights the variability and limitations of technology use to support grief, providing new insights, through a Choice Theory lens, into understanding the needs of bereaved people to inform bereavement service design, and paving the way for a new generation of user-centred grief support services.

Improving outcomes and the integration of diabetes care for adults is a National Health Service ambition. In north east Essex, United Kingdom, an innovative interprofessional community-based diabetes service (North East Essex Diabetes Service (NEEDS)) was developed to provide a single point of access and continuity of care across an integrated, interprofessional care pathway. The aim was to evaluate how NEEDS was embedded into Primary Care, and gain insight into how it works from the perspective of staff delivering the service and from those receiving care. A mixed methods approach was used. Retrospective data from GP surgeries involved in NEEDS were analyzed. Online surveys (n = 21) and focus groups (workforce n = 23; service users n = 6) were conducted. A clear pathway of diabetes care across an integrated, interprofessional care system was demonstrated. Standard care processes and patient outcomes were higher than those recorded for other GP surgeries across England. Service users reported that they received support with more control over their care. The workforce reported a reduction in bureaucracy, blurring of professional boundaries, and thus autonomy to develop the service. The "virtual ward" provided a true interprofessional team approach. Patients and the workforce reported feeling empowered, demonstrating a holistic high-quality approach to patient care.

Introduction News reporting of suicide can have a significant influence on suicidal behaviour in the general population, especially following the death of a well-known individual. By comparison, the impact of reporting on suicides at well-known, ‘high-frequency’ locations is less well understood. We investigated the relationship between news coverage of suicide and incidents at a high-frequency coastal location in the UK over a 7-year period. Methods We analysed bidirectional associations (with daily and weekly lags) and Granger causality between suicide-related news in the UK (n=38 595, of which 789 focused on cliff locations) and suspected suicides (n=278) and crisis interventions (n=3050) at the site between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2023. Separate subanalyses explored associations with repeat coverage and with headlines featuring explicit location/method details. Results While coverage of incidents at the study site and other coastal locations represents a small and decreasing proportion of all UK news of suicide, 51% of all cliff-related news focused on the study site, often explicitly identified in the story’s headline (81%). There were significant but small (r<0.3) correlations between the volume of news coverage (particularly when method-specific and location-specific) and suicidal behaviour at the site, with fatalities increasing in the immediate aftermath of reporting. This effect was strongest in 2018–2019 (which had the greatest volume of reporting and repeat coverage) but failed to reach significance in 2020–2023, when there were fewer reports, less repeat coverage and no headlines referring to multiple deaths at the site. Conclusions Findings underscore the importance of continued efforts to monitor and improve the quality of news and other media portrayals of suicide. Follow-up studies, including qualitative research with people with lived/living experiences of suicide, could further explore how different types of news stories and wider narratives might contribute to increases—and potentially decreases—in suicides at high-frequency locations.

Background Population-levels of physical activity have remained stagnant for years. Previous approaches to modify behaviour have broadly neglected the importance of whole-systems approaches. Our research aimed to (i) understand, (ii) map, (iii) identify the leverage points, and (iv) develop solutions surrounding participation in physical activity across an English rural county. Methods A systems-consortium of partners from regional and local government, charities, providers, deliverers, advocacy groups, and health and social care, and public health engaged in our research, which consisted of two-phases. Within Phase 1, we used secondary data, insight-work, a narrative review, participatory workshops, and interviews in a pluralistic style to map the system-representing physical activity. Phase 2 began with an initial analysis using markers from social network analysis and the Action Scales Model. This analysis informed a participatory workshop, to identify leverage points, and develop solutions for change within the county. Results The systems-map is constructed from biological, financial, and psychological individual factors, interpersonal factors, systems partners, built, natural and social environmental factors, and policy and structural factors. Our initial analysis found 13 leverage points to review within our participatory workshop. When appraised by the group, (i) local governing policies, (ii) shared policies, strategies, vision, and working relationships, (iii) shared facilities (school, sport, community, recreation), and (iv) funding were deemed most important to change. Within group discussions, participants stressed the importance and challenges associated with shared working relationships, a collective vision, and strategy, the role of funding, and management of resources. Actions to leverage change included raising awareness with partners beyond the system, sharing policies, resources, insight, evidence, and capacity, and collaborating to co-produce a collective vision and strategy. Conclusions Our findings highlight the importance and provide insight into the early phase of a whole-systems approach to promoting physical activity. Our whole-systems approach within Suffolk needs to consider methods to (i) grow and maintain the systems-consortium, (ii) create a sustainable means to map the system and identify leverage points within it, and (iii) monitor and evaluate change.