Robert P Lamberts

Stellenbosch University | SUN · Division of Movement Science and Exercise Therapy

Ultramarathons are a unique model to study the effects of systemic fatigue in athletes. This investigation applied the spring-mass template to study runners before and 2 days after a road ultramarathon to characterize the effects of fatigue on systemic gait patterns. Overground kinetics were captured 7 days before and 2 days after the event in 14 r...

Socioeconomic status (SES) tends to influence an individual’s access to health care. It is commonly assumed that a poorer SES is associated with a weaker physical health status, especially in disadvantaged populations such as people with cerebral palsy (CP). However, to our knowledge, no study has looked at this assumption. Therefore, the aim of th...

Purpose : To describe and compare the race characteristics, demands, and durability profile of a male and a female Grand Tour winner. Methods : Overall and stage-type-specific (ie, time trials, flat, semimountainous, and mountain) demands and race characteristics during 2 Grand Tours were determined and compared between the female and male cyclists...

Purpose : To investigate how cycling time-trial (TT) performance changes over a cycling season, both in a “fresh” state and in a “fatigued” state (durability). Additionally, the aim was to explore whether these changes are related to changes in underlying physiological factors such as gross efficiency, energy expenditure (EE), and substrate oxidati...

Background: This study investigates if countries are more focused on certain specializations (one day, climb, sprint, time trial [TT] and grand tour [GC]) in male professional road cycling and if this is possibly linked to the countries landscape (for example, does a mountainous country have more climbers?) and anthropometric characteristics (does...

Purpose To determine if post-exercise heart rate variability, in the form of logged transformed root mean square of successive differences of the R–R intervals (LnRMSSD) can be measured reliably during the recovery from a submaximal cycle test and what the relationship of LnRMSSD is with training status of the cyclists. Methods Fourteen male cycli...

Introduction: This case study aimed to describe potential changes in neuromuscular activation and synergies after an eight-day cross-country mountainbike (XCM) stage race. Methods: A peak power output test was performed five days before the race. Two days before the start and after seven days of racing, the athlete performed a power-based Lamberts...

This study aims to investigate the presence of the relative age effect (RAE) in (semi-)professional cycling, especially within selecting cyclists for Continental (CT) development teams. Data were collected from www.procyclingstats.com (PCS). Cyclists out of the top-25 countries of the PCS ranking that were part of a CT team between 2005 and 2016 an...

This study is governed by two aims: firstly, expanding the meagre knowledge store regarding the demands set by professional female road cycling and, secondly, ascertaining whether these demands vary in relation to different race‐levels and race duration (single‐ or multi‐day events). A total of 1349 female professional road races was analysed and d...

Purpose Describing the epidemiological profile of patients with acute clavicle shaft fractures in a developing country public state hospital where mainly low- to middle-income patients are treated. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of all clavicle shaft fractures between 2008 and 2018 (10 years) based on Picture Archiving and Communication...

Background Monitoring treatment response is an important precaution in spinal tuberculosis (TB), particularly when the condition was clinically diagnosed rather than bacteriologically confirmed and when drug susceptibility testing was not performed. Conventional monitoring measures have limitations and there is a need for favourable alternatives. T...

Roete, AJ, Stoter, IK, Lamberts, RP, Elferink-Gemser, MT, and Otter, RTA. Introducing a method to quantify the specificity of training for races in speed skating. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-The specificity of training for races is believed to be important for performance development. However, measuring specificity is challenging. This...

Introduction: Maximal mean power output (MMP) is commonly used to describe the demands and performances of races in professional male cycling. In the female professional cyclist domain, however, there is limited knowledge regarding MMPs in races. Therefore, this study aimed to describe MMPs in female professional cycling races while investigating...

Purpose: To present normative data for the record power profile of male professional cyclists attending to team categories and riding typologies. Methods: Power output data registered from 4 professional teams during 8 years (N = 144 cyclists, 129,262 files, and 1062 total seasons [7 (5) per cyclist] corresponding to both training and competitio...

Purpose: To describe the record power profile of professional female cyclists and to assess potential differences based on the type of rider. Methods: Power output data (32,028 files containing both training and competition sessions recorded) in 44 female professional cyclists during 1-6 years were analyzed. Cyclists were categorized as all-roun...

Background Two popular methods used to treat distal third clavicle fractures are the traditional hook plate and the anatomically contoured locking plate. No consensus exists on whether one method is more effective than the other. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the efficacity of a traditional hook plate with that of an anatomically c...

Performance feedback can be essential for cyclists to help with pacing their efforts during competitions and also during standard-ized performance tests. However, the choice of feedback options on modern bike computers is limited. Moreover, little research on the effectiveness of the currently used feedback methods is avail-able. In this study, two...

Background Spinal tuberculosis (TB) may have a variable, non-specific presentation including back pain with- or without- constitutional symptoms. Further tools are needed to aid early diagnosis of this potentially severe form of TB and immunological biomarkers may show potential in this regard. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility o...

Background: Although the short-term outcomes of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) have been well documented, less is known about the long-term benefits of SDR, especially while aging. Research question: Does the gait of adults with CP, who underwent SDR in childhood, change during a nine-year aging follow-up p...

Objective Determine if spinal curvatures, deformities, as well as level of disability (due to back pain) changes with aging in adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP) after receiving orthopaedic interval surgery approach (ISA) treatment in childhood. Design Consecutive case-series Setting Urban South Africa Participants Twenty-seven am...

Objective: The primary purpose of Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is to ameliorate spasticity in the lower extremities of children with cerebral palsy (CP). In correctly selected patients, this neurosurgical procedure has been shown to have a beneficial on many aspects of the child's life. However, given the challenges faced by adults with CP, it...

This study aimed to investigate whether (semi-)professional cyclists’ execution of a training program differs from the coach’s designed training program. Also, the study sought to ascertain, in instances where the training sessions were indeed executed as designed by the coach, whether the perception of the cyclists differed from the intention of t...

Objectives 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography- Computed Tomography (PET/CT) scans can be used to assess healing following treatment for spinal tuberculosis (TB) but have limited accessibility and high cost. This study investigated the association between immune biomarkers and FDG-PET/CT activity after ≥9 months of treatment f...

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to determine the overall mean blood pressure and prevalence of hypertension among a representative sample of adults living with cerebral palsy by combining individual participant data. Additional objectives included estimating variations between subgroups and investigating potential...

Background: Insight into the day-to-day challenges faced by adults living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs) will enable support towards healthy ageing in this population. Objectives: To determine changes in level of pain, functional mobility and accomplishment as well as satisfaction in daily life of ambulant adults...

Introduction: This study evaluates the power profile of a top-5 result achieved within World Tour cycling races of varying types, namely: flat sprint finish (FLAT), semi-mountain race with a sprint finish (SMsprint), semi-mountain race with uphill finish (SMuphill) and mountain races (MT). Methods: Power output data from 33 professional cyclists w...

Capostagno, B, Lambert, MI, and Lamberts, RP. Analysis of a submaximal cycle test to monitor adaptations to training: Implications for optimizing training prescription. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-The Lamberts and Lambert Submaximal Cycle Test (LSCT) was developed to monitor training adaptation to optimize the training prescription of...

Purpose: The aim of this brief review was to present an overview of noninvasive markers in trained to professional endurance athletes that can reflect a state of functional overreaching. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases. After screening 380 articles, 12 research papers were inclu...

Elliptical trainers and steppers are proposed as useful exercise modalities in the rehabilitation of injured runners due to the reduced stress on muscles and joints when compared to running. This study compared the physiological responses to submaximal running (treadmill) with exercise on the elliptical trainer and stepper devices at three submaxim...

Purpose: To provide a systematic overview of physiological parameters used to determine the training status of a trail runner and how well these parameters correlate with real-world trail running performance. Method: An electronic literature search of the PubMed and Scopus digital databases was performed. Combinations of the terms "trail run" or...

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate if performance measures are related to success in professional cycling and to highlight the influence of work done on these performance measures and success. Methods: Power output data from 26 professional cyclists, in total 85 seasons, collected between 2012-2019, were analysed. The cyclists were clas...

Abstract: The Lamberts Submaximal Cycle Test (LSCT) has proven itself as an effective tool to monitor and fine-tune training prescriptions for trained to elite cyclists whilst also being able to reflect identifying early symptoms of fatigue and/or overreaching. Although considered a popular monitoring tool in cycling, it is not clear how well the d...

Purpose: To describe the intensity, load, and performance characteristics of a world-class sprinter competing in the Tour de France (TdF). Method: Power output (PO) data were collected from 4 editions of the TdF (2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017) and analyzed. Load, intensity distribution in 5 PO zones, and the maximal mean PO for multiple durations w...

Purpose: To describe the performance and tactical sprint characteristics of a world-class sprinter competing in the Tour de France. In addition, differences in the sprint tactics of 2 teams and won versus lost sprints are highlighted. Method: Power output (PO) and video footage of 21 sprints were analyzed. Position in the peloton and number of t...

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in children, commonly reported in low-to-middle-income countries (LMIC) such as South Africa, can cause HIV encephalopathy (HIVE).No research studies have documented arm movements during gait in children with HIVE. Since (3D-)gait laboratories are often not available in clinical settings in LMICs, this study aimed...

Eken, MM, Withers, A, Flanagan, K, Burger, J, Bosch, A, and Lamberts, RP. Muscular activation patterns during exercise on the treadmill, stepper, and elliptical trainer. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1847-1852, 2022-Because of the low-impact, the stepper and elliptical trainer are popular alternatives to running when runners sustain running-related in...

Spinal deformities are common in people with cerebral palsy (CP), and there is a concern of an increase during the adult ageing period. There is especially a worry about the increase of scoliosis, thoracic hyperkyphosis, lumbar hyperlordosis, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis incidence, though supporting literature is lacking. Therefore, the aim...

Spinal deformities are common in people with cerebral palsy (CP), and there is a concern of an increase during the adult ageing period. There is especially a worry about the increase of scoliosis, thoracic hyperkyphosis, lumbar hyperlordosis, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis incidence, though supporting literature is lacking. Therefore, the aim...

Introduction Displaced and shortened clavicle fractures are frequently treated surgically. Although extramedullary fixation using a plate and screws is most commonly used, intramedullary nailing has become increasingly popular over the last decade. Traditional intramedullary nailing is usually associated with a high risk of hardware migration as we...

Objectives: To present strength levels of lower extremity muscle groups and test-retest reliability of hand-held dynamometry (HHD) measurements in ambulatory adults with CP and typically developed (TD) adults. Design: Case-control study. Setting: Human motion laboratory. Participants: Fifty-four adults with CP (28 males; GMFCS level I/II/III...

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of spinal deformities in ambulant adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and spastic diplegia, more than 15 years after orthopaedic interval surgery approach (ISA) treatment, and its relationship to contextual factors, level of pain and physical status. Methods Spine x-rays, pain (Oswestr...

OBJECTIVE The main purpose of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is to reduce spasticity in the lower extremities of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and spastic diplegia. The potential for developing spinal abnormalities and pain is a concern especially in the aging CP population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate spinal a...

The current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a global health emergency of unprecedented magnitude. Most governments around the world have enforced isolation strategies in an effort to curb the spread of the virus and, in so doing, they have hopefully afforded hospitals much needed time to prepare for the high patient influx (Sarto et al., 2020). T...

Background: Orthopaedic surgery is commonly performed in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and spastic diplegia to improve functional mobility. However, no research has quantified levels of accomplishment and satisfaction in daily activities and participation long-term after surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate 1) the level of accom...

Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the differences in participant characteristics between positive and negative, positron emission tomography with 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-D-glucose integrated with computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) activity at the spinal tuberculosis (TB) site following 12 months of the appropriate chemotherapy t...

The current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a global health emergency of unprecedented magnitude. Most governments around the world have enforced isolation strategies in an effort to curb the spread of the virus and, in so doing, they have hopefully afforded hospitals much needed time to prepare for the high patient influx (Sarto et al., 2020). T...

BACKGROUND: Femoral diaphyseal fracture is a common paediatric orthopaedic injury; however, the management of these fractures remains controversial in children between the ages of 6 and 13 years. The preferred approach for children appears to be surgical, enabling early mobilisation. Some studies have reported that submuscular bridge plating (SBP)...

Purpose: To determine changes in level of accomplishment and satisfaction in daily activities and social participation, and functional mobility in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) more than 25 years after selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). Materials and methods: This long-term observational nine-year follow-up study included 26 adults (median age 35...

Purpose The purpose of this study was to accurately establish the anatomical variability of the third metacarpal, its medullary canal, and the relationship with the capitate in the context of high rates of component loosening still seen in total wrist arthroplasty. Methods CT scans of a 100 hands (age: 41 ± 14 years (range: 16–71 years); male/fema...

Introduction: High energy fractures like gunshot-related injuries or high velocity road traffic accidents are often complex to treat and have been associated with a higher non-union rate, especially when there is extensive bone loss. Fractures with severe comminution may not heal due to bone loss and an inability to achieve adequate fracture stabil...

Predefined training programs are common place when prescribing training. Within predefined training, block periodization (BP) has emerged as a popular methodology due to its benefits. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been proposed as an effective tool for prescribing training. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of HRV guided-training ag...

Introduction: High energy fractures like gunshot-related injuries or high velocity MVA’s are often complex to treat and have been associated with a higher non-union rate, especially when there is extensive bone loss. Fractures with severe comminution, like fractures due to gunshots, may not heal due to a bone loss and an inability to achieve adequa...

Background: Single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) approach is regarded as the golden standard in developed countries to improve gait and functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, this approach is not always feasible in developing countries. Therefore, orthopedic surgery based on an interval surgery approach (ISA) is still...

Background: Displaced and shortened clavicular shaft fractures can be treated operatively with intramedullary or extramedullary fixation. The aim of the present study was to compare the union rates and functional outcomes of displaced and/or shortened clavicular shaft fractures treated with a flexible locked intramedullary nail or with an anatomica...

Oral presentation by Dr MM Eken and third price winner for best oral presentation

The aim of this retrospective review was to assess the overall burden and trend in spinal tuberculosis (TB) at tertiary hospitals in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. All spinal TB cases seen at the province's three tertiary hospitals between 2012 and 2015 were identified and clinical records of each case assessed. Cases were subsequently...

Background Quantifying strength in individuals with physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy (CP), is essential to compile suitable rehabilitation programs in which strength training has become a central part [1]. However, only limited studies are published on force measurements in adults with CP [2,3]. In addition, no information on variabili...

Purpose: The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between certain neuromuscular and spatiotemporal biomechanical factors associated with running economy. Methods: Thirty trained runners performed a 6-minute constant-speed running set at 3.3 m∙s-1, where oxygen consumption was assessed. Overground running trials were also performe...

Purpose: Road cycling is a sport with extreme physiological demands. Therefore, there is a need to find new strategies to improve performance. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been suggested as an effective alternative for prescribing training load against predefined training programs. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of training...