Stewart Bruce-Low

University of East London | UEL · Department of Sport

Background: Elite-level football requires an array of physical, technical, psychological, and tactical skills. The aim of this study was to measure the association between physical outputs (distance, decelerations, accelerations) and the match outcome (win, draw, lose) in professional football. This research also examined whether the same associat...

This study explored physical match demands across different playing positions during transitional play, to inform the need for position-specific training interventions. Data was collected using 10 Hz GPS units from 10 competitive matches including 23 elite soccer players of the 1st Polish Division (Ekstraklasa) in season 2020–21. A total of 4249 po...

The aims of this study were to analyze the effect of contextual variables on physical metrics during transitions and investigate repeated transitional activities during transitions. Data was collected from 10 matches (23 elite soccer players). A total of 4249 individual observations were recorded including 1164 positive transitions (defense-to-atta...

Brown, L, Doyle, G, Bruce-Low, S, Domingos, S, Anthony, K, Rowan, F, and Galbraith, A. Postactivation potentiation for Muay Thai kicking performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of postactivation potentiation (PAP) on Muay Thai kicking performance based on 3 different rest interv...

The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery – Level 1 (IR1) test is frequently used within professional soccer for the evaluation of a player’ physical performance; however, it’s exhaustive nature often limits the frequency of testing and the implementation of test results to coaching sessions. In replacement, it is suggested the sub-maximal 6-min Yo-Yo IR1 (Y...

No funding was received for this project 2 BLUF. This investigation into core resistance training, using isometric strengthening and stabilising exercises, such as the plank, that utilised the entirety of the kinetic chain, has positively impacted rear hand punching performance by 24% in professional boxers. 3 Abstract. This study aimed to investig...

Objective: Loss of disc height is commonly associated with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Isolated lumbar extension (ILEX) exercise for the lumbar extensors is recommended to treat CLBP and is suggested such exercise might promote disc healing and regeneration. This study examined a 12-week ILEX intervention on indirect determination of disc height...

Objectives We examined the relation between global positioning system (GPS)-derived workloads and injury in English Premier League football players (n=33) over three seasons. Methods Workload and injury data were collected over three consecutive seasons. Cumulative (1-weekly, 2-weekly, 3-weekly and 4-weekly) loads in addition to acute:chronic work...

Objectives: Measures of adductor strength, flexibility and self-reported symptoms offer insights into footballer hip/groin health. Understanding their relationship may further determine their suitability for use. Design: Clinical case series Method: Eighteen professional footballers completed two adductor squeeze tests (short and long lever), the H...

This study investigated the effect cadence has on the estimation of critical power (CP) and the finite work capacity (Wʹ) during the 3-minute all-out cycling test. Ten participants completed 8 tests: 1) an incremental test to calculate gas exchange threshold (GET), maximal aerobic power (MAP) and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak), 2–4) three time-to-ex...

Purpose: Secondary analysis of data from studies utilising isolated lumbar extension exercise interventions for correlations among changes in isolated lumbar extension strength, pain, and disability. Materials and methods: Studies reporting isolated lumbar extension strength changes were examined for inclusion criteria including: (1) participants w...

Strengthening the lumbar extensor musculature is a common recommendation for chronic low back pain (CLBP). Although reported as effective, variability in response in CLBP populations is not well investigated. This study investigated variability in responsiveness to isolated lumbar extension (ILEX) resistance training in CLBP participants by retrosp...

Research suggests that critical power (CP) can be estimated from a single 3-min bout of all-out cycling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the 3-min all-out cycling test when carried out at a constant cadence (isokinetic) and against a fixed resistance (linear). 12 participants completed 8 tests: 1) a ramp...

Introduction Exercise interventions are frequently used for chronic low back pain (CLBP). Varied approaches exist and are purported to reduce pain through specific mechanisms, primarily improved musculoskeletal function. It has recently been concluded improvement in these outcomes was not associated with positive clinical outcomes1. However, studie...

Capsaicin has attracted increasing scientific attention in recent years relative to its potential pain relief properties, with oral ingestion providing a useful mode of capsaicin delivery.Yet, despite many exciting new findings in this area, there appears to be significant discrepancy across current research so far with regards to an established or...

Objectives: A high degree of de-regulation, organisational fragmentation and funding cuts throughout UK schools in recent years has obscured the definitive structure and effectiveness of physical activity (PA) provision offered to children. This pilot study aimed to map the current structure and context of PA provision offered to school children i...

Indirect measurement of disc hydration can be obtained through measures of spinal height using stadiometry. However, specialised stadiometers for this are often custom-built and expensive. Generic wall-mounted stadiometers alternatively are common in clinics and laboratories. This study examined the reliability of a custom set-up utilising a wall-m...

Aim To describe and characterise anthropometrical and fitness changes following a 12-week walking football programme in individuals over the age of 50 years. Methods Following ethical approval, 10 male participants (mean (SD): age 66 (7) years) with a range of comorbidities completed a 12-week walking football programme, consisting of a single 2 h...

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a multifactorial condition with a variety of symptoms; one being abnormal gait. The lumbar spine and its musculature are important in controlling gait and in CLBP the lumbar extensors are often deconditioned. Because of this specific isolated lumbar extension exercise is often recommended. It was therefore of interes...

Objectives: A high degree of de-regulation, organisational fragmentation and funding cuts throughout UK schools in recent years has obscured the definitive structure and effectiveness of physical activity (PA) provision offered to children. This pilot study aimed to map the current structure and context of PA provision offered to children in Southa...

Background/Aim. Exercise designed to condition the lumbar extensor musculature is often included in resistance training (RT) programs. It is suggested that deconditioning of this musculature may be linked to low back pain. Thus effective means of conditioning these muscles are of interest to pursue. Evidence suggests that isolated lumbar extension...

Background Chronic low back pain is a multifactorial condition with a variety of dysfunctions; one being gait variability. The lumbar spine and its musculature are involved during gait and in chronic low back pain the lumbar extensors are often deconditioned. It was therefore of interest to examine relationships between lumbar kinematic variability...

Objective: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is prevalent, costly, and acknowledged as multifactorial in nature. However, deconditioning of the lumbar extensor musculature may be a common factor. Thus specific resistance exercise is often recommended. Many resistance exercises for the lumbar extensors exist, although recent evidence suggests that isola...

Background context: Low back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent and presents an enormous cost both through direct health care and indirectly through significant work and production loss. Low back pain is acknowledged widely to be a multifactorial pathology with a variety of symptoms, dysfunctions, and a number of possible sources of pain. One source t...

Objective: 'Disuse' and 'Deconditioning' in relation to low back pain (LBP) are terms often used interchangeably. Discussions of 'disuse' refer to general physical inactivity, which evidence suggests does not differ between symptomatic and asymptomatic persons. 'Deconditioning' refers to a decrease in function, commonly both cardiovascular/aerobic...

Resistance exercise may acutely enhance muscle contractile activity which is known as postactivation potentiation (PAP). PAP augments important skills that require power production that are necessary during soccer performance. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal recovery time to elicit PAP following a bout of high-intensity resistanc...

Mobile learning has increasingly become interwoven into the fabric of learning and teaching in the United Kingdom higher education sector, and as technological issues become addressed, this phenomena has accelerated. The aim of the study was to examine whether learning using a mobile learning device (Samsung NC10 Netbook) loaded with interactive ex...

Despite manufacturer claims that athletic socks attenuate force during exercise, no device exists to assess this. Therefore, this study outlines the development of a custom-built impact-testing device for assessing the cushioning properties of socks. The device used a gravity-driven impact striker (8.5 kg), released from 0.05 m, which impacted a no...

To review the specificity of exercises designed to condition the lumbar extensor musculature (ie, lumbar erector spinae and multifidus). A review of studies examining effects of exercises designed to condition the lumbar extensors was conducted. Included were studies that examined the acute activation and chronic adaptation of the lumbar extensor m...

To consider the efficacy of 10 weeks of Romanian deadlift (DL) training in increasing lumbar extension strength compared to isolated lumbar extension (LUMX) training. Comparison of pre- and post-test data for Romanian deadlift 1RM, and lumbar extension torque between and within groups. Male trained subjects (n = 36; (x¯±SD) 24.9 ± 6.5 years; 178.5...

One of the aims of the sock/shoe unit is to reduce the severity of impact forces on the lower extremity although the injury prevention potential of the sock through the attenuation of impact force has yet to be established. This study aims to determine the effect of athletic socks and a sock/shoe unit on peak impact force, time to peak impact force...

Study design: Randomized controlled trial. Objective: To compare the effects of full range of motion (ROM) and limited ROM isolated lumbar extension exercise upon full ROM lumbar extension strength, ROM, perceived pain, and disability. Summary of background data: Limited ROM is common in chronic low back pain as is lumbar extensor deconditioni...

Dear Editor, Stieger et al. [1] have recently published an important review article concerning the relationship between changes in musculoskeletal performance factors and changes in pain as a result of active exercise interventions with regard to which we would like to highlight some important points to take away and consider. The authors questio...

Research demonstrates resistance training produces significant improvement in cardiovascular fitness (VO 2 max, economy of movement). To date no review article has considered the underlying physiological mechanisms that might support such improvements. This article is a comprehensive, systematic narrative review of the literature surrounding the ar...

Unlabelled: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the leading cause of absenteeism from the workplace and research into exercise interventions to address this problem is required. This study investigated training frequency for participants with CLBP. Participants either trained once a week (1 × week, n = 31), or twice a week (2 × week, n = 20) or did no...

A dynamometer employing a stabilization procedure (lumbar extension machine, MedX, Ocala, FL) is effective in improving strength and reducing symptoms of low back pain (LBP), and researchers have hypothesized that this effectiveness is due to the pelvic stabilization. However, effects of the dynamometer with and without pelvic stabilization on LBP...

Resistance training produces an array of health benefits, as well as the potential to promote muscular adaptations of strength, size, power and endurance. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) regularly publish a position stand making recommendations for optimal achievement of the desired training goals. However, the most recent position s...

Full-text of this article is available at http://www.asep.org/files/Smith.pdf This paper reviews research evidence relating to the strength training advice offered by Arthur Jones, founder and retired Chairman of Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries and MedX Corporation. Jones advocated that those interested in improving their muscular size, strength...

This paper discusses research findings relating of the use of the machine that provides isolated, specific exercise and testing for the muscles that extend the lumbar spine (lumbar extension machine, MedX, Ocala , FL ). The function of the machine is explained, and its reliability and validity examined. The effects of various lumbar extension train...

Full-text of this article is available at http://faculty.css.edu/tboone2/asep/Bruce-LoweFeb2007.pdf This paper reviews evidence relating to the effectiveness and safety of explosive exercises, such as Olympic style weight lifting, other weight training exercises performed at a fast cadence, and plyometric exercises, that are commonly used in the st...

Fire fighter breathing apparatus instructors (BAIs) must possess the ability to respond to both the extrinsic stress of a high temperature environment and the intrinsic stress from wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), repeatedly and regularly, whilst training recruits in live fire training exerc...

This study observed heart rate variability (HRV) measured in order to detect the changes in sympathovagal activity during high ambient (74 degrees C) temperature. HRV is a measure of heart rate (HR) fluctuations around the mean HR and has been used to indicate the balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic function of the autonomic nervous sys...

Full-text of this article is not available in this e-prints service. This article was originally published following peer-review in British Journal of Sports Medicine published by and copyright BMJ Group.