The Burpee Enigma: Literature Review

Abstract

Background: The burpee, is one of the best-known exercises
worldwide due to increased popularity among high intensity interval
training programs. However, previously conducted research on
the burpee has used inconsistent terminology and discrepancies
in technical knowledge that has resulted in uncertain data representation. This literature review is the first to collate evidence of
different forms of burpees from previous research, and critically
analyse the physiological and performance effects of each different
version.
Methods: The preliminary search was performed electronically
using Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science. The search
was conducted on all language written papers pending legible
translation, published in peer reviewed journals from January
1939-September 2018 (when the initial search started). Studies
that investigated physiological responses (heart rate, blood lactate
and oxygen consumption) and/or anthropometric values (height,
weight, age, gender) and/or the development/history of the nomenclature of the burpee were included.
Results: From the initial 2700 results, only 19 papers were
examined in depth having met the appropriate inclusion criteria.
Discussion: Synthesis of the study results indicated that when
physiological responses are being measured, the type of the burpee
is of great importance, because the use of different movement
sequences has different metabolic demands. The traditional or
the modern burpee places large metabolic and neuromuscular
demands due to the compound nature of the individual movement,
and utilising both upper body and lower body in unison adds
to the complexity. Exercises that require greater complexity and
are less familiar to the participant create more central and peripheral
fatigue, that in turn affects the rate of recovery. The burpee is
a high-intensity bodyweight movement that is difficult to qualify
and quantify due to variation in technique, sequence, and individual
athlete somatotypes. It has multiple uses across many sport
specific contexts, however is often overlooked in favour of other
conventional cardiovascular exercises. While previous research on
the burpee has been of high quality and valuable to the strength
and conditioning community, the burpee has not received appropriate attention over the years. Applicable research regarding the burpee must have consistent naming and standardised technique
to remove the inconsistent terminology and research related discrepancies.

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Factors affecting falling and injury during a multi-stage mountain bike event:
a prospective study protocol
ArticleinJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport · October 2019
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.080
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S78 Abstracts / Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 22(S2) (2019) S75–S115
measurement issues (location/orientation of the ultrasound trans-
ducer), individual issues (changes in tissue properties related to
activity), or task issues (differences in task between sessions). The
results highlight that care should be taken when comparing shear
elastic modulus of the ITB between sessions and between partici-
pants.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.078
P08
The Burpee Enigma: Literature Review
S. Bingley1,∗, J. Witchalls1, A. McKune1,C.
Humberstone2
1University of Canberra
2Australian Institute of Sport
Background: The burpee, is one of the best-known exercises
worldwide due to increased popularity among high intensity inter-
val training programs. However, previously conducted research on
the burpee has used inconsistent terminology and discrepancies
in technical knowledge that has resulted in uncertain data repre-
sentation. This literature review is the first to collate evidence of
different forms of burpees from previous research, and critically
analyse the physiological and performance effects of each different
version.
Methods: The preliminary search was performed electronically
using Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science. The search
was conducted on all language written papers pending legible
translation, published in peer reviewed journals from January
1939-September 2018 (when the initial search started). Studies
that investigated physiological responses (heart rate, blood lactate
and oxygen consumption) and/or anthropometric values (height,
weight, age, gender) and/or the development/history of the nomen-
clature of the burpee were included.
Results: From the initial 2700 results, only 19 papers were
examined in depth having met the appropriate inclusion criteria.
Discussion: Synthesis of the study results indicated that when
physiological responses are being measured, the type of the burpee
is of great importance, because the use of different movement
sequences has different metabolic demands. The traditional or
the modern burpee places large metabolic and neuromuscular
demands due to the compound nature of the individual move-
ment, and utilising both upper body and lower body in unison adds
to the complexity. Exercises that require greater complexity and
are less familiar to the participant create more central and periph-
eral fatigue, that in turn affects the rate of recovery. The burpee is
a high-intensity bodyweight movement that is difficult to qualify
and quantify due to variation in technique, sequence, and individ-
ual athlete somatotypes. It has multiple uses across many sport
specific contexts, however is often overlooked in favour of other
conventional cardiovascular exercises. While previous research on
the burpee has been of high quality and valuable to the strength
and conditioning community, the burpee has not received appro-
priate attention over the years. Applicable research regarding the
burpee must have consistent naming and standardised technique
to remove the inconsistent terminology and research related dis-
crepancies.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.079
P09
Factors affecting falling and injury during a
multi-stage mountain bike event: a prospective
study protocol
K. Buchholtz∗, M. Lambert, T. Burgess
University Of Cape Town
Background: Cycling is a sport that has been experiencing an
increase in popularity as a mode of transport, recreational activ-
ity and professional career. Fifty percent of recreational mountain
bikers have reported at least one serious acute injury related to
mountain biking. Many of the injuries are a result of falling and are
related to collisions, loss of control, loss of traction and mechanical
failures. Balance on a bicycle is considered a perceptual-cognitive
task. In mountain biking, experienced riders use proprioception
more than visual input to determine their decision making. These
factors need to be considered during technical multi-stage moun-
tain bike events where cumulative physical fatigue with cognitive
fatigue may affect the decision making, reaction time or control of
the rider. We aim to establish the common mechanisms for falling
and any associated factors during training and while competing in
a multi-stage mountain bike event.
Methods: Healthy male and female riders between 18 and 60
years who are entered into the ABSA Cape Epic (eight day stage
mountain bike stage race) will be recruited in Cape Town. Riders
will complete two testing sessions; at baseline 8–10 weeks prior,
and at 2 weeks prior to the race. Participants will complete an
informed consent form, activity questionnaire and health screening
questionnaire. Reaction time will be assessed using an online pro-
gramme. Mass, stature, skin-folds and leg length will be measured.
Static and dynamic balance will be assessed on the bicycle using
recently validated novel balance tests. Agility will be assessed on a
modified Illinois agility test for cyclists. A submaximal cycle test
(LSCT) will be performed to assess for predicted VO2max, Peak
Power Output, 40 km time trial power and heart rate recovery. All
training prior to the event will be logged in Training Peaks. Any falls
or near misses and resulting injuries during the training or event
will be noted by the participants. Sleep quality and quantity will
be monitored during the training. During the race, riders will com-
plete short questionnaires on their performance, recovery, sleep,
nutrition and wellness.
Statistical Analysis: Descriptive data of the participants will
be presented and assessed for significance. Associations between
fatigue and falling will be assessed during the training and com-
petition periods. Training and competition Injury incidence will
be reported per 1000 hours. Training load will be reported as
acute:chronic ratio for each of the periods, training and event and
the odds ratios for injured and uninjured riders will be calculated.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.080
P10
The effect of physical and cognitive fatigue on
bicycle balance performance: a protocol
K. Buchholtz∗, M. Lambert, T. Burgess
University Of Cape Town
Background: Cycling is a complex task that requires input from
multiple bodily processing systems to maintain control and balance
on the bicycle. Riders use steering, body leaning and twisting, and
knee movements to oppose the lateral forces on a bicycle. Balance
on and control of a bicycle are key components in preventing falls
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