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Publication Debate on ultra-processed foods shouldn’t derail good dietary advice(Internet Publication, Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa, 2024-09-16) Cleghorn, Cristina; McGowan, Tegan; Egli, Victoria; Shields, Emma; Savila, Fa’asisila; Mackay, SallyEvidence is mounting linking ultra-processed foods (UPF) to risk of chronic disease. Typically, UPF are foods that are energy-dense, high in fat, sugar and salt, low in fibre and with a long shelf life. Examples include biscuits, chips, candy, instant noodles, mass-produced bread, sweetened breakfast cereals, ready-to-eat meals and reconstituted meats. Dietary recommendations encourage people to eat foods that are ‘whole’ or less processed. This can be a challenge when our food environments and food supply systems are dominated by UPF. Categorising foods according to the type and extent of processing can help us understand the healthfulness of individual foods, diets and the food supply system. However, we must still consider the nutritional value, affordability, accessibility, sustainability and cultural acceptability of foods. And in some cases, foods classified as UFP may still be a component of a well-balanced dietary intake —for example, wholegrain bread. While acknowledging this tension on the margins, there remains a strong case for promoting the consumption of fruits, vegetables, wholegrain and minimally processed foods.Publication Examining the legacy of the ‘old boys club’ in high performance coaching(Journal Article, Taylor and Francis Group, 2024-09-02) Tate, Kendra Maxine; Townsend, Robert C.Sport is a breeding ground for exclusionary gendered discourses and this trend is evident within the coaching cultures of numerous national sports organisations in New Zealand. Drawing on an organisational case study of a New Zealand national sports organisation (NSO) data were collected through thirteen semi-structured interviews and observations with coaches and staff in the NSO. Engaging in a critical feminist approach, this paper explores the various ways in which women’s exclusion from high-performance coaching roles was maintained, reflecting critically on the extent to which hegemonic masculinity was reproduced within the organisation’s coaching history and culture. Specifically, we illustrate the ‘felt’ dimensions of gender exclusion, highlighting how women’s absence from coaching is not through choice but is reflective of the gendered power dynamics of coaching. Together, the analysis demonstrates the institutionalisation of hegemonic masculinity and the mechanisms through which this is maintained, solidified and undermined. This study, while focusing on a particular NSO, offers insights that extend to male-dominated sporting systems across New Zealand, bringing to light the challenges encountered by women coaches within high-performance sport.Publication Supernatural curses in Pacific communities: A challenge for modern healthcare(Journal Article, Research Outreach, 2024) Aporosa, S. 'Apo'; Perrin, RWhile largely ignored by modern medical science, spirituality and supernatural phenomena continue to play a significant role in the belief systems of Indigenous peoples. In the Pacific and Pacific diaspora, ‘curses’ are commonly cited as the cause of death, poor health, and diminished wellbeing. At The University of Waikato, Dr Apo Aporosa teaches future healthcare workers the importance of acknowledging and respecting these beliefs, even if they go against personal belief structures. This encourages ‘cultural safety’ aimed at improving healthcare delivery and health equity in Pacific communities.Publication Reliability of Repeated Isometric Neck Strength in Rugby Union Players Using a Load Cell Device(Journal Article, MDPI, 2022-04-01) Chavarro-Nieto, Christian; Beaven, Christopher Martyn; Gill, Nicholas D.; Hébert-Losier, KimConcussion is the most common injury in professional Rugby Union (RU) players, with increasing incidence and severity each year. Strengthening the neck is an intervention used to decrease concussion incidence and severity, which can only be proven effective if neck strength measures are reliable. We conducted a repeated-measures reliability study with 23 male RU players. Neck strength was assessed seated in a ‘make’ test fashion in flexion, extension, and bilateral side flexion. Flexion-to-extension and left-to-right side ratios were also computed. Three testing sessions were undertaken over three consecutive weeks. Intrasession and intersession reliabilities were assessed using typical errors, coefficient of variations (CV), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Intrasession reliability demonstrated good-to-excellent relative (ICC > 0.75) and good absolute (CV ≤ 20%) reliability in all directions (ICC = 0.86–0.95, CV = 6.4–8.8%), whereas intersession reliability showed fair relative (ICC: 0.40 to 0.75) and acceptable absolute (CV ≤ 20%) reliability for mean and maximal values (ICC = 0.51–0.69, CV = 14.5–19.8%). Intrasession reliability for flexion-to-extension ratio was good (relative, ICC = 0.86) and acceptable (absolute, CV = 11.5%), and was fair (relative, ICC = 0.75) and acceptable (absolute, CV = 11.5%) for left-to-right ratio. Intersession ratios from mean and maximal values were fair (relative, ICC = 0.52–0.55) but not always acceptable (absolute, CV = 16.8–24%). Assessing isometric neck strength with a head harness and a cable with a load cell device seated in semi-professional RU players is feasible and demonstrates good-to-excellent intrasession and fair intersession reliability. We provided data from RU players to inform practice and assist standardization of testing methods.Publication Eccentric Force-Velocity Characteristics during a Novel Squat Protocol in Trained Rugby Union Athletes-Pilot Study(Journal Article, MDPI, 2021-03-30) McNeill, Conor; Beaven, Christopher Martyn; McMaster, Daniel Travis; Gill, Nicholas D.Eccentric strength characteristics have been shown to be important factors in physical performance. Many eccentric tests have been performed in isolation or with supramaximal loading. The purpose of this study was to investigate within- and between- session reliability of an incremental eccentric back squat protocol. Force plates and a linear position transducer captured force-time-displacement data across six loading conditions, separated by at least seven days. The reliability of eccentric specific measurements was assessed using coefficient of variation (CV), change in mean, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Eccentric peak force demonstrated good ICC (≥0.82) and TE (≤7.3%) for each load. Variables based on mean data were generally less reliable (e.g., mean rate of force development, mean force, mean velocity). This novel protocol meets acceptable levels of reliability for different eccentric-specific measurements although the extent to which these variables affect dynamic performance requires further research.Publication The use of lower-body compression garments during high-intensity exercise performance in basketball athletes(Journal Article, Springer, 2021) Driller, Matthew W.; Dixon, Zanz; Beaven, Christopher Martyn; Lam, Wing-KaiThis study examined the effects of lower-body compression garments worn following exercise on perceived recovery and subsequent performance in basketball athletes. In a parallel-group design, 30 recreational, male basketball athletes were randomly allocated to either a control (CON, n = 15, loose-fitting clothing) or experimental group (COMP, n = 15, compression garments) for 15h following fatigue-inducing, basketball-specific exercise. The evening exercise bout (1600-1800 h) included performance of the Basketball Exercise Simulation Test, lunge jumps, and an isometric wall sit exercise. Perceptual measures of fatigue and muscle soreness as well as physical performance tests (sprints, jumps and agility) were performed pre-exercise, post-exercise, and post-recovery (15 h following exercise). Subjective and objective measures of sleep were recorded following the exercise trial. There were non-significant (p > 0.05), unclear-trivial differences between groups for all performance measures. Perceived post-recovery fatigue (d = -1.27, large) and muscle soreness (d = -1.61, large) were significantly lower in COMP compared to CON (p < 0.05). COMP exhibited better perceived sleep quality (d = 0.42, small, p = 0.18) than CON, with an unclear difference in sleep duration between groups (p > 0.05). Wearing lower-body compression garments overnight improved perceived fatigue and muscle soreness, but had negligible effects on subsequent physical performances in basketball athletes.Publication Questionnaire-Derived Sleep Habits and Academic Achievement in First Year University Students(Journal Article, MDPI, 2021-12-28) Driller, Matthew W.; Suppiah, Haresh; Gastin, Paul B.; Beaven, Christopher MartynThis study aimed to determine the effect of sleep quantity and quality via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) on students' academic achievement in their first year of university study. In this cross-sectional study, 193 students (102 female, 91 male, mean ± SD; age = 19.3 ± 2.9 y) from an undergraduate Health degree in New Zealand completed the PSQI four weeks prior to the end of the semester in their first year of university study. Results from three core subjects in the first semester were averaged and correlations between the PSQI and academic success were evaluated using Spearman's rho (ρ). The group were also trichotomized using a PSQI global score of ≤5 as the threshold for "good" sleepers (n = 62, 32%), a score of 5-8 for "moderate" sleepers (n = 63, 33%) and a score ≥8 to characterize "poor" sleepers (n = 68, 35%). Overall, students averaged 7 h 37 min of self-reported sleep duration with an average bedtime of 22:55 p.m. and wake time of 8:01 a.m. There was a significant, small inverse relationship between academic performance and bedtime (p = 0.03, ρ = -0.14), with those going to bed earlier having superior academic success. The trichotomized data demonstrated no significant differences in academic performance between students with poor, moderate and good sleep quality (p = 0.92). Later bedtimes were associated with lower academic performance in a group of first year university students. However, there were no other relationships observed between academic success and self-reported sleep quality or quantity as determined by the PSQI. Enhancing awareness of the impact of sleep timing on academic success should be prioritized and strategies to improve sleep hygiene should be promoted to university students.Publication Practical application of a mixed active and passive heat acclimation protocol in elite male Olympic team sport athletes(Journal Article, Canadian Science Publishing, 2022-10-01) Fenemor, Stephen Paul; Driller, Matthew W.; Gill, Nicholas D.; Mills, Blair; Casadio, Julia R.; Beaven, Christopher MartynTo investigate effectiveness and retention of heat acclimation (HA) integrated within an elite rugby sevens team training program, 12 elite male rugby sevens athletes undertook 10 days of mixed active/passive HA across 2 weeks of normal training. Physiological and performance variables were assessed using a sport-specific, repeated high-intensity heat-response test pre-HA; after 5 days (mid-HA) and 10 days (post-HA); and 16 days post-HA (decay). Resting, submaximal, and end-exercise core temperatures were lower at mid-HA (≤-0.26 °C; d ≥ -0.47), post-HA (≤-0.30 °C; d ≥ -0.72), and decay (≤-0.29 °C; d ≥ -0.56), compared to pre-HA. Sweat rate was greater at post-HA compared to pre-HA (0.3 ± 0.3 L·h-1; d = 0.63). Submaximal heart rate (HR) was lower at mid- (-9 ± 4 bpm; d = -0.68) and post-HA (-11 ± 4 bpm; d = -0.90) compared to pre-HA. Mean and peak 6 s power output improved at mid-HA (83 ± 52 W; 112 ± 67 W; d ≥ 0.47) and post-HA (125 ± 62 W; 172 ± 85 W; d ≥ 0.72) compared to pre-HA. Improvements in HR and performance persisted at decay (d ≥ 0.66). The initial 5 days of mixed-methods HA elicited many typical HA adaptations, with an additional 5 days eliciting further thermoregulatory, sudomotor, and performance improvements. Adaptations were well retained after 16 days of normal training, without any further heat stimulus. The trial was retrospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000732785).Publication Ramadan intermittent fasting induced poorer training practices during the COVID-19 lockdown: A global cross-sectional study with 5529 athletes from 110 countries(Journal Article, Termedia Publishing, 2022-06-27) Washif, Jad Adrian; Pyne, David B.; Sandbakk, Øyvind; Trabelsi, Khaled; Aziz, AR; Beaven, Christopher Martyn; Krug, I; Mujika, I; Ammar, A; Chaouachi, A; Moussa-Chamari, Imen; Aloui, Asma; Chtourou, Hamdi; Farooq, Abdulaziz; Haddad, Monoem; Romdhani, Mohamed; Salamh, Paul; Tabben, Montasaar; Wong, Del P.; Zerguini, Yacine; DeLang, Matthew D.; Taylor, Lee; Saad, Helmi Ben; Chamari, KarimRamadan intermittent fasting during the COVID-19 lockdown (RIFL) may present unique demands. We investigated training practices (i.e., training load and training times) of athletes, using pre-defined survey criteria/questions, during the ‘first’ COVID-19 lockdown, comparing RIFL to lockdown-alone (LD) in Muslim athletes. Specifically, a within-subject, survey-based study saw athletes (n = 5,529; from 110 countries/territories) training practices (comparing RIFL to LD) explored by comparative variables of: sex; age; continent; athlete classification (e.g., world-class); sport classification (e.g., endurance); athlete status (e.g., professional); and level of training knowledge and beliefs/attitudes (ranked as: good/moderate/poor). During RIFL (compared to LD), athlete perceptions (ranges presented given variety of comparative variables) of their training load decreased (46–62%), were maintained (31–48%) or increased (2–13%). Decreases (≥ 5%, p < 0.05) affected more athletes aged 30–39 years than those 18–29 years (60 vs 55%); more national than international athletes (59 vs 51%); more team sports than precision sports (59 vs 46%); more North American than European athletes (62 vs 53%); more semi-professional than professional athletes (60 vs 54%); more athletes who rated their beliefs/attitudes ‘good’ compared to ‘poor’ and ‘moderate’ (61 vs 54 and 53%, respectively); and more athletes with ‘moderate’ than ‘poor’ knowledge (58 vs 53%). During RIFL, athletes had different strategies for training times, with 13–29% training twice a day (i.e., afternoon and night), 12–26% at night only, and 18–36% in the afternoon only, with ranges depending on the comparative variables. Training loads and activities were altered negatively during RIFL compared to LD. It would be prudent for decision-makers responsible for RIFL athletes to develop programs to support athletes during such challenges.Publication Evaluation of an off-feet heat response test for elite rugby sevens athletes(Journal Article, Elsevier, 2022-01-01) Fenemor, Stephen Paul; Mills, B; Sella, Francesco; Gill, Nicholas D.; Driller, Matthew W.; Black, K; Casadio, JR; Beaven, Christopher MartynA heat response test (HRT) assesses adaptations to heat stress and athlete readiness to perform in hot conditions. However, testing is often not sport-specific, and is challenging to incorporate into elite team-sports schedules due to competing training priorities. Seven non-heat acclimated elite rugby sevens athletes (25 ± 3 years; 95.3 ± 6.5 kg; 190 ± 3 cm) undertook two rugby sevens specific running tests in ambient (20 °C, 50% rH; RUN:AMB), and hot (35 °C, 80% rH; RUN:HOT) conditions, along with a heart rate (HR) matched cycling-based HRT (CYCLE:HOT). Physiological and perceptual variables were monitored throughout each test. Mean tympanic temperature (TTymp), HR, thermal sensation, rate of perceived exertion, and sweat loss significantly increased, while thermal discomfort and performance decreased in RUN:HOT compared with RUN:AMB, (all d > 1.40; p < 0.05). Significant reductions in mean TTymp and HR were evident in CYCLE:HOT compared with RUN:HOT (both d > 1.10; p < 0.05), whereas there were no clear differences in any perceptual variables. Mean peak TTymp was 39.5 ± 0.5 °C in RUN:HOT and 38.8 ± 0.4 °C CYCLE:HOT, respectively. Acute heat stress is detrimental to performance in non-heat acclimated elite rugby sevens athletes. High-intensity cycling in the heat can replicate the perceptual (but not the physiological) stress associated with high-intensity running in the heat. Cycling-based HRT could be used to avoid additional mechanical load associated with running-based heat testing.Publication Critical Power, Work Capacity, and Recovery Characteristics of Team-Pursuit Cyclists(Journal Article, Human Kinetics, 2022-11-01) Pugh, Charles F.; Beaven, Christopher Martyn; Ferguson, Richard A.; Driller, Matthew W.; Palmer, Craig D.; Paton, Carl D.PURPOSE: Leading a 4-km team pursuit (TP) requires high-intensity efforts above critical power (CP) that deplete riders' finite work capacity (W'), whereas riders following in the aerodynamic draft may experience some recovery due to reduced power demands. This study aimed to determine how rider ability and CP and W' measures impact TP performance and the extent to which W' can reconstitute during recovery positions in a TP race. METHODS: Three TP teams, each consisting of 4 males, completed individual performance tests to determine their CP and W'. Teams were classified based on their performance level as international (INT), national (NAT), or regional (REG). Each team performed a TP on an indoor velodrome (INT: 3:49.9; NAT: 3:56.7; and REG: 4:05.4; min:s). Ergometer-based TP simulations with an open-ended interval to exhaustion were performed to measure individual ability to reconstitute W' at 25 to 100 W below CP. RESULTS: The INT team possessed higher CP (407 [4] W) than both NAT (381 [13] W) and REG (376 [15] W) (P < .05), whereas W' was similar between teams (INT: 27.2 [2.8] kJ; NAT: 29.3 [2.4] kJ; and REG: 28.8 [1.6] kJ; P > .05). The INT team expended 104% (5%) of their initial W' during the TP and possessed faster rates of recovery than NAT and REG at 25 and 50 W below CP (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The CP and rate of W' reconstitution have a greater impact on TP performance than W' magnitude and can differentiate TP performance level.Publication Kinematics of recreational male runners in "super", minimalist and habitual shoes(Journal Article, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2022-06-15) Hébert-Losier, Kim; Finlayson, Steven J.; Lamb, Peter F.; Driller, Matthew W.; Hanzlikova, Ivana; Dubois, Blaise; Esculier, Jean-Francois; Beaven, Christopher MartynWe conducted an exploratory analysis to compare running kinematics of 16 male recreational runners wearing Nike Vaporfly 4% (VP4), Saucony Endorphin racing flat (FLAT), and their habitual (OWN) footwear. We also explored potential relationships between kinematic and physiological changes. Runners (age: 33 ± 12 y, V _O2peak: 55.2 ± 4.3 ml · kg−1·min−1) attended 3 sessions after completing an V _ O2peak test in which sagittal plane 3D kinematics at submaximal running speeds (60%, 70% and 80% ʋ V _ O2peak) were collected alongside economy measures. Kinematics were compared using notched boxplots, and between-shoe kinematic differences were plotted against between-shoe economy differences. Across intensities, VP4 involved longer flight times (6.7 to 10.0 ms) and lower stance hip range of motion (~3°), and greater vertical pelvis displacement than FLAT (~0.4 cm). Peak dorsiflexion angles (~2°), ankle range of motion (1.0° to 3.9°), and plantarflexion velocities (11.3 to 89.0 deg · sec−1) were greatest in FLAT and lowest in VP4. Foot-ground angles were smaller in FLAT (2.5° to 3.6°). Select kinematic variables were moderately related to economy, with higher step frequencies and longer step lengths in VP4 and FLAT associated with improved economy versus OWN. Footwear changes from OWN altered running kinematics. The most pronounced differences were observed in ankle, spatiotemporal, and foot-ground angle variables.Publication The relationship between physiological and performance variables during a hot/humid international rugby sevens tournament(Journal Article, Wiley Open Access, 2021-09-22) Fenemor, Stephen Paul; Gill, Nicholas D.; Driller, Matthew W.; Mills, B; Casadio, JR; Beaven, Christopher MartynPurpose: To characterise core temperature (Tc) along with predictors of Tc during an international rugby sevens tournament played in hot/humid conditions. Methods: Tc was collected from 11 elite men’s rugby sevens athletes (age 24 ± 3 years) competing in the Oceania sevens tournament in Suva, Fiji. Game specific external load data [playing minutes, total running distance, high speed running distance (HSD)], psychrometric wet bulb temperature (WBTp) and exertional heat illness (EHI) symptoms were also collected. Cohen’s effect sizes (d) were used to assess differences in Tc across measurement periods was, while linear regression was used to assess the effect of external load and post warm-up Tc on peak game Tc. Results: Compared to baseline on both tournament days, mean Tc was higher at all subsequent time-points, including between games (all d > 1.30). On both tournament days, eight athletes (~73%) reached a peak game Tc > 39.0 °C. with several athletes reaching > 39.0 °C during warm-ups. The final game of the tournament recorded the highest mean peak Tc (39.1 ± 0.3 °C). Mean Tc was related to playing minutes, total running distance, HSD, and post warm-up Tc (all p < 0.01). Conclusions: Tc during warm-ups and games regularly exceeded those demonstrated to be detrimental to repeated sprint performance (> 39 °C). Warm-up Tc represents the easiest predictor of game peak Tc to control via the use of appropriate pre- and per-cooling strategies. Practitioners should be prepared to modulate warm-ups and other heat preparation strategies based on likely environmental conditions faced in these tournaments.Publication Is the Landing Error Scoring System Reliable and Valid? A Systematic Review(Journal Article, SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC, 2020-01-21) Hanzlikova, Ivana; Hébert-Losier, KimContext: The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a clinical tool often used in research and practice to identify athletes presenting high injury-risk biomechanical patterns during a jump-landing task. Objective: To systematically review the literature addressing the psychometric properties of the LESS. Data Sources: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched on March 28, 2018, using the term “Landing Error Scoring System.” Study Selection: All studies using the LESS as main outcome measure and addressing its reliability, validity against motion capture system, and predictive validity were included. Original English-language studies published in peer-reviewed journals were reviewed. Studies using modified versions of the LESS were excluded. Study Design: Systematic literature review. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Data Extraction: Study design, population, LESS testing procedures, LESS scores, statistical analysis, and main results were extracted from studies using a standardized template. Results: Ten studies met inclusion criteria and were appraised using Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. The overall LESS score demonstrated good-to-excellent intrarater (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.82-0.99), interrater (ICC, 0.83-0.92), and intersession reliability (ICC, 0.81). The validity of the overall LESS score against 3-dimensional jump-landing biomechanics was good when individuals were divided into 4 quartiles based on LESS scores. The validity of individual LESS items versus 3-dimensional motion capture data was moderate-to-excellent for most of the items addressing key risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The predictive value of the LESS for ACL and other noncontact lower-extremity injuries remains uncertain based on the current scientific evidence. Conclusion: The LESS is a reliable screening tool. However, further work is needed to improve the LESS validity against motion capture system and confirm its predictive validity for ACL and other noncontact lower-extremity injuries.Publication Sleep duration and physical performance during a 6-week military training course(Journal Article, WILEY, 2021-05-25) Edgar, David T.; Gill, Nicholas D.; Beaven, Christopher Martyn; Zaslona, Jennifer L.; Driller, Matthew W.Sleep is vital in influencing effective training adaptations in the military. This study aimed to assess the relationship between sleep and changes in physical performance over 6-weeks of military training. A total of 22 officer-trainees (age: 24 ± 5 y) from the New Zealand Defence Force were used for this observational longitudinal cohort study. Participants wore wrist actigraphs to monitor sleep, completed subjective wellbeing questionnaires weekly, and were tested for: 2.4 km run time-trial, maximum press-up and curl-ups before and after 6-weeks of training. Average sleep duration was calculated over 36-nights (6:10 ± 0:28 h:min), and sleep duration at the mid-point (6:15 h:min) was used to stratify the trainees into two quantile groups (UNDERS: 5:51 ± 0:29 h:min, n =11) and (OVERS: 6:27 ± 0:09 h:min, n =11). There were no significant group x time interactions for 2.4 km run, press-ups, or curl-ups (p >0.05); however, small effects were observed in favour of OVERS for 2.4 km run (59.8 vs 44.9 s; d =0.26) and press-ups (4.7 vs 3.2 reps; d = 0.45). Subjective wellbeing scores resulted in a significant group x time interaction (p <0.05), with large effect sizes in favour of the OVERS group for Fatigue in Week 1 (d =0.90) and Week 3 (d =0.87), and Soreness in Week 3 (d =1.09) and Week 4 (d =0.95). Sleeping more than 6:15 h:min per night over 6-weeks was associated with small benefits to aspects of physical performance and moderate to large benefits on subjective wellbeing measures when compared to sleeping less than 6:15 h:min.Publication 'Cripping' care in disability sport: an autoethnographic study of a highly impaired high-performance athlete(Journal Article, ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2022-02-18) Lowry, Amanda; Townsend, Robert C.; Petrie, Kirsten Culhane ; Johnston, LyndaIn this article we combine the fields of critical disability studies and the sociology of sport to disrupt and extend current understandings of athlete welfare and care. A focus on athlete welfare is producing heightened awareness of the need for institutional, structural and personal support for athletes. Notions of ‘care’ are proliferating in sport discourse, with sport organisations routinely described as having a ‘duty of care’ towards athletes. In high performance disability sport, however, the provision and arrangement of care is often based on a view of the disabled athlete as high functioning, autonomous and independent. This perspective is further complicated when considering the provision of care for people with high support needs. Drawing on cripistemology, we argue that a politics of knowledge confirms a certain squeamishness around care practices and care knowledge in disability sport. One of us – a high performance, highly impaired athlete in Aotearoa New Zealand, offers an autoethnographic account of her experiences of training and competing, illustrating the embodied and intimate care needed for her continued engagement in high performance sporting practices. In keeping with wider calls in critical disability studies to bring the study of the body and therefore impairment back into disability discourse, we offer this personal narrative to ‘crip’ care knowledge, focusing on the materiality of bodies as they intersect with sport. Finally, we argue that sport scholars, practitioners and governing bodies must consider the embodied care politics of disabled athletes in order to deepen understandings of impairment, inequalities, and social inclusion.Publication Inequities in the physical activity of disabled young people in Aotearoa New Zealand: A stakeholder SWOT analysis of the physical activity sector(Journal Article, New Zealand Medical Association, 2023-05-18) Wilson, Oliver; Richards, Justin; Smith, Melody; Townsend, Robert C.Aims: Disabled people, particularly children and adolescents, tend to participate in less physical activity than their non-disabled peers on average. However, disabled children and youth (i.e., young people [YP]) are typically underrepresented in physical activity (PA) research, with little data available in Aotearoa New Zealand to guide policy makers to alter societal factors that contribute to disability inequities. The purpose of this study was to conduct a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis of the PA sector in Aotearoa New Zealand with respect to PA participation and promotion among disabled YP. Methods: Focus group discussions, underpinned by the SWOT framework, were facilitated with stakeholders (n=11) engaged in the Aotearoa New Zealand PA sector. Data were transcribed and analysed using content analysis. Desirable and accessible opportunities were essential enablers of PA in disabled YP. Results: Communication, transport, equipment costs, awareness of activities, and social support were identified as factors that influence PA participation. Schools also have a considerable influence on PA participation among disabled YP, while greater funding for and cohesion/collaboration among PA providers is key to continued growth in PA participation. Conclusions: Communication, accessibility, funding, and collaborative/coordinated multi-level efforts were identified as areas in need of strengthening to provide equitable opportunities for disabled YP in Aotearoa New Zealand to participate in PA.Publication Reactive Strength as a Metric for Informing Return-to-Sport Decisions: A Case-Control Study(Journal Article, Human Kinetics Publishing Inc., 2022-01-01) Teichmann, Jorg; Hébert-Losier, Kim; Tan, Rachel Sue Yin; Lem, Han Wei; Khanum, Shabana; Subramaniam, Ananthi; Yeo, Wee-Kian; Schmidtbleicher, Dietmar; Beaven, Christopher MartynObjective: Current return-to-sport decisions are primarily based on elapsed time since surgery or injury and strength measures. Given data that show rates of successful return to competitive sport at around 55%, there is strong rationale for adopting tools that will better inform return-to-sport decisions. The authors’ objective was to assess reactive strength as a metric for informing return-to-sport decisions. Design: Case-control design. Methods: Fifteen elite athletes from national sports teams (23 [6.0] y) in the final phase of their return-to-sport protocol following a unilateral knee injury and 16 age-matched control athletes (22 [4.6] y) performed a unilateral isometric strength test and 24-cm drop jump test. Pairwise comparisons were used to determine differences between legs within groups and differences in interleg asymmetry between groups. Results: Strength measures did not distinguish the control from the rehabilitation group; however, clear differences in the degree of asymmetry were apparent between the control and rehabilitation groups for contact time (Cohen d = 0.56; −0.14 to 1.27; 8.2%; P = .113), flight time (d = 1.10; 0.44 to 1.76; 16.0%; P = .002), and reactive strength index (d = 1.27; 0.50 to 2.04; 22.4%; P = .002). Conclusion: Reactive strength data provide insight into functional deficits that persist into the final phase of a return-to-sport protocol. The authors’ findings support the use of dynamic assessment tools to inform return-to-sport decisions to limit potential for injury.Publication Clinical Implications of Landing Distance on Landing Error Scoring System Scores(Journal Article, NATL ATHLETIC TRAINERS ASSOC INC, 2021-06-01) Hanzlikova, Ivana; Hébert-Losier, KimContext: The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) screens for the risk of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury. The LESS requires individuals to jump forward from a 30-cm box to a distance of 50% of their body height. However, different landing distances have been cited in the scientific literature. Objective: To examine whether landing distance influences LESS outcomes. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Laboratory. Participants or Other Participants: Seventy young active individuals (34 males, 36 females). Intervention(s): Participants performed 33 30-cm jump landing tasks under 2 landing conditions in randomized order: (1) 50% of body height (d50%), (2) self-selected distance (dss). Main Outcome Measure(s): Mean LESS scores, proportions of individuals categorized at high (LESS: 5 errors) and low (LESS: <5 errors) injury risk, and landing distances were compared between conditions using generalized estimating equations. Consistency of risk categorization was examined using odds ratios (ORs) and McNemar tests. McNemar and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare the occurrence of specific LESS errors. Results: Participants landed closer to the box under the dss condition (difference = 23.28 [95% CI = 20.73, 25.81]%, P < .001). Group mean LESS scores (difference = 0.01 [95% CI = 0.59, 0.57] error, P = .969) and risk categorization (OR = 0.94 [95% CI = 0.47, 1.88], P = .859) were similar between conditions. However, individual-level risk categorization was inconsistent in 33% of participants, as was the occurrence of specific errors. Conclusions: Using dss during the LESS might lead to different LESS errors and risk categorizations at an individual level than using d50%. Given that individual LESS scores are of primary interest in clinical and sport settings and the injury-risk threshold has not been validated for dss, we recommend the use of the original LESS protocol. When only group mean LESS scores or proportions of at-risk individuals are of interest, using dss is feasible to facilitate the testing of large cohorts.Publication Metaheuristics for Discovering Favourable Continuous Intravenous Insulin Rate Protocols from Historical Patient Data(Journal Article, SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING AG, 2020-01-01) Wang, Hongyu; Chepulis, Lynne Merran; Paul, Ryan G.; Mayo, MichaelMetaheuristic search algorithms are used to develop new protocols for optimal intravenous insulin infusion rate recommendations in scenarios involving hospital in-patients with Type 1 Diabetes. Two metaheuristic search algorithms are used, namely, Particle Swarm Optimization and Covariance Matrix Adaption Evolution Strategy. The Glucose Regulation for Intensive Care Patients (GRIP) serves as the starting point of the optimization process. We base our experiments on a methodology in the literature to evaluate the favorability of insulin protocols, with a dataset of blood glucose level/insulin infusion rate time series records from 16 patients obtained from the Waikato District Health Board. New and significantly better insulin infusion strategies than GRIP are discovered from the data through metaheuristic search. The newly discovered strategies are further validated and show good performance against various competitive benchmarks using a virtual patient simulator.