Health Papers

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/handle/10289/11371

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‘He has been the worst coach, but he’s also the one that said “let’s give it a go”’: exploring the promise and potential of inclusive research in disability sport coaching
(Informa UK Limited, 2026-09-10) Barry, Katie; Townsend, Robert C.; Frawley, Patsie; Dalton, Sarah; Ward, Debbie
This paper offers a novel methodological illustration of the fusion of Inclusive Research (IR) and Participatory Action Research (PAR) principles in disability sport coaching in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Using this hybrid methodology, we undertook semi-structured interviews with disabled people, community sport coaches and national coach developers to explore how ‘mainstream’ sports coach development systems can be more inclusive of disabled people. Guided by a Disability Advisory Group, and drawing on reflexive thematic analysis, the research highlighted the strong desire from athletes to participate in mainstream sport, alongside the desire by coaches and coach developers to provide more opportunities for disabled people. Yet, findings indicate that despite the potential for coach education to act as a mechanism for enhancing coaches’ knowledge of inclusion, gaps in support available for both coaches and national coach developers hinder the implementation of inclusive policy. The analysis further illustrated how systemic forms of ableism and structural barriers across mainstream sport, coach education and coaching practices can limit opportunities for inclusion. These findings demonstrate that achieving greater inclusion therefore requires addressing systemic barriers within sport coaching and fostering a culture that supports inclusive practices at all levels. In addition, this paper critically reflects on the participatory research practices employed, examining how these approaches shaped the research findings, and highlights the depth and significance of knowledge generated through such inclusive methods. These reflections offer valuable insights for future sport coaching research seeking to embed participatory and inclusive principles.
Reliability of medial versus lateral video analysis for footstrike assessment in treadmill and overground running
(Elsevier, 2026-05-01) Shao, Sikun; Chen, Yinjie; Mo, Shiwei; Hébert-Losier, Kim; Cheung, Roy T. H.
Although video analysis is widely used to assess footstrike pattern (FSP) and footstrike angle (FSA), the reliability of these measures from medial and lateral views remains poorly understood, particularly across treadmill and overground running. This study evaluated the intra-rater, inter-rater and inter-side reliability of FSP classification and FSA measurement between treadmill and overground running. This study involved seven novice runners on an indoor treadmill and nine experienced runners during an outdoor marathon-distance run. Synchronized medial- and lateral-view videos were recorded and analyzed twice by three trained raters using Kinovea software. FSP was categorized as rearfoot, midfoot or forefoot strike, and FSA was measured as the angle between the shoe sole and running surface at initial contact. A total of 1,680 treadmill and 134 overground footfalls were analyzed. Reliability was assessed using Cohen's or Fleiss’ kappa (k) for FSP classification and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for FSA measurement. Excellent intra-rater (Cohen's k ≥ 0.89, ICC(1,1) ≥ 0.96) and inter-rater reliability (Fleiss’ k ≥ 0.85, ICC(2,1) ≥ 0.95) were indicated during treadmill running. For overground running, reliability remained good but comparatively lower (Cohen's k ≥ 0.74, ICC(1,1) ≥ 0.86; Fleiss’ k ≥ 0.64, ICC(2,1) ≥ 0.84). Inter-side reliability between medial and lateral views was excellent on the treadmill (k ≥ 0.88, ICC ≥ 0.94) but only fair to moderate overground (k ≥ 0.48, ICC ≥ 0.68). While video-based footstrike assessment is highly reliable in controlled laboratory settings, its application in field-based conditions requires caution due to diminished inter-side agreement.
GPS workflow and performance insights
(NZSCA and Sports and Exercise Science New Zealand, 2025) Smith, Tiaki Brett
Brett’s session will cover his experience deploying STATSports’ elite player-tracking technology across multiple rugby environments in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, drawing on both his in-club roles and consultancy projects. He’ll share practical workflows, key performance insights, and implementation lessons relevant to high-performance and coaching staff.
Workload demands during ball-in-play periods: Comparison of locomotive and contact metrics in professional male versus female Rugby Union players
(2024) Smith, Tiaki Brett; MacDonald, Chantal
Purpose: Rugby Union is a high collision-based sport demanding the best physical, technical, tactical and decision-making capabilities of players to influence success on the field. Various factors affect the ability for females and males to perform and meet the demands of match-play. This project employed an innovative design that examined and compared contact and locomotion metrics between female and male professional rugby union players during match play. Methods: Data was collected from 60 professional male and female rugby players, from one male and one female professional National Provincial Rugby teams. All participants wore GPS units (Apex Pro Pod, STATSport, Newry, NIR). Each match was filmed and coded using Sportscode video analysis software package (Sportscode 12.4.3, Sportstec, Australia), where contact and GPS metrics were identified throughout the match. GPS and Sportscode data were combined in a bespoke software package. Difference were determined using Welch’s t-test with the level of significance set at P<0.5 and the magnitude of the differences was calculated using Cohen’s d (Hopkins, 2009, 2017). Tests for equality of variances, normality and the examination of outliers was conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 27). Results: Males locomotive metrics (GPS) and impacts (accelerometer) were typically significantly greater than females showing large to moderate magnitude differences. On the other hand, contacts were often significantly higher for females with small to large magnitude differences. Conclusion: The differences between males and females were likely a combination of genetic differences, differences in how the respective games were played, and the males in this study typically had greater full-time professional training support and resources. Due to these differences, altering female threshold standards for specific intensive locomotion metrics to suit the physical capabilities of females, may give more of an accurate representation of game demands. On the other hand, providing greater resources to female rugby union players for similar periods of time to the males may reduce the differences observed in this study.
The relationship between horizontal scrum force and 1RM squat in professional rugby union players
(2024) Smith, Tiaki Brett; Bradey, Conway
Introduction: Horizontal force development plays a large role in rugby union, but gym-based resistance exercises such as the barbell back squat, a vertical force production exercise, is a commonly used key performance indicator of lower body strength for scrummaging. This project employed an instrumented scrumtruk to measure the isometric horizontal scrum specific force compared to the maximal squat. Methods: Data was collected for one repetition maximum barbell back squat (1RM) and peak (PeakST) and 10-second average (10sAvgST) isometric force on a scrumtruk for 15 professional rugby union forwards across four data collection points throughout a super rugby season. These four points were baseline (start of the pre-season), late pre-season, early in-season and late in-season, with each period separated by approximately six weeks. The analysis involved correlations for the forwards as a whole and the different subgroups of tight forwards, front row, props, and representative props. Standardised differences in 1RM, and PeakST, and 10sAvgST force for these groups across the key data collection points of the season were also determined. Results: Correlations between 1RM and PeakST force (0.133, small), 1RM and 10sST (0.097, small), PeakST and 10sAvgST force (0.926, strong) were found for all forwards across the season. Better correlations for 1RM were detected with props and representative props. Small and very large magnitude increases were observed during pre-season for 1 RM squat and PeakST and 10sAvgST respectively, followed by significant decreases from pre-season to in-season for all variables. Small increases were shown from early to late in-season. Overall, 1RM decreased, while PeakST and 10sAvgST force showed large and moderate increases from baseline to late in-season. Conclusion: Surprisingly despite the promotion of heavy squatting for scrummaging there was only a small relationship between 1RM squat and both PeakST and 10sAvgST in professional rugby players across a competitive season. Rugby conditioners should consider including various specific horizontal isometric training options alongside the squat to facilitate optimal scrummaging force development.
Science to inform monitoring and training load in athletes: Past, present, future
(Sports Medicine New Zealand, 2025) Smith, Tiaki Brett
Presentation from the Sports Medicine New Zealand Conference 2025.
‘Not very responsive for Kaumātua’: A Wānanga-based qualitative study (single-group design) of Māori Kaumātua and Māori health provider experiences of type 2 diabetes care
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-07-20) Kovanur Sampath, Kesava; Haggie, Marrin; Tapara, Timi; Brownie, Sharon
Background Māori experience a disproportionate burden of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with ongoing inequities in access, continuity, and outcomes of care. While culturally responsive approaches are recognised as important, limited qualitative research centers kaumātua (Māori elders aged 50 years and over) voices in evaluating current diabetes care and informing service redesign. Aim To explore kaumātua and Māori health providers’ perspectives on the cultural responsiveness, strengths, and limitations of current T2DM management in New Zealand, and to examine perceived opportunities for community-embedded and mobile models of care. Methods A qualitative study informed by Kaupapa Māori principles was conducted using a wānanga-based (collective forum for discussion and knowledge-sharing) approach. Kaumātua living with T2DM were purposively recruited through a Māori community organisation. Collective kōrero (conversation/discussion) were audio-recorded and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, interpreted through a Kaupapa Māori analytic lens. Reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Strengthening Reporting of Health Research Involving Indigenous Peoples (CONSIDER). Results Seven kaumātua and Māori health providers participated. Current diabetes care was described as fragmented and insufficiently responsive to cultural and contextual needs. Effective care was grounded in whanaungatanga (relationships and connectedness), manaakitanga (care, respect, and dignity), whānau engagement, culturally safe spaces, and accessibility. Structural barriers, including transport challenges, financial pressures, and fragmented information systems, constrained continuity of care. Participants strongly endorsed a mobile, community-embedded diabetes service as a culturally appropriate approach to improving access, continuity, and equity. Conclusion Kaumātua perspectives highlight the need for relational, culturally grounded, and accessible diabetes care. Mobile, community-embedded models offer a promising pathway to address structural barriers while upholding mana, dignity, and whānau-centred care.
Psychological distress in Aotearoa New Zealand adults with type 1 diabetes
(Sage, 2025) McClintock, Joanna Marie; Chepulis, Lynne; Blackmore, Tania; Fraser, Sonya; Paul, Ryan G.
The psychological burden of type 1 diabetes (T1D) can negatively impact health outcomes. This study evaluates the prevalence of low mood (WHO-5), disordered eating (DEPS-R), diabetes distress (PAID) and fear of hypoglycaemia (HFS-II), in a sample of 250 New Zealand adults (8.4% Māori/91.6% non-Māori; 43.6% female/56.4% male) with T1D using validated tools. Māori and female patients indicated low mood, with lower median WHO-5 scores than non-Māori (p = 0.027) and males (p = 0.002). Māori were more likely to score in the clinical range on the WHO-5, DEPS-R, PAID and HFS-II (all p < 0.05). HbA1c was correlated with emotional well-being (rs = −0.189), diabetes distress (rs = 0.223) and disordered eating (rs = 0.389; all p < 0.001) whilst DEPS-R correlated with age (rs = −0.232) and BMI (rs = 0.343; both p ≤ 0.001). Thus, diabetes-related psychological distress is common in New Zealand adults with T1D, particularly for Māori, females and those with elevated HbA1c levels.
Why does New Zealand have such poor outcomes from colorectal cancer?: The importance of the pre-diagnostic period
(CSIRO, 2021-03-31) Firth, Melissa; Blackmore, Tania; Chepulis, Lynne; Keenan, Rawiri; Stokes, Tim; Elwood, Mark; Weller, David; Emery, Jon; Lawrenson, Ross
INTRODUCTION: Over 3000 cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) are diagnosed annually in New Zealand. The proportion of late stage diagnoses is higher than in similar countries, and highest in Māori and Pacific patients. Survival outcomes are poorer than for people in Australia and poor for Māori and Pacific peoples. A regional screening programme is not yet available to the entire target population (60-74 years). AIM: This study reviews research investigating the pre-diagnostic pathway for CRC in New Zealand and how this may contribute to poorer outcomes. METHODS: This was a scoping review of original articles examining the pre-diagnostic period for CRC published on the PubMed database between 2009 and 2019. Findings were interpreted within the Model of Pathways to Treatment framework and in context of international evidence. RESULTS: In total, 83 publications were assessed; eight studies were included. Studies were mainly older than 5 years, qualitative, and focused on screening. Facilitatory factors for the appraisal and help-seeking intervals increased CRC public awareness and the critical role of general practitioners. No specific facilitatory or inhibitory factors were identified for the diagnostic interval, but two studies found that time frames did not meet national and international targets. One study discovered longer pre-diagnostic intervals were associated with younger age at diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Limited recent research has investigated the CRC pre-diagnostic pathways in NZ. Identification of facilitatory and inhibitory factors and implementation of appropriate strategies to improve them alongside the wider uptake of the screening programme may improve stage at diagnosis and outcomes for New Zealand CRC patients.
Quantifying offense and defense workloads in professional rugby union
(Human Kinetics, 2024) Stevens, Luke J.; Hopkins, Will G.; Chittenden, Jessica A.; Koper, Bianca Z.; Smith, Tiaki Brett
Purpose: Rugby union is a contact team sport demanding high levels of physical capacity, and understanding the match workloads can be useful to inform training. In this study, the factors influencing locomotion and contact workloads for offensive and defensive ball-in-play periods are quantified. Methods: Locomotion and contact metrics were collected from global positioning system units and videos for 31 professional players of a Super Rugby team across 14 games in the 2021 season. Data were analyzed with a generalized mixed-model procedure that included effects for type of play, playing position, match outcome, and ball-in-play time. Magnitudes were assessed with standardization, and evidence for substantial magnitudes was derived from sampling uncertainty. Results: When offense was compared to defense, most metrics showed decisively substantial increases (small to moderate) for forwards and backs. There was decisive evidence that locomotion metrics were substantially lower (large differences) and contact metrics were higher (very large differences) when comparing forwards to backs on offense and defense. When winning was compared to losing, there was good evidence that forwards experienced small increases in overall workload on defense, and backs experienced a small increase in high-speed running and a moderate decrease in contacts on offense. Match-to-match changes associated with ball-in-play time, attributed to fatigue, were decisive (moderate to very large) across most metrics for forwards and backs in offense and defense. Conclusions: The increased locomotion and contact workloads in offensive periods and the differing physical requirements between positions and match outcomes for both types of play are novel findings that should aid practitioners in designing effective training.
SGLT2 inhibitor use and disparities in all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes: Insights from a multi-ethnic population
(Springer, 2026) Chepulis, Lynne; Gan, Han; Simmons, David; Rodrigues, Mark William; Keenan, Rawiri; Murphy, Rinki; Kenealy, Tim; Te Karu, Leanne; Magliano, Dianna; Scott-Jones, Jo; Moffitt, Allan; Lao, Chunhuan; Lawrenson, Ross; Paul, Ryan G.
Aims/hypothesis: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are known to reduce cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in people with type 2 diabetes, but there are limited data regarding mortality outcomes in different ethnic groups (including Indigenous peoples). This study reports on mortality outcomes in a population in Aotearoa New Zealand (hereafter New Zealand) with type 2 diabetes, following the funded availability of the SGLT2i empagliflozin with prioritised access for Māori and Pacific people. Methods: Data were collected from primary care records for those aged 18–75 years with type 2 diabetes (Auckland/Waikato regions of New Zealand; February 2021 to December 2023; n=59,505). These data were linked to national medication-dispensing and mortality records for 2021–2024 via national health identifier numbers. Following propensity matching and Cox modelling for ethnicity, age, gender, medication use, baseline HbA1c and cardiovascular and/or renal disease/risk (CVRD) status (yes/no), mortality rates were compared by ethnicity in those with and without CVRD and who did/did not initiate empagliflozin. This study was reported in accordance with the CONSIDER statement, used to strengthen the reporting of research involving Indigenous peoples. The study was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. Results: Following matching, two groups of 12,792 individuals were identified. Annualised crude mortality (deaths per 1000 individuals per year) was higher in those not dispensed with SGLT2i than in those receiving SGLT2i (35.2 vs 13.1 in those with CVRD and 7.7 vs 3.6 in those without CVRD, respectively). After adjustment, the greatest difference in mortality with SGLT2i use was seen in Māori (HR 0.475; 95% CI 0.336, 0.672; p<0.001), followed by Pacific people (HR 0.507; 95% CI 0.395, 0.651; p<0.001) and European people (HR 0.667; 95% CI 0.545, 0.816; p<0.001). Conclusions/interpretation: The protective effect of SGLT2i use on mortality appears to differ by ethnicity and is greater in Indigenous Māori and Pacific populations in New Zealand with type 2 diabetes. SGLT2i use in Indigenous and minority populations may support improved health equity.
Comparative analysis of calf muscle endurance metrics in male and female athletes from different sports
(Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 2026) Pilanthananond, Metaneeya; Hébert-Losier, Kim; Srisomphan, Thitiphan; Jamkrajang, Parunchaya
Purpose: To investigate calf muscle endurance in athletes participating in sports with high demands for repetitive jumping and sprinting and to explore potential sex differences. Methods: 189 recreational athletes aged 18–25 years old (40 runners, 49 basketball and volleyball players, 41 badminton and tennis players, 59 soccer and futsal players) performed a maximal number of single-leg calf raises on the edge of a box following a metronome beat (60 beats per minute) with both legs tested in random order, with only the dominant leg analysed in this study. An upright trunk and a straight knee were maintained throughout the testing. Results: Significantly greater calf muscle absolute work capacity was observed in male court sport players compared to male field sport players by 46.53% (p < 0.001) and female court sport players by 56.46% (p = 0.002) identified by total work metrics. The normalised total positive work was also higher in male court sport players by 43.92% (p = 0.006), while sex differences in normalised work were not significant. No significant differences were shown in peak heights and number of repetitions among the four sports or between sexes within the other sports. Conclusions: Greater absolute work capacity in court sports players reflects sport-specific adaptations to repetitive vertical movements, while sex differences in absolute work are attributable to body mass rather than superior muscular endurance. Our findings suggest the potential benefits of integrating calf muscle training into court sport players.
Running kinematics, spatiotemporal variation and lower limb strength at different stages of a 156-km ultra-trail race
(Edizioni Minerva Medica, 2026-02) Nguyen, Anh Phong; Esculier, Jean-François; Dubois, Blaise; van Cant, Joachim; Roy-Baillargeon, Olivier; Hébert-Losier, Kim; Francisco, Beatrice; Hingrand, Corentin; Delaunay, Pierre-Louis; Mauvieux, Benoit; Pairot De Fontenay, Benoit
BACKGROUND: Ultra-trail running is increasingly popular, yet most research on biomechanics focuses on road running or treadmills. This study assesses changes in foot strike pattern (FSP), step frequency, and other biomechanical parameters over a 156-km ultra-trail race. METHODS: Fifty-five experienced runners participated in the Trail Scientifique de Clécy, a 156-km race with 6000 meters of elevation gain. Biomechanical data were collected at the end of each 26-km lap using video for FSP and Optojump for other parameters. Muscle strength was measured via maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the hip abductors and ankle plantar flexors. RESULTS: Forty-one runners completed the race. FSP remained consistent. Step frequency decreased initially (P=0.003) before stabilizing. Self-selected speed declined by 14.2% (P<0.001), and step length reduced by 12.6% (P<0.001). Ground contact time increased (+12.9%, P<0.001), while flight time remained stable. Leg stiffness showed a non-significant decreasing trend (P=0.048). MVIC for hip abductors and ankle plantar flexors slightly decreased late in the race (P=0.015 and P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Experienced ultra-trail runners maintain consistent FSP while strategically adapting other biomechanical parameters to manage fatigue, supporting sustained performance and injury prevention in ultra-endurance races.
Running with and without blood flow restriction on fatigability and biomechanics: A cross-over trial
(Taylor & Francis, 2026) Nguyen, Anh Phong; Hansoulle, Thomas; Van Cant, Joachim; Pairot de Fontenay, Benoit; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Running assessments are frequently conducted without inducing fatigability because achieving true exhaustion in athletes can be both time consuming and physically demanding. Blood flow restriction (BFR) presents a potential solution by reducing time-to-exhaustion. To determine whether running with BFR (1) accelerates fatiguability compared to standard running and (2) influences running spatiotemporal parameters, including step frequency, step length, contact time, flight time, and duty factor. Sixteen participants (11 men, 5 women) completed two cross-over running trials until exhaustion under two conditions: control and 80% occlusion BFR. Time-to-exhaustion and heart rate were recorded as well as pre/post run maximal voluntary isometric contractions for knee flexors, knee extensors, and ankle plantar flexors. Running spatiotemporal parameters were measured at 65% of maximal aerobic speed both before and after exhaustive running. The BFR protocol significantly shortened time-to-exhaustion (7 min 51 s ±2 min 54 s vs. 24 min 02 s ±12 min 10 s in control, p < .001). Heart rate at exhaustion was lower in the BFR condition (169.5 ± 19.0 vs. 188.1 ± 8.9 bpm, p = .001). Post-run knee flexors strength declined similarly in both protocols (~21%), indicating comparable neuromuscular fatigability despite the shorter BFR running time. None of the spatiotemporal parameters differed significantly between conditions (p > .074). Running with BFR accelerates fatigability without significantly affecting running spatiotemporal parameters
The rowing-specific reinvestment scale
(Taylor & Francis, 2022) Sparks, Katherine V.; Kavussanu, Maria; Masters, Rich S.W.; Ring, Christopher
This research project aimed to develop and validate a rowing-specific reinvestment scale. In Study 1, a 24-item questionnaire was developed and the content validity was assessed using experts (N = 7) and pilot-tested in rowers (N = 24). Next, rowers (N = 282) completed the questionnaire with the remaining items, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted. This further reduced the number of items and revealed two factors, rowing specific conscious motor processing (RS-CMP) and movement self-consciousness (RS-MSC). In Study 2, rowers (N = 270) completed the scale that was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Moreover, the construct validity of the scale was investigated by asking them to complete measures of movement-specific reinvestment, perceived performance, self-consciousness, and state anxiety. Actual performance was also determined based on their race finishing position. Study 1 EFA resulted in a 2-factor model with six items assessing RS-CMP and six items assessing RS-MSC. Study 2 supported the factor structure of scale; CFA indicated an acceptable model fit with good internal consistency. Content validity was also supported, with evidence of concurrent, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity. In conclusion, these studies provided good initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the RSRS.
Acute and persistence of the effects of the SuperSpeed Golf™ weighted-club warm-up on golf driving performance and kinematics
(Taylor & Francis, 2021) Hébert-Losier, Kim; Wardell, George Leslie
High-level golfers use various warm-up strategies to enhance clubhead and ball speed, including weighted equipment. We investigated the acute effects of the SuperSpeed Golf™ weighted-club warm-up on clubhead, ball, and swing kinematics, and the persistence of any acute effects in subsequent sets. Twelve competitive golfers (handicap < 3.0) completed five sets of five swings using their own drivers under two randomised warm-up conditions (Control and SuperSpeed). We compared swing, peak segment and club angular velocity, and centre of mass (COM) parameters collected using a 3D motion capture system (500 Hz) between conditions. The temporal persistence of any meaningful (Cohen’s d ≥ small) and significant (p≤ 0.05) effect detected in the first set was investigated in subsequent sets. SuperSpeed led to small significant changes in clubhead speed (2.6 mph); downswing time; peak angular velocities of the torso, lead arm, and club; and two COM variables in the initial set. There was no significant change in ball speed, resulting in a large negative change in smash factor acutely (d − 0.82, p= 0.009). Nearly all changes observed were no longer meaningful or significant in subsequent sets. Overall, golfers can expect an increase in driving clubhead speed on the first tee using the SuperSpeed Golf™ vs Control warm-up, with trivial effects from the second tee onwards.
Biomechanical determinants of placekicking success in professional Rugby Union players
(Taylor & Francis, 2020) Hébert-Losier, Kim; Lamb, Peter; Beaven, Christopher Martyn
The ability to score from placekicks discriminates winning from losing Rugby Union teams. We aimed to identify which biomechanical variables related to successful placekicking in professional Rugby Union players, and use self-organising maps (SOM) to determine whether meaningful sub-groups existed. Three professional placekickers performed 10 kicks outdoors. Placekicks were categorised into best, worst, and typical performances based on outcomes and coach and player perceptions. Seven 3D biomechanical variables consistently and meaningfully (moderate Cohen’s effect size) discriminated best from worst placekicks in all players. The three-cluster solution from SOM on these seven variables highlighted differences between players rather than best, worst, and typical attempts. Within-clusters, however, the best and worst placekicks tended to be represented in separate map regions. The seven variables identified using standardised effect sizes can be useful for group-level coaching of placekicking skills in absence of individual data, and translated in an applied setting using verbal and visual cues to promote overall placekicking performance. However, players’ idiosyncrasies formed the main SOM boundaries, indicating that optimising placekicking success would benefit from an individualised approach and numerous effective movement templates may exist.
Reporting guidelines for running biomechanics and footwear studies using three-dimensional motion capture
(Taylor & Francis, 2023) Hébert-Losier, Kim; Dai, Boyi; Nunome, Hiroyuki; Kong, Pui Wah; Hobara, Hiroaki; Hsu, Wei-Chun; Bradshaw, Elizabeth J.; Fong, Daniel T.P.; Vanwanseele, Benedicte
Running shoes act as an interface between the foot and the ground and play a central role in running. Running shoes are constantly evolving, as is the research on running biomechanics and footwear. Experts agree that comfort, injury prevention, and performance are important factors to consider in the design and manufacturing of running footwear; however, these topics are often complex to investigate due to their multifactorial, individualised, or subjective nature with no clear evidence-based direction for footwear prescription.
Moving beyond models: Theorizing physical disability in the sociology of sport
(Human Kinetics, 2021) Brighton, James; Townsend, Robert C.; Campbell, Natalie; Williams, Toni L.
In this paper we explore current theoretical approaches available from the discipline of critical disability studies (CDS) for conceptualizing physical disability and advocate how these understandings can advance sociological research on disability sport. After reviewing a dominant “models” approach that has historically been employed, we illuminate how theoretical architecture provided by selected sociological theorists (Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, and Zygmunt Bauman) and from aesthetic, cyborg, and new materialist approaches can help reveal the materialist conditions, sociocultural structures, and lived realities of disability. In doing so, we appeal to researchers of disability sport to develop critical understandings of why alternative theoretical approaches are valuable, what theoretical choices to make, and how we can use theory to highlight oppression and empower those involved in disability sport.
Landing error scoring system scores change with knowledge of scoring criteria and prior performance
(Elsevier, 2020-11) Hanzlíková, Ivana; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Objective: To examine if the knowledge of scoring criteria and prior performance influence Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) outcomes. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Thirty individuals. Main outcome measures: The LESS was tested at Baseline and one week later under two conditions: Pre and Post information. For the Post condition, LESS items were explained to participants, as were their individual Baseline scores. Mean LESS scores and number of individuals categorized at high and low risk were compared between Pre and Post using paired t-tests and McNemar's tests, respectively. McNemar's tests were also used to compare proportions of specific LESS errors between Pre and Post conditions. Results: Mean LESS Post scores (4.7 ± 1.2 errors) were significantly lower than Pre scores (6.6 ± 2.0 errors, p < 0.001) as was the number of individuals at high risk (25 vs 10 participants, p < 0.001). A significantly lower proportion of participants scored an error for the joint displacement item of LESS Post compared to Pre condition (p < 0.001). Conclusion: When using the LESS, it is important that tested individuals have no knowledge of scoring criteria or previous errors for a valid assessment of innate jump-landing movement patterns and injury risk.

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