Beaven, Christopher MartynEnticott, David2024-04-032024-04-032024https://hdl.handle.net/10289/16498Background: The pop-up is the physiological task that places a surfer on a wave. The aim of every recreational surfer is to catch as many open-faced, rideable waves as possible with pop-up velocity being crucial to this. Recent research shows a clear trend of an aging surfing demographic all of whom have the potential to experience an age-related reduction in their pop-up velocity. A slower pop-up would likely limit wave-riding options for these older surfers; therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to determine if age reduces pop-up velocity in intermediate recreational surfers. We hypothesised that pop-up velocity between younger and older recreational surfers would exhibit no statistically significant difference as a result of older surfers having developed efficient movement patterns and skill sets over many years that offset any age-related muscular decrement Methods: Fourteen intermediate recreational surfers (13 males and 1 female) were placed into two groups based on age, a younger group (25.2 ± 9.0 years old, 9.7 ± 10.9 years of surfing experience) and an older group (51.8 ± 6.6 years old, 30.0 ± 9.1 years of surfing experience). The cohort had at least two years surfing experience and did not follow a specific dry-land resistance training programme. Participants completed a simulated pop-up in a controlled laboratory setting with pop-up velocity captured by dual Kistler force plates. A countermovement jump test was also completed by each participant to assess lower-body power and velocity. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV0, and typical error (TE) were calculated to determine inter-group reliability between the older and younger surfers’ pop-up velocity tests and between pop-up tests featuring simulated paddling strokes and those without. An independent samples t-test was conducted to examine the differences between the two age groups’ pop-up velocity and between pop-up tests featuring simulated paddling strokes and those without. The strength of correlation between surfer age and relative maximal power was assessed with Pearson’s r. Results: The test showed good (ICC 0.75-0.90) reliability and no apparent difference between paddle and non-paddle and the older and younger cohorts; however, the CVs all exceeded 10%. The younger group demonstrated significantly quicker surf pop-ups (1.12±0.16 vs 2.03±0.52 s; p = 0.0009; d = 2.21 [1.10, 4.20]) and relative maximal power (53.8±12.9 vs 41.2±2.2 W·kg−1; p = 0.0252; d = 1.28 [2.84, 0.23]) than the older group. Interestingly, the negative coefficient (slope) that described the overall relationship between age and leg power observed (m= -0.53) was attenuated when looking at surfers over the age of 35 (m=-0.10). Discussion: Loss of pop-up velocity can be expected in older surfers but the typical age-related decline in muscle capability may be offset by surfing. The incorporation of dry-land resistance exercise including power and strength training is recommended to improve pop-up velocity and thus wave wave-catching ability and enjoyment in older surfer. These findings demonstrate positive ramifications of participation in surfing and can support longevity in older recreational surfers. Conclusion: Age clearly had a negative influence on pop-up velocity.enAll items in Research Commons are provided for private study and research purposes and are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.surfingagingpop-uppowerforce platesThesis