It has been shown that a high level of aerobic fitness is important for athletes participating in intermittent (team) sports. The majority of studies investigating the effects of traditional and sport-specific aerobic interval exercise on physiological measures and performance have involved field-based team sports. In some instances the effectiveness of sport-specific aerobic training has been questioned. To date, no study has investigated the influence of a sport-specific training approach in the sport of basketball. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a basketball specific endurance circuit on improving measures of aerobic fitness. Methods: Ten male high school basketball players, age 16.4 ± 1.2 years, ranked by fitness level and randomly assigned to a training group (N = 6) or control group (N = 4) participated in the study. The sport-specific aerobic endurance training replaced the fitness component of regular training and was performed during the competitive season. The sport-specific training consisted of interval training using a basketball specific endurance circuit, four times 4 min at 90-95% HRpeak with a 3 min recovery at 60-70% HRpeak, twice per week for 6 weeks. During this time the control group performed regular basketball training. Results: For both the training and control groups the actual mean training intensity for total training duration were 77.4 ± 2.9% HRpeak and 74.1 ± 6.7% HRpeak, respectively. The actual mean training intensity during the work intervals in the training group was 84.1 ± 2.3% HRpeak. There were no clear differences between effects of the two training approaches for measures of maximal oxygen uptake (3.3%; 90% confidence limits, ± 19.3%), running economy (-3.3%; 90% confidence limits, ± 14.2%), repeated sprint ability (0.6%; 90% confidence limits, ± 5.7%) and anaerobic power maintenance during the repeated sprints (-13.7%; 90% confidence limits, ± 49.0%). However, a clear non-trivial effect on sub-maximal heart rate was observed (-7.3%; 90% confidence limits, ± 2.0%) suggesting a beneficial training effect after training. Some evidence for attenuation of speed (-1.8 to -2.8%; 90% confidence limits, ± 3.4 to 5.7%) and power (-1.7%; 90% confidence limits, ± 17.1%) was apparent. Conclusion: Although clear changes in sub-maximal HR responses were observed in the training group, the data in the present study suggests that a basketball specific endurance circuit has little effect on other laboratory and field-based measures of aerobic fitness. In fact, the basketball specific endurance circuit may lead to reduced improvements in jumping and sprinting performances. Further research is required to clarify the effect of aerobic training approaches on basketball-specific fitness and performance.

Masters Research - Master of Philosophy / Introduction Forty-six elite adolescent male rugby league players (12-17 years) participated in a nine-week study to determine the effects of three exercise training programs on 0-30 metres sprint running time and bounds performance (10 bounds). Subjects were randomly assigned to a rugby league fitness group (F) n=12, a sprint group (S) n= 14 and a sprint-bounds group (SB) n= 20. Forty-two subjects completed the study. Methods Separate sessions for fitness, speed, and bounds were conducted once a week for nine weeks. To determine the effect of training a two-way analysis of variance was performed, followed by post-hoc paired t-tests to allow pairwise comparisons when significant interactions were found. Significance was set at p<0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Mac (version 13.1). Effect sizes were calculated to evaluate the meaningfulness of observed changes. Results Moderate improvements (p<0.05; 5%) were observed in both the F and SB groups over 10 m. Speed changes over 30 m differed more among the groups. The F group recorded moderate (p<0.01; 4%) improvements, small improvements (p<0.01; 3%) in the SB group and trivial difference (p<0.05) in the S group. The F and S groups improved by approximately 7% (p<0.01) in bounds performance over 10 bounds whereas the SB group improved by approximately 10% (p<0.01) in bounds performance over 10 bounds. Group S had faster sprint times (p<0.05) prior to training compared to groups F and SB. Discussion All three programs led to improvements in sprint speed and bounds distance, but the extent of the improvements varied with the specificity of the training program and pre-training performance level. Groups F and SB had 4-5% improvements in sprint speed over 30 m whereas group S showed relatively trivial changes. In all groups, the improvements were greater over 10 m and least over 30 m. Bounds distance improved more than sprint speed, and the greatest improvement was achieved in the SB group compared to the F and S groups. Conclusion Rugby league training (game specific drills and extended efforts) coupled with the various components of physical activity can improve speed and power as effectively as specific speed and power training in adolescent boys. Training for acceleration can selectively improve 0-10 m speed more than 0-30 m speed. Sprint and bounds training have been shown to be safe and effective methods to increase speed and power in this group of adolescents.

The main purpose of this study was to develop and assess an on-land training aid for learning balance in sprint kayaking. The literature has shown the importance of biomechanical analysis and how training aids can provide a beneficial part in the learning process of new skills. An on-water experimental analysis was conducted on experienced paddlers to establish the kinematic characteristics and the centre of rotation position of the kayak-paddler system. From this analysis it was found that the kayak rolling motion is dependent on the paddler's ability and the centre of rotation of the kayak paddler system relative to the seat of the kayak was found to be between 10 cm - 13 cm above the seat. Findings from this analysis were interpreted into technical requirements and integrated into the design of the training aid. Once built the training aid prototype was evaluated by a series of testing and modification to enhance its ability to replicate the on-water kayak. The evaluation data showed that the stationary sprint kayak on-water medial-lateral rolling motion is affected by weight variations and further evaluation demonstrated that the training aid has the ability to replicate the motion for different weights. An experimental assessment on a group of beginners was carried out and the results showed that the training aid was able to facilitate the learning of balance in sprint kayaking. The experimental subjects who used the balance training aid had the same total number of sessions as the control subjects who learned to balance in the actual sprint kayak (experimental, 9 + 1 sessions; control, 9 + 1 sessions). However, the experimental subjects only spent half of the total number of sessions learning on-water (4 + 1 sessions) and the other half on the training aid (5 + 1 sessions).

Vi har gjort en litteraturstudie av forskning rörande engelskans påverkan på svenska språket och samhället. Engelskan får en allt starkare position och svenskan förlorar domäner till engelskan. I och med det sker det en påverkan på samhället. Som ett resultat av de påverkade samhällsfaktorerna har en ny språkpolitik kommit till i Sverige, med målsättningen att svenskan ska vara ett komplett och samhällsbärande språk. Engelskan har även brett ut sig inom utbildningsväsendet, både inom högre utbildning och gymnasie- och grundskola där ämnesundervisningen övergår till att ske på engelska. När ämnesundervisningen sker på engelska istället för svenska förlorar eleverna vissa termer och uttryck på svenska till engelska. Den här domänförlusten kommer de sedan att ta med sig ut i samhället där engelskan då får ta över inom vissa områden. I och med en sådan språklig utveckling riskerar vi att få större klyftor i samhället när språket brister åt båda håll. Vi har sammanställt teorier och forskning av engelskans påverkan på svenska språket. Vi har behandlat domänförluster, ämnesundervisning på engelska och svensk språkpolitik för att avgöra om och på vilket sätt engelskans inflytande påverkar svenskan.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between Yo-Yo intermittent recovery testing ability and 20-meter sprint times in NCAA Division I men’s and women’s collegiate soccer players. Results show no significant (p = >0.05) relationship between the distance covered in the Yo-Yo IR1 test and 20-meter sprint times in the female players and a significant correlation between the two tests in the male players (r = -0.33). A non-significant relationship between the tests in female players may be due to greater variation in the total distance covered during the Yo-Yo IR1 test and small variation in 20-meter sprint times. The inclusion of speed and resistance training may be beneficial in developing the anaerobic speed reserve in female collegiate soccer players, leading to improvement in the Yo-Yo IR1 test performance. Improving the sprinting capabilities of male collegiate soccer players may also improve Yo-Yo IR1 test performance.

The purpose of this study is to develop a prediction equation for (performance variables) vertical jump, broad jump, 40-yard sprint time, and pro-agility shuttle time using body mass and 1-RM values of strength for bench press and back squat. Participants (n = 76) used in the study were members of the University of South Florida D-1 football team in fall of 2009. Squat/BM demonstrated the strongest relationship in both correlation and multiple regression data for every performance variable. Squat 1-RM and Squat/BP indicated a decreased relationship and negative impact on performance. Results indicate that with increased Squat/BM improvement for all performance variables can be achieved. In addition analysis divided the entire football team into three positions (AT, LN, and SK), and noted differences for 10 of the possible 12 mean comparisons of performance variables.

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-second maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the plantar-flexors on subsequent ankle hops performed only by plantar flexing at the ankle. Methods 10 physically active university students were recruited to volunteer in this study. All subjects were free from injury in the right ankle. The tests were performed in a single session, even though this study is a part of a bigger study that involved several visits to GIH. The 6-sec MVIC was performed in an isokinetic dynamometer and the ankle hops were performed in a custom built backwards tilted jumping sledge. Each subject performed two baseline jumps with one minute of rest between them. Right after the baseline, subjects performed the 6-sec MVIC followed by another two jumps at 30 seconds, 90 seconds, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 8 minutes and 15 minutes after MVIC. Results A significant difference was found for peak force at 30 seconds when compared to pre-test 1 (p= 0.020). No significant difference could be found between either pre-test 1 or pre-test 2 at any time frames for average rate of force development, Rate of force development between 0- 50 milliseconds, Rate of force development between 0-90 milliseconds, Time in the air and Time to take off . Conclusion A 6-sec MVIC of the plantar flexors did not improve isolated plantar flexor jump performance. While such conditioning contractions has previously been shown to temporarily potentiate the contractile properties of the plantar flexors as assessed by a single twitch, such effects may not be readily transferred to functional voluntary tasks. / Syftet Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka effekterna av en 6-sekunders maximal frivillig isometrisk vadmuskel-kontraktion (MVIC) på enbenshopp som endast utförs med vadmusklerna. Metod Tio fysiskt aktiva högskolestudenter deltog volontärt i studien. Försökspersonerna var friska och fria från skador i högra fotleden. Testerna utfördes under ett tillfälle men det är bra att veta att denna studie är en del av större undersökning som gjordes genom flera besök på GIH. Den 6-sek MVIC utfördes i en isokinetisk dynamometer och hoppet utfördes i en specialbyggd bakåtlutad hoppsläde. Varje individ utförde två baslinje-hopp med en minuts vila emellan dem. Direkt efter utförde försökspersonerna 6-sek MVIC följt av ytterligare två hopp som kom 30 sekunder, 90 sekunder, 3 minuter, 5 minuter, 8 minuter och 15 minuter efter MVIC. Resultat En signifikant skillnad hittades för maxkraft vid 30 sekunder i jämförelse med förprov 1 (p= 0,020). Ingen signifikant förändring sågs jämfört med vare sig förprov 1 eller förprov 2 vid någon tidpunkt för genomsnittlig nivå av kraftutveckling, Nivå av kraftutveckling mellan 0-50 millisekunder, Nivå av kraftutveckling mellan 0-90 millisekunder, Tiden i luften och Tid till foten lämnar underlaget. Slutsats Denna studie visar på att en 6-sek vadumuskel-MVIC förbättrar inte isolerad hoppförmåga i vaderna. Trots att denna typ av kontraktion har visat sig potentiera vadmusklernas kontraktila egenskaper när du undersöks via en enskild el-inducerad muskel-twitch så verkar inte detta nödvändigtvis överföras till en förbättrad prestation in en funktionell viljemässig uppgift.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a four day creatine load and simultaneous energy restriction on muscle creatine content, exercise performance, and body composition in 24 male recreational resistance trainers, age 18-26. Sixteen subjects were randomly divided into placebo (Pl, n=8) and creatine supplement (CrS, n=8) groups. Control (C, n=8) subjects of the same age were recruited separately g à d-1 to complete the performance and body composition tests while consuming their normal diet. The CrS group was administered 20 g à d-1 of creatine monohydrate (Cr) mixed with 5 g à d-1 of sucrose, while the Pl group was administered 25 of sucrose. Both CrS and Pl consumed a formula diet of 75.3 kJ (18 kcal) à kg-1 à d-1 for 4 d. Testing before and after energy restriction consisted of a repeated sprint cycle performance test (10 sprints of 6s, with 30s rest), hydrostatic weighing, and resting needle muscle biopsy. Testing revealed that subjects in CrS and Pl demonstrated significant decreases in body weight and % body fat (%BF) with no difference between groups. However, Pl demonstrated a significantly greater % loss in FFM (2.4 ± 0.25%) compared to CrS (1.4 ± 0.4%) (p<0.05). The muscle fuel stores of CrS and Pl responded significantly to the diet. Significant increases in muscle total Cr (p<0.01), free Cr (p<0.01), and CrP (p<0.05) of 16.5%, 16.8%, and 16% respectively were demonstrated by CrS over the energy restriction period, while Pl demonstrated significant decreases of 7.2% and 8.2% respectively in muscle total Cr (p<0.01) and free Cr (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between groups for performance during the cycle test, however, there were trends toward group by time interactions for performance enhancement in CrS relative to Pl, as total work (p=0.078) and work capacity (p=0.058) increased 3.8 ± 2.2% in CrS and decreased 0.5 ± 0.4% in Pl. It was concluded that short-term energy restriction resulted in decreased muscle Cr storage, and that Cr supplementation during energy restriction increased muscle Cr and CrP stores. Consumption of Cr allowed CrS to lose a significantly lower % FFM compared to Pl. Cr supplementation resulted in trends toward improved performance in CrS relative to Pl after energy restriction, but did not influence losses in body weight or %BF. / Master of Science

<p>The present thesis examined the acute and chronic (training) hemodynamic responses to the unique exercise stimulus of high-intensity "sprint" interval exercise or training (SIT). Previous research has characterized the muscle metabolic and exercise performance adaptations to both short and medium term SIT, however the cardiovascular adjustments and adaptations have not been examined. As part of this thesis two studies were designed to permit evaluations of the chronic cardiovascular responses to a six-week SIT intervention protocol, while two separate studies examined the acute impact of a sprint exercise session on indices of vascular structure and function. Comparisons were made between the SIT and traditional endurance exercise training (ET) in the two exercise training studies, while comparisons were made between a single sprint and that of multiple sprints in the acute exercise studies. The subject population examined in this research was young healthy participants.</p> <p>Our general hypothesis regarding the training adaptations was that similar changes of artery stiffness, vascular endothelial function, blood flow kinetics and oxygen uptake kinetics would occur following SIT compared to ET. Regarding the acute effects of a sprint exercise, we expected arterial stiffness to decrease in the exercising limbs and increase in the central arteries, similar to the responses observed previously immediately following endurance exercise, while we hypothesized that endothelial function would be decreased immediately following the exercise session because of the intense nature of the exercise. The overarching hypothesis guiding these specific hypothesis is that we believe that individual bouts of exercise impact on the arterial wall through the generation of a shear stimulus related to cyclic increases in blood flow and blood pressure. In the short-term the acute response of the artery depends on the composition of the arterial wall and the local stimulus. Over time, functional and structural adjustments occur to normalize the impact of shear forces.</p> <p>Training adaptations in vascular structure and function to SIT were similar to those observed with ET. Both exercise training methods stimulated improved peripheral artery stiffness and endothelial function. The rate of increase in oxygen uptake (kinetic response) was not improved with either training method. However, estimated myocardial demand was reduced with ET but not SIT, which indicates more favourable adaptation in central hemodynamics with ET.</p> <p>Acute sprint exercise markedly reduced peripheral artery stiffness in the exercised limbs well into recovery (~45 minutes), which may benefit central hemodynamics after exercise completion. Sprint exercise also acutely decreased endothelial function, likely because of high oxidative stress generated during the exercise bout and may provide the ideal stimulus for endothelial adaptation.</p> <p>In summary, this thesis highlights the chronic and acute effects of sprint interval exercise and training in young health individuals. The notion that sprint interval exercise provides equivalent benefits to the cardiovascular system as endurance exercise may be true in the peripheral circulation. However, further study focusing is required before the general acceptance of more favorable central hemodynamic effects from endurance exercise training.</p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science. / Sprint interval training (SIT) is a time-efficient strategy to improve cardiorespiratory fitness; however, most protocols have been studied in a laboratory setting and require specialized equipment. We investigated the efficacy of brief intense stair climbing as a practical model of SIT to improve cardiometabolic health, with a key measure being cardiorespiratory fitness as indicated by peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Two separate studies, each consisting of an acute and chronic phase, were conducted in a total of 31 sedentary women (age=24±10 y; BMI=23±4 kg•m-2). The acute phase of Study 1 established that the heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses were similar when participants (n=8) performed a SIT protocol that involved 3x20-s “all-out” efforts of either continuous stair climbing or cycling, interspersed with 2 min of recovery. The chronic phase demonstrated that when participants (n=12) performed the 3x20-s stair climbing protocol 3 d•wk-1 for 6 wk, absolute and relative VO2peak increased by 12%, or ~1 metabolic equivalent (1.80±0.25 to 2.02±0.27 L•min-1, p<0.001), as there were no changes in body mass (p=0.35), fat free mass (FFM; p=0.09) or % body fat (p=0.42). There were also no changes in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP; p=0.82 and p=0.97, respectively), resting HR (p=0.62), and fasting insulin sensitivity (p=0.52). The acute phase of Study 2 established that the HR and RPE responses were similar when participants (n=11) performed three different stair climbing protocols. The protocols investigated include the 3x20-s continuous ascent model used in Study 1 (protocol 1), as well as 3x60-s bouts of ascending and descending either one or two flights of stairs, with 60-s of recovery (protocol 2 and 3, respectively). The chronic phase demonstrated that when the same group of subjects performed the 3x60-s 1-flight protocol 3 d•wk-1 for 6 wk, absolute and relative VO2peak increased by 8 and 7%, respectively (1.79±0.36 to 1.93±0.39 L•min-1, p=0.001; 31.2±4.6 to 33.3±5.3 mL•kg-1•min-1; p=0.01). Despite no changes in % body fat (p=0.10), there was an increase 3% increase in FFM (p<0.001). There was no change in systolic (p=0.50) and diastolic BP (p=1.00), but resting HR improved by 8% after training (p=0.03). The change in insulin sensitivity derived from an OGTT was 7.1±11 mg I2•mmol-1•mIU-1•min-1 (p=0.056). These findings demonstrate that brief intense stair climbing is a practical, time-efficient strategy to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in previously untrained women. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / Sprint interval training (SIT), involving brief bouts of very intense exercise separated by short periods of recovery, is a time-efficient alternative to traditional endurance training for improving fitness. This has largely been established in laboratory settings using specialized equipment, which is impractical for many individuals. This project examined whether brief intense stair climbing was a practical model of SIT to elicit adaptations previously shown with cycling protocols. Subjects performed either three 20-s ascents interspersed with 2 min recovery periods, or three 60-s bouts of ascending and descending one or two flights of stairs, with 60-s recovery periods. Both protocols were 10 min in duration including warm-up and cool-down, and subjects trained three days per week for six weeks. The main finding was that stair climbing is a practical, time-efficient model to improve fitness in previously sedentary individuals.