Kevin G Thompson | University of Canberra (original) (raw)

Papers by Kevin G Thompson

Research paper thumbnail of Consistency of perceptual and metabolic responses to a laboratory-based simulated 4,000-m cycling time trial

Although pacing-related research is widely reported, no studies have described the consistency of... more Although pacing-related research is widely reported, no studies have described the consistency of pacing strategies or their associated energetic contributions. This study aimed to investigate the consistency of pacing and energetic outlay by establishing the typical within and between trial variations during simulated 4,000 m time trials. Fifteen well-trained male cyclists performed three, 4,000 m time trials with 3-7 days separating each trial. Power output, cadence, heart rate, respiratory exchange and iEMG of the vastus lateralis were recorded continuously throughout each trial. To examine within-trial variability, the data were assigned to 10% bins. Rating of perceived exertion and affective response were recorded every 400 m and a capillary blood sample was collected and assayed for blood lactate concentration every 800 m. Mean typical error across trials 1-3 for all variables was low (range 2.1-6.3%) and lower between trials 2-3 for all variables with the exception of cadence. There were no between-trial differences in pacing strategy; however, typical error for each 10% bin was lower between trials 2-3 than trials 1-2. Anaerobic contribution to power was greatest during the first and last 10% of each trial (p [ 0.05). In conclusion, well-trained cyclists demonstrated a high degree of consistency in terms of the pacing strategy they adopted which coincided with similar levels of energy distribution and perceived exertion. A laboratory simulated 4-km cycling trial is a reliable test that may be used to monitor performance and pacing strategy.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of self- even- and variable-pacing strategies on the physiological and perceptual response to cycling

European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2012

It has been proposed that an even-pacing strategy is optimal for events lasting &... more It has been proposed that an even-pacing strategy is optimal for events lasting <120 s, but this assertion is not well-established. This study tested the hypothesis that even-paced cycling is less challenging than self- or variable-paced cycling. Ten well-trained male cyclists (VO2max, 4.89 ± 0.32 L min(-1)) completed a self-paced (SP) 20-km time trial followed by time- and work-matched even-paced (EP 100% SP mean power) and variable-paced (VP 142 and 72% SP mean power, 1:1.5 high:low power ratio) trials in a random, counterbalanced order. During all trials expired air and heart rate were analysed throughout, blood lactate was sampled every 4 km, and perceptual responses (rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and affect) were assessed every 2 km and post-trial. There were no whole trial statistically significant differences between trials for any of the respiratory variables measured, although there was a trend for higher RER's in VP compared to EP (P = 0.053). Blood lactate was lower in EP compared to VP (P = 0.001) and SP (P = 0.001), and higher in SP compared to VP (P = 0.008). RPE was lower, and affect more positive, in EP compared to both SP and VP (P > 0.05). The results of this study show that, for a time- and work-matched 20-km time trial, an even-paced strategy results in attenuated perturbations in the physiological response and lower perception of effort in comparison to self- and variable-paced strategies.

Research paper thumbnail of Asymmetry of Cerebral Hemodynamic Response to Incremental Cycling Exercise

International journal of sports physiology and performance, Jan 27, 2015

Exercise is known to result in hemodynamic changes in the bi-lateral prefrontal cortex. The aim o... more Exercise is known to result in hemodynamic changes in the bi-lateral prefrontal cortex. The aim of this study was to investigate hemodynamic changes in right and left hemispheres of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during incremental cycling exercise. Following ten minutes rest, nine participants (mean age 26.6 ± 2.5 years, mass 77.5 ± 9.7 kg and stature 1.79 ± 0.9 m) cycled at between 100 and 150 W for four minutes. Thereafter, resistance was increased by 25 W every four minutes until exhaustion. Respiratory exchange and concentrations of oxy- ([HbO2]), deoxy- ([(HHb]) and total haemoglobin ([Hbtot]) in the PFC were continuously measured. Data were averaged for 60-s at rest and preceding VT1, VT2 and volitional exhaustion (EXH) and after five minutes recovery (REC). Subjective ratings of affect were measured at VT1, VT2 and VT1 minus 25W (VT1-25W) and VT2 plus 25W (VT2+25W). There were no between hemisphere differences in [HbO2] or [Hbtot] at rest, VT1 or REC; or in [HHb] at any point. ...

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of an even-pacing strategy on exercise tolerance in well-trained cyclists

European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2013

associated with a faster rise in blood lactate, attainment of a higher relative intensity during ... more associated with a faster rise in blood lactate, attainment of a higher relative intensity during SP and a moderate fast starting strategy. This failure was independent of the nature of the even-paced task. Conclusion By adopting an uneven, parabolic distribution of work, cyclists in this study were able to achieve an average intensity during self-paced exercise in excess of their maximum sustainable power output. A subsequent matched even-paced bout resulted in cumulative metabolic stress that could not be managed by moment-to-moment changes in power output. These results challenge the notion that strict even pacing is optimal for endurance time trial events.

Research paper thumbnail of Reproducibility of pacing strategy during simulated 20-km cycling time trials in well-trained cyclists

European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2012

The aim of the study was to assess the reproducibility of pacing strategy, physiological and perc... more The aim of the study was to assess the reproducibility of pacing strategy, physiological and perceptual responses during simulated 20-km cycling time trials. Seventeen well-trained male cyclists ([Formula: see text] = 4.70 ± 0.33 L min(-1)) completed three 20-km time trials on a Velotron Pro cycle ergometer within a maximum duration of 14 days. During all trials power output, cadence and respiratory exchange were recorded throughout, rating of perceived exertion and affective response were recorded every 2-km and capillary blood was sampled and assayed for the determination of lactate concentration every 4-km. Power output data was assigned to 1-km 'bins' and expressed relative to the mean to quantify pacing strategy. Reproducibility of the pacing strategy and the whole trial mean responses was subsequently quantified using typical error (TE) with 90% confidence intervals. The pacing strategy adopted was similar across repeat trials, though there was a higher degree of variability at the start and end of the trial (TE = 6.6 and 6.8% for the first and last 1-km), and a trend for a progressively blunted start on repeat trials. The reproducibility of performance, cardiorespiratory and perceptual measures was good (TE range 1.0-4.0%), but blood lactate exhibited higher variability (TE = 17.7%). The results demonstrate the performance, perceptual and physiological response to self-paced 20-km time trials is reproducible in well-trained cyclists. Future research should acknowledge that variability in pacing strategy at the start and end of a self-paced bout is likely regardless of any intervention employed.

Research paper thumbnail of Quantifying the high-speed running and sprinting profiles of elite female soccer players during competitive matches using an Optical Player Tracking System

Research paper thumbnail of Training Phase and High Speed Performance in Elite Female Soccer

Research paper thumbnail of Warm-Up Strategies for Sport and Exercise: Mechanisms and Applications

Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), Jan 23, 2015

It is widely accepted that warming-up prior to exercise is vital for the attainment of optimum pe... more It is widely accepted that warming-up prior to exercise is vital for the attainment of optimum performance. Both passive and active warm-up can evoke temperature, metabolic, neural and psychology-related effects, including increased anaerobic metabolism, elevated oxygen uptake kinetics and post-activation potentiation. Passive warm-up can increase body temperature without depleting energy substrate stores, as occurs during the physical activity associated with active warm-up. While the use of passive warm-up alone is not commonplace, the idea of utilizing passive warming techniques to maintain elevated core and muscle temperature throughout the transition phase (the period between completion of the warm-up and the start of the event) is gaining in popularity. Active warm-up induces greater metabolic changes, leading to increased preparedness for a subsequent exercise task. Until recently, only modest scientific evidence was available supporting the effectiveness of pre-competition w...

Research paper thumbnail of Use of additional warm-up strategies in the pre-race transition phase enhances sprint swimming performance

Introduction: Active warm-up has been reported to elevate body temperature1 and increase muscle c... more Introduction: Active warm-up has been reported to elevate body temperature1 and increase muscle contractile performance2, both of which are considered crucial for optimal performance. Although several studies have examined the impact of pre-competition warm-up strategies in swimming, new strategies such as passive heating and dryland-based exercise circuits have emerged which require further investigation. The objective of the present study was to determine the impact of a standardised pool warm-up in combination with various additional warm-up strategies on sprint swimming performance. Method: On four separate occasions, sixteen national age-group (mean ± SD: age = 16 ± 2 yr, height = 176.1 ± 9.8 cm, weight = 68.6 ± 9.5 kg) swimmers completed a standardised, 25 min pool-based warm-up followed by a 30 min pre-race transition phase (including a 15 min simulated marshalling period) before completing a 100 m freestyle time-trial. During the transition phase, the performance of four dif...

Research paper thumbnail of Additional dryland warm-up strategies improve sprint swimming performance

Research paper thumbnail of Applied Physiology Conference 2014 - Power Point Presentation

Research paper thumbnail of Diurnal variation in swim performance remains, irrespective of training once or twice daily

International journal of sports physiology and performance

Fast swim times in morning rounds are essential to ensure qualification in evening finals. A sign... more Fast swim times in morning rounds are essential to ensure qualification in evening finals. A significant time-of-day effect in swimming performance has consistently been observed, although physical activity early in the day has been postulated to reduce this effect. The aim of this study was to compare intradaily variation in race-pace performance of swimmers routinely undertaking morning and evening training (MEG) with those routinely undertaking evening training only (EOG). Each group consisted of 8 swimmers (mean +/- SD: age = 15.2 +/- 1.0 and 15.4 +/- 1.4 y, 200-m freestyle time 132.8 +/- 8.4 and 136.3 +/- 9.1 s) who completed morning and evening trials in a randomized order with 48 h in between on 2 separate occasions. Oral temperature, heart rate, and blood lactate were assessed at rest, after a warm-up, after a 150-m race-pace swim, and after a 100-m time trial. Stroke rate, stroke count, and time were recorded for each length of the 150-m and 100-m swims. Both training group...

Research paper thumbnail of Training Phase and High Speed Performance in Elite Female Soccer

Research paper thumbnail of The effects of changing pace on metabolism and stroke characteristics during high-speed breaststroke swimming

Journal of Sports Sciences

Performances often vary between the heats and finals of breaststroke swimming competitions possib... more Performances often vary between the heats and finals of breaststroke swimming competitions possibly because the swimmers try to conserve their energy, or for other tactical reasons. Additionally, coaches might advise either a 'positive' or 'even' pace race strategy during the final. The effect of such pacing changes on metabolism (blood lactate, heart rate, ventilation), ratings of perceived exertion, stroke kinematics and turning times have not been investigated. Nine male competitive breaststroke swimmers swam three paced (Aquapacer) 200-m trials, 48 h apart and in random order, at 98%, 100% and at an attempted 102% of their maximal 200-m time-trial speed. Responses in metabolic variables were similar between the 98% and 100% trials, but higher post-exercise blood lactate concentrations and respiratory exchange ratios were observed following the 102% trial. As the pace of trials increased, stroke rate was found to increase proportionately with stroke count. However...

Research paper thumbnail of Physiological correlates of multiple-sprint ability and performance in international-standard squash players

The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

From measures on a battery of fitness tests in elite-standard squash players on different tiers o... more From measures on a battery of fitness tests in elite-standard squash players on different tiers of a national performance program, we examined the relationships among test scores and player rank, and fitness factors important for squash-specific multiple-sprint ability. Thirty-one (20 men, 11 women) squash players from the England Squash performance program participated: n = 12 senior; n = 7 transition; n = 12 talented athlete scholarship scheme (TASS) players. In 1 test session and in a fixed order, the players completed a battery of tests to assess countermovement jump height, reactive strength, change-of-direction speed, and multiple-sprint ability on squash-specific tests and endurance fitness. Two-way analysis of variance compared senior, transition, and TASS players by sex on all measures except jump height where only senior and transition players were compared. Effect size (ES) was calculated for all comparisons. Pearson's correlation examined relationships among test sco...

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary nitrate modulates cerebral blood flow parameters and cognitive performance in humans: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover investigation

Physiology & Behavior, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Heated jackets and dryland-based activation exercises used as additional warm-ups during transition enhance sprint swimming performance

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2015

Objectives: The lengthy competition transition phases commonly experienced by competitive swimmer... more Objectives: The lengthy competition transition phases commonly experienced by competitive swimmers may mitigate the benefits of the pool warm-up. To combat this, we examined the impact of additional passive and active warm-up strategies on sprint swimming performance. Design: Counterbalanced, repeated-measures cross-over study. Methods: Sixteen junior competitive swimmers completed a standardised pool warm-up followed by a 30 min transition and 100 m freestyle time-trial. Swimmers completed four different warm-up strategies during transition: remained seated wearing a conventional tracksuit top and pants (Control), wore an insulated top with integrated heating elements (Passive), performed a 5 min dryland-based exercise circuit (Dryland), or a combination of Passive and Dryland (Combo). Swimming time-trial performance, core and skin temperature and perceptual variables were monitored. Time variables were normalised relative to Control. Results: Both Combo (−1.05 ± 0.26%; mean ± 90% confidence limits, p = 0.00) and Dryland (−0.68 ± 0.34%; p = 0.02) yielded faster overall time-trial performances, with start times also faster for Combo (−0.37 ± 0.07%; p = 0.00) compared to Control. Core temperature declined less during transition with Combo (−0.13 ± 0.25 • C; p = 0.01) and possibly with Dryland (−0.24 ± 0.13 • C; p = 0.09) compared to Control (−0.64 ± 0.16 • C), with a smaller reduction in core temperature related to better time-trial performance (R 2 = 0.91; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Dryland-based exercise circuits completed alone and in combination with the application of heated tracksuit jackets during transition can significantly improve sprint swimming performance. Attenuation in the decline of core temperature and a reduction in start time appear as likely mechanisms. (C.J. McGowan). Please cite this article in press as: McGowan CJ, et al. Heated jackets and dryland-based activation exercises used as additional warm-ups during transition enhance sprint swimming performance. J Sci Med Sport (2015), http://dx.Please cite this article in press as: McGowan CJ, et al. Heated jackets and dryland-based activation exercises used as additional warm-ups during transition enhance sprint swimming performance. J Sci Med Sport (2015), http://dx.

Research paper thumbnail of Interpretation of the Physiological Monitoring of an International Swimmer

International journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Figure 1

Research paper thumbnail of The physiological consequences of acceleration during shuttle running

International journal of sports medicine, 2015

This study examined the acceleration demands associated with changing direction and the subsequen... more This study examined the acceleration demands associated with changing direction and the subsequent physiological consequences of acceleration during running at 3 submaximal speeds. 10 male professional footballers completed four 600 m running bouts at 3 speeds (2.50, 3.25 & 4.00 m·s(-1)). Each bout was in the format of either: i) 3 laps of a 200 m track (CON), ii) ten 60 m shuttles (S60), iii) twenty 30 m shuttles (S30), or iv) thirty 20 m shuttles (S20). Peak heart rate (HRPEAK), blood lactate concentration (BLa) and RPE (Borg CR-10) were recorded for each bout. A single change of direction required 1.2, 1.5 and 2.0 s of acceleration at running speeds of 2.50, 3.25 and 4.00 m s(-1) respectively. An increase in time spent accelerating produced a linear increase in BLa (r=0.43-0.74) and RPE (r=0.81-0.93) at all speeds. Acceleration increases linearly with change of direction frequency during submaximal shuttle running. Increased time spent accelerating elicits proportional increases ...

Research paper thumbnail of Consistency of perceptual and metabolic responses to a laboratory-based simulated 4,000-m cycling time trial

Although pacing-related research is widely reported, no studies have described the consistency of... more Although pacing-related research is widely reported, no studies have described the consistency of pacing strategies or their associated energetic contributions. This study aimed to investigate the consistency of pacing and energetic outlay by establishing the typical within and between trial variations during simulated 4,000 m time trials. Fifteen well-trained male cyclists performed three, 4,000 m time trials with 3-7 days separating each trial. Power output, cadence, heart rate, respiratory exchange and iEMG of the vastus lateralis were recorded continuously throughout each trial. To examine within-trial variability, the data were assigned to 10% bins. Rating of perceived exertion and affective response were recorded every 400 m and a capillary blood sample was collected and assayed for blood lactate concentration every 800 m. Mean typical error across trials 1-3 for all variables was low (range 2.1-6.3%) and lower between trials 2-3 for all variables with the exception of cadence. There were no between-trial differences in pacing strategy; however, typical error for each 10% bin was lower between trials 2-3 than trials 1-2. Anaerobic contribution to power was greatest during the first and last 10% of each trial (p [ 0.05). In conclusion, well-trained cyclists demonstrated a high degree of consistency in terms of the pacing strategy they adopted which coincided with similar levels of energy distribution and perceived exertion. A laboratory simulated 4-km cycling trial is a reliable test that may be used to monitor performance and pacing strategy.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of self- even- and variable-pacing strategies on the physiological and perceptual response to cycling

European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2012

It has been proposed that an even-pacing strategy is optimal for events lasting &... more It has been proposed that an even-pacing strategy is optimal for events lasting <120 s, but this assertion is not well-established. This study tested the hypothesis that even-paced cycling is less challenging than self- or variable-paced cycling. Ten well-trained male cyclists (VO2max, 4.89 ± 0.32 L min(-1)) completed a self-paced (SP) 20-km time trial followed by time- and work-matched even-paced (EP 100% SP mean power) and variable-paced (VP 142 and 72% SP mean power, 1:1.5 high:low power ratio) trials in a random, counterbalanced order. During all trials expired air and heart rate were analysed throughout, blood lactate was sampled every 4 km, and perceptual responses (rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and affect) were assessed every 2 km and post-trial. There were no whole trial statistically significant differences between trials for any of the respiratory variables measured, although there was a trend for higher RER's in VP compared to EP (P = 0.053). Blood lactate was lower in EP compared to VP (P = 0.001) and SP (P = 0.001), and higher in SP compared to VP (P = 0.008). RPE was lower, and affect more positive, in EP compared to both SP and VP (P > 0.05). The results of this study show that, for a time- and work-matched 20-km time trial, an even-paced strategy results in attenuated perturbations in the physiological response and lower perception of effort in comparison to self- and variable-paced strategies.

Research paper thumbnail of Asymmetry of Cerebral Hemodynamic Response to Incremental Cycling Exercise

International journal of sports physiology and performance, Jan 27, 2015

Exercise is known to result in hemodynamic changes in the bi-lateral prefrontal cortex. The aim o... more Exercise is known to result in hemodynamic changes in the bi-lateral prefrontal cortex. The aim of this study was to investigate hemodynamic changes in right and left hemispheres of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during incremental cycling exercise. Following ten minutes rest, nine participants (mean age 26.6 ± 2.5 years, mass 77.5 ± 9.7 kg and stature 1.79 ± 0.9 m) cycled at between 100 and 150 W for four minutes. Thereafter, resistance was increased by 25 W every four minutes until exhaustion. Respiratory exchange and concentrations of oxy- ([HbO2]), deoxy- ([(HHb]) and total haemoglobin ([Hbtot]) in the PFC were continuously measured. Data were averaged for 60-s at rest and preceding VT1, VT2 and volitional exhaustion (EXH) and after five minutes recovery (REC). Subjective ratings of affect were measured at VT1, VT2 and VT1 minus 25W (VT1-25W) and VT2 plus 25W (VT2+25W). There were no between hemisphere differences in [HbO2] or [Hbtot] at rest, VT1 or REC; or in [HHb] at any point. ...

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of an even-pacing strategy on exercise tolerance in well-trained cyclists

European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2013

associated with a faster rise in blood lactate, attainment of a higher relative intensity during ... more associated with a faster rise in blood lactate, attainment of a higher relative intensity during SP and a moderate fast starting strategy. This failure was independent of the nature of the even-paced task. Conclusion By adopting an uneven, parabolic distribution of work, cyclists in this study were able to achieve an average intensity during self-paced exercise in excess of their maximum sustainable power output. A subsequent matched even-paced bout resulted in cumulative metabolic stress that could not be managed by moment-to-moment changes in power output. These results challenge the notion that strict even pacing is optimal for endurance time trial events.

Research paper thumbnail of Reproducibility of pacing strategy during simulated 20-km cycling time trials in well-trained cyclists

European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2012

The aim of the study was to assess the reproducibility of pacing strategy, physiological and perc... more The aim of the study was to assess the reproducibility of pacing strategy, physiological and perceptual responses during simulated 20-km cycling time trials. Seventeen well-trained male cyclists ([Formula: see text] = 4.70 ± 0.33 L min(-1)) completed three 20-km time trials on a Velotron Pro cycle ergometer within a maximum duration of 14 days. During all trials power output, cadence and respiratory exchange were recorded throughout, rating of perceived exertion and affective response were recorded every 2-km and capillary blood was sampled and assayed for the determination of lactate concentration every 4-km. Power output data was assigned to 1-km 'bins' and expressed relative to the mean to quantify pacing strategy. Reproducibility of the pacing strategy and the whole trial mean responses was subsequently quantified using typical error (TE) with 90% confidence intervals. The pacing strategy adopted was similar across repeat trials, though there was a higher degree of variability at the start and end of the trial (TE = 6.6 and 6.8% for the first and last 1-km), and a trend for a progressively blunted start on repeat trials. The reproducibility of performance, cardiorespiratory and perceptual measures was good (TE range 1.0-4.0%), but blood lactate exhibited higher variability (TE = 17.7%). The results demonstrate the performance, perceptual and physiological response to self-paced 20-km time trials is reproducible in well-trained cyclists. Future research should acknowledge that variability in pacing strategy at the start and end of a self-paced bout is likely regardless of any intervention employed.

Research paper thumbnail of Quantifying the high-speed running and sprinting profiles of elite female soccer players during competitive matches using an Optical Player Tracking System

Research paper thumbnail of Training Phase and High Speed Performance in Elite Female Soccer

Research paper thumbnail of Warm-Up Strategies for Sport and Exercise: Mechanisms and Applications

Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), Jan 23, 2015

It is widely accepted that warming-up prior to exercise is vital for the attainment of optimum pe... more It is widely accepted that warming-up prior to exercise is vital for the attainment of optimum performance. Both passive and active warm-up can evoke temperature, metabolic, neural and psychology-related effects, including increased anaerobic metabolism, elevated oxygen uptake kinetics and post-activation potentiation. Passive warm-up can increase body temperature without depleting energy substrate stores, as occurs during the physical activity associated with active warm-up. While the use of passive warm-up alone is not commonplace, the idea of utilizing passive warming techniques to maintain elevated core and muscle temperature throughout the transition phase (the period between completion of the warm-up and the start of the event) is gaining in popularity. Active warm-up induces greater metabolic changes, leading to increased preparedness for a subsequent exercise task. Until recently, only modest scientific evidence was available supporting the effectiveness of pre-competition w...

Research paper thumbnail of Use of additional warm-up strategies in the pre-race transition phase enhances sprint swimming performance

Introduction: Active warm-up has been reported to elevate body temperature1 and increase muscle c... more Introduction: Active warm-up has been reported to elevate body temperature1 and increase muscle contractile performance2, both of which are considered crucial for optimal performance. Although several studies have examined the impact of pre-competition warm-up strategies in swimming, new strategies such as passive heating and dryland-based exercise circuits have emerged which require further investigation. The objective of the present study was to determine the impact of a standardised pool warm-up in combination with various additional warm-up strategies on sprint swimming performance. Method: On four separate occasions, sixteen national age-group (mean ± SD: age = 16 ± 2 yr, height = 176.1 ± 9.8 cm, weight = 68.6 ± 9.5 kg) swimmers completed a standardised, 25 min pool-based warm-up followed by a 30 min pre-race transition phase (including a 15 min simulated marshalling period) before completing a 100 m freestyle time-trial. During the transition phase, the performance of four dif...

Research paper thumbnail of Additional dryland warm-up strategies improve sprint swimming performance

Research paper thumbnail of Applied Physiology Conference 2014 - Power Point Presentation

Research paper thumbnail of Diurnal variation in swim performance remains, irrespective of training once or twice daily

International journal of sports physiology and performance

Fast swim times in morning rounds are essential to ensure qualification in evening finals. A sign... more Fast swim times in morning rounds are essential to ensure qualification in evening finals. A significant time-of-day effect in swimming performance has consistently been observed, although physical activity early in the day has been postulated to reduce this effect. The aim of this study was to compare intradaily variation in race-pace performance of swimmers routinely undertaking morning and evening training (MEG) with those routinely undertaking evening training only (EOG). Each group consisted of 8 swimmers (mean +/- SD: age = 15.2 +/- 1.0 and 15.4 +/- 1.4 y, 200-m freestyle time 132.8 +/- 8.4 and 136.3 +/- 9.1 s) who completed morning and evening trials in a randomized order with 48 h in between on 2 separate occasions. Oral temperature, heart rate, and blood lactate were assessed at rest, after a warm-up, after a 150-m race-pace swim, and after a 100-m time trial. Stroke rate, stroke count, and time were recorded for each length of the 150-m and 100-m swims. Both training group...

Research paper thumbnail of Training Phase and High Speed Performance in Elite Female Soccer

Research paper thumbnail of The effects of changing pace on metabolism and stroke characteristics during high-speed breaststroke swimming

Journal of Sports Sciences

Performances often vary between the heats and finals of breaststroke swimming competitions possib... more Performances often vary between the heats and finals of breaststroke swimming competitions possibly because the swimmers try to conserve their energy, or for other tactical reasons. Additionally, coaches might advise either a 'positive' or 'even' pace race strategy during the final. The effect of such pacing changes on metabolism (blood lactate, heart rate, ventilation), ratings of perceived exertion, stroke kinematics and turning times have not been investigated. Nine male competitive breaststroke swimmers swam three paced (Aquapacer) 200-m trials, 48 h apart and in random order, at 98%, 100% and at an attempted 102% of their maximal 200-m time-trial speed. Responses in metabolic variables were similar between the 98% and 100% trials, but higher post-exercise blood lactate concentrations and respiratory exchange ratios were observed following the 102% trial. As the pace of trials increased, stroke rate was found to increase proportionately with stroke count. However...

Research paper thumbnail of Physiological correlates of multiple-sprint ability and performance in international-standard squash players

The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

From measures on a battery of fitness tests in elite-standard squash players on different tiers o... more From measures on a battery of fitness tests in elite-standard squash players on different tiers of a national performance program, we examined the relationships among test scores and player rank, and fitness factors important for squash-specific multiple-sprint ability. Thirty-one (20 men, 11 women) squash players from the England Squash performance program participated: n = 12 senior; n = 7 transition; n = 12 talented athlete scholarship scheme (TASS) players. In 1 test session and in a fixed order, the players completed a battery of tests to assess countermovement jump height, reactive strength, change-of-direction speed, and multiple-sprint ability on squash-specific tests and endurance fitness. Two-way analysis of variance compared senior, transition, and TASS players by sex on all measures except jump height where only senior and transition players were compared. Effect size (ES) was calculated for all comparisons. Pearson's correlation examined relationships among test sco...

Research paper thumbnail of Dietary nitrate modulates cerebral blood flow parameters and cognitive performance in humans: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover investigation

Physiology & Behavior, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Heated jackets and dryland-based activation exercises used as additional warm-ups during transition enhance sprint swimming performance

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2015

Objectives: The lengthy competition transition phases commonly experienced by competitive swimmer... more Objectives: The lengthy competition transition phases commonly experienced by competitive swimmers may mitigate the benefits of the pool warm-up. To combat this, we examined the impact of additional passive and active warm-up strategies on sprint swimming performance. Design: Counterbalanced, repeated-measures cross-over study. Methods: Sixteen junior competitive swimmers completed a standardised pool warm-up followed by a 30 min transition and 100 m freestyle time-trial. Swimmers completed four different warm-up strategies during transition: remained seated wearing a conventional tracksuit top and pants (Control), wore an insulated top with integrated heating elements (Passive), performed a 5 min dryland-based exercise circuit (Dryland), or a combination of Passive and Dryland (Combo). Swimming time-trial performance, core and skin temperature and perceptual variables were monitored. Time variables were normalised relative to Control. Results: Both Combo (−1.05 ± 0.26%; mean ± 90% confidence limits, p = 0.00) and Dryland (−0.68 ± 0.34%; p = 0.02) yielded faster overall time-trial performances, with start times also faster for Combo (−0.37 ± 0.07%; p = 0.00) compared to Control. Core temperature declined less during transition with Combo (−0.13 ± 0.25 • C; p = 0.01) and possibly with Dryland (−0.24 ± 0.13 • C; p = 0.09) compared to Control (−0.64 ± 0.16 • C), with a smaller reduction in core temperature related to better time-trial performance (R 2 = 0.91; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Dryland-based exercise circuits completed alone and in combination with the application of heated tracksuit jackets during transition can significantly improve sprint swimming performance. Attenuation in the decline of core temperature and a reduction in start time appear as likely mechanisms. (C.J. McGowan). Please cite this article in press as: McGowan CJ, et al. Heated jackets and dryland-based activation exercises used as additional warm-ups during transition enhance sprint swimming performance. J Sci Med Sport (2015), http://dx.Please cite this article in press as: McGowan CJ, et al. Heated jackets and dryland-based activation exercises used as additional warm-ups during transition enhance sprint swimming performance. J Sci Med Sport (2015), http://dx.

Research paper thumbnail of Interpretation of the Physiological Monitoring of an International Swimmer

International journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Figure 1

Research paper thumbnail of The physiological consequences of acceleration during shuttle running

International journal of sports medicine, 2015

This study examined the acceleration demands associated with changing direction and the subsequen... more This study examined the acceleration demands associated with changing direction and the subsequent physiological consequences of acceleration during running at 3 submaximal speeds. 10 male professional footballers completed four 600 m running bouts at 3 speeds (2.50, 3.25 & 4.00 m·s(-1)). Each bout was in the format of either: i) 3 laps of a 200 m track (CON), ii) ten 60 m shuttles (S60), iii) twenty 30 m shuttles (S30), or iv) thirty 20 m shuttles (S20). Peak heart rate (HRPEAK), blood lactate concentration (BLa) and RPE (Borg CR-10) were recorded for each bout. A single change of direction required 1.2, 1.5 and 2.0 s of acceleration at running speeds of 2.50, 3.25 and 4.00 m s(-1) respectively. An increase in time spent accelerating produced a linear increase in BLa (r=0.43-0.74) and RPE (r=0.81-0.93) at all speeds. Acceleration increases linearly with change of direction frequency during submaximal shuttle running. Increased time spent accelerating elicits proportional increases ...