Sam Coad

Quantification of competitive game demands of NCAA division I college football players using global positioning systems

Abstract Wellman, AD, Coad, SC, Goulet, GC, and McLellan, CP. Quantification of competitive game demands of NCAA Division I college football players using global positioning systems. J Strength Cond Res 30(1): 11–19, 2016—The aim of the present study was to examine the competitive physiological movement demands of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college football players using portable global positioning system (GPS) technology during games and to examine positional groups within offensive and defensive teams, to determine if a players physiological requirements during games are influenced by playing position. Thirty-three NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision football players were monitored using GPS receivers with integrated accelerometers (GPSports) during 12 regular season games throughout the 2014 season. Individual data sets (n = 295) from players were divided into offensive and defensive teams and subsequent position groups. Movement profile characteristics, including total, low-intensity, moderate-intensity, high-intensity, and sprint running distances (m), sprint counts, and acceleration and deceleration efforts, were assessed during games. A one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni statistical analysis were used to determine differences in movement profiles between each position group within offensive and defensive teams. For both offensive and defensive teams, significant (p ⩽ 0.05) differences exist between positional groups for game physical performance requirements. The results of the present study identified that wide receivers and defensive backs completed significantly (p ⩽ 0.05) greater total distance, high-intensity running, sprint distance, and high-intensity acceleration and deceleration efforts than their respective offensive and defensive positional groups. Data from the present study provide novel quantification of position-specific physical demands of college football games and support the use of position-specific training in the preparation of NCAA Division I college football players for competition.

Monitoring Neuromuscular Fatigue in Team-Sport Athletes Using a Cycle-Ergometer Test

PURPOSE To compare a novel sprint test on a cycle ergometer with a countermovement-jump (CMJ) test for monitoring neuromuscular fatigue after Australian rules football match play. METHODS Twelve elite under-18 Australian rules football players (mean ± SD age 17.5 ± 0.6 y, stature 184.7 ± 8.8 cm, body mass 75.3 ± 7.8 kg) from an Australian Football League clubs Academy program performed a short sprint test on a cycle ergometer along with a single CMJ test 1 h prematch and 1, 24, and 48 h postmatch. The cycle-ergometer sprint test involved a standardized warm-up, a maximal 6-s sprint, a 1-min active recovery, and a 2nd maximal 6-s sprint, with the highest power output of the 2 sprints recorded as peak power (PP). RESULTS There were small to moderate differences between postmatch changes in cycle-ergometer PP and CMJ PP at 1 (ES = 0.49), 24 (ES = -0.85), and 48 h postmatch (ES = 0.44). There was a substantial reduction in cycle-ergometer PP at 24 h postmatch (ES = -0.40) compared with 1 h prematch. CONCLUSIONS The cycle-ergometer sprint test described in this study offers a novel method of neuromuscular-fatigue monitoring in team-sport athletes and specifically quantifies the concentric component of the fatigue-induced decrement of force production in muscle, which may be overlooked by a CMJ test.

Quantification of Accelerometer Derived Impacts Associated With Competitive Games in NCAA Division I College Football Players.

Abstract Wellman, AD, Coad, SC, Goulet, GC, and McLellan, CP. Quantification of accelerometer derived impacts associated with competitive games in National Collegiate Athletic Association division I college football players. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 330–338, 2017—The aims of the present study were to (a) examine positional impact profiles of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) division I college football players using global positioning system (GPS) and integrated accelerometry (IA) technology and (b) determine if positional differences in impact profiles during competition exist within offensive and defensive teams. Thirty-three NCAA division I Football Bowl Subdivision players were monitored using GPS and IA (GPSports) during 12 regular season games throughout the 2014 season. Individual player data sets (n = 294) were divided into offensive and defensive teams, and positional subgroups. The intensity, number, and distribution of impact forces experienced by players during competition were recorded. Positional differences were found for the distribution of impacts within offensive and defensive teams. Wide receivers sustained more very light and light to moderate (5–6.5 G force) impacts than other position groups, whereas the running backs were involved in more severe (>10 G force) impacts than all offensive position groups, with the exception of the quarterbacks (p ⩽ 0.05). The defensive back and linebacker groups were subject to more very light (5.0–6.0 G force) impacts, and the defensive tackle group sustained more heavy and very heavy (7.1–10 G force) impacts than other defensive positions (p ⩽ 0.05). Data from the present study provide novel quantification of positional impact profiles related to the physical demands of college football games and highlight the need for position-specific monitoring and training in the preparation for the impact loads experienced during NCAA division I football competition.

Validity and reliability of a novel salivary immunoassay for individual profiling in applied sports science.

The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of a novel immunoassay, developed to assess salivary Immunoglobulin A (s-IgA). Validity and reliability of the Individual Profiling Lateral Flow Device (IPRO LFD) for s-IgA concentrations ([s-IgA]) was assessed in males (n = 12) and females (n =13) who were involved in recreational activities. Reliability of the IPRO LFD method was assessed by comparing [s-IgA] of two saliva samples collected concurrently, while validity was assessed by comparing with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The IPRO LFD had a strong positive correlation (r = 0.93, p < 0.001), with no difference in [s-IgA] compared with the ELISA. The IPRO LFD was considered reliable (ICC r = 0.89, p < 0.001 and CV = 9.40 %) for measures of [s-IgA]. We concluded that the IPRO LFD method may be a substitute to the ELISA method for measurements of [s-IgA].

Physical demands and salivary immunoglobulin a responses of elite Australian rules football athletes to match play

PURPOSE To examine the response or pre- and postmatch salivary immunoglobulin A concentration ([s-IgA]) to Australian Football League (AFL) match play and investigate the acute and cumulative influence of player workload and postmatch [s-IgA] after repeated participation in AFL match play. METHODS Eleven elite AFL athletes (21.8±2.4 y, 186.9±7.9 cm, 87.4±7.5 kg) were monitored throughout 3 matches during the preseason that were separated by 7 d. Saliva samples were collected across each AFL match at 24 h and 1 h prematch and 1, 12, 36, and 60 h postmatch to determine [s-IgA]. Global positioning systems (GPS) with integrated triaxial accelerometers were used to determine total player workload during match play. Hypothesis testing was conducted for time-dependent changes in [s-IgA] and player load using a repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS Player load during match 3 (1266±124.6 AU) was significantly (P<.01) greater than in match 1 (1096±115.1 AU) and match 2 (1082±90.4 AU). Across match 3, [s-IgA] was significantly (P<.01) suppressed at 2 postmatch measures (12 and 36 h) compared with prematch measures (24 and 1 h), which coincided with significantly (P<.01) elevated player load. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that an increase in player load during AFL preseason match play resulted in compromised postmatch mucosal immunological function. Longitudinal assessment of AFL-match player load and mucosal immunological function across the first 60 h of recovery may augment monitoring and preparedness strategies for athletes.

Performance Analysis of Super 15 Rugby Match-Play Using Portable Micro-Technology

Performance Analysis of Super 15 Rugby Match-Play Using Portable Micro-Technology as portable global positioning system (GPS) and integrated accelerometry have enabled investigators to accurately quantify the demands of competitive match-play in contact sports such as Rugby Union - The aim of the present study was i) to examine the physiological demands of competitive Super 15 Rugby match-play using portable Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and integrated accelerometry to monitor the demands of match-play and ii) examine positional comparisons to determine if a player’s physiological requirements are influenced by their playing position during Super 15 Rugby competition. Five elite male Rugby Union players were monitored during eleven regular season competition matches using portable GPS and integrated accelerometry. There was a significant (p>0.05) difference in the total and relative distance travelled and between backs and forwards during match-play. Backs achieved greater maximum running speed, completed a greater number of sprints, had greater time between sprints, and covered more distance sprinting than forwards. Forwards experienced significantly (p>0.05) more total impacts than backs during match-play while the number of impacts recorded in zone 4 (7.1-8.0 G), zone 5 (8.1-10.0 G) and zone 6 (≥ 10.1 G) were significantly (p>0.05) greater for forwards than backs.

A comparison of pre-season and in-season practice and game loads in NCAA Division I football players

Abstract Wellman, AD, Coad, SC, Flynn, PJ, Siam, TK, and McLellan, CP. A Comparison of preseason and in-season practice and game loads in NCAA Division I football players. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1020–1027, 2019—The aim of this study was to quantify the individual practice and game loads throughout the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I football season to determine whether significant differences exist between the practice loads associated with the preseason training camp and those undertaken during the in-season period. Thirty-one NCAA Division I football players were monitored using the global positioning system and triaxial accelerometer (IA) (MinimaxX S5; Catapult Innovations, Melbourne, Australia) during 22 preseason practices, 36 in-season practices, and 12 competitions. The season was divided into 4 distinct phases for data analysis: preseason week 1 (preseason 1), preseason week 2 (preseason 2), preseason week 3 (preseason 3), and 12 in-season weeks. Individual IA data sets represented players from every offensive and defensive position group Wide Receiver (WR: n = 5), Offensive Line (OL: n = 4), Running Back (RB: n = 4), Quarterback (QB: n = 2), Tight End (TE: n = 3), Defensive Line (DL: n = 4), Linebacker (LB: n = 4), Defensive Back (DB: n = 5). Data were set at the practice level, where an observation for each players maximum player load (PLMax) or mean player load (PLMean) from each training camp phase was referenced against each players respective PL from each game, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday practice session. Notable results included significantly (p ⩽ 0.05) greater PLMax values attributed to preseason 1 compared with PL resulting from all in-season practices, and significantly (p ⩽ 0.05) higher cumulative PL reported for preseason 1, 2, and 3 compared with every in-season week. Data from this study augment our understanding of the practice demands experienced by NCAA Division I college football players, and provide scope for the improvement of preseason practice design and physical conditioning strategies for coaches seeking to optimize performance.Wellman, AD, Coad, SC, Flynn, PJ, Siam, TK, and McLellan, CP. A Comparison of preseason and in-season practice and game loads in NCAA Division I football players. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1020-1027, 2019-The aim of this study was to quantify the individual practice and game loads throughout the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I football season to determine whether significant differences exist between the practice loads associated with the preseason training camp and those undertaken during the in-season period. Thirty-one NCAA Division I football players were monitored using the global positioning system and triaxial accelerometer (IA) (MinimaxX S5; Catapult Innovations, Melbourne, Australia) during 22 preseason practices, 36 in-season practices, and 12 competitions. The season was divided into 4 distinct phases for data analysis: preseason week 1 (preseason 1), preseason week 2 (preseason 2), preseason week 3 (preseason 3), and 12 in-season weeks. Individual IA data sets represented players from every offensive and defensive position group Wide Receiver (WR: n = 5), Offensive Line (OL: n = 4), Running Back (RB: n = 4), Quarterback (QB: n = 2), Tight End (TE: n = 3), Defensive Line (DL: n = 4), Linebacker (LB: n = 4), Defensive Back (DB: n = 5). Data were set at the practice level, where an observation for each players maximum player load (PLMax) or mean player load (PLMean) from each training camp phase was referenced against each players respective PL from each game, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday practice session. Notable results included significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater PLMax values attributed to preseason 1 compared with PL resulting from all in-season practices, and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher cumulative PL reported for preseason 1, 2, and 3 compared with every in-season week. Data from this study augment our understanding of the practice demands experienced by NCAA Division I college football players, and provide scope for the improvement of preseason practice design and physical conditioning strategies for coaches seeking to optimize performance.

Seasonal Analysis of Mucosal Immunological Function and Physical Demands in Professional Australian Rules Footballers

PURPOSE To assess match-to-match variations in salivary immunoglobulin A concentration ([s-IgA]) measured at 36 h postmatch throughout an Australian Football League (AFL) premiership season and to assess the trends between 36-h-postmatch [s-IgA] and match-play exercise workloads throughout the same season. METHODS Eighteen elite male AFL athletes (24 ± 4.2 y, 187.0 ± 7.1 cm, 87.0 ± 7.6 kg) were monitored on a weekly basis to determine total match-play exercise workloads and 36-h-postmatch [s-IgA] throughout 16 consecutive matches in an AFL premiership season. Global positioning systems (GPS) with integrated triaxial accelerometers were used to measure exercise workloads (PlayerLoad) during each AFL match. A linear mixed-model analyses was conducted for time-dependent changes in [s-IgA] and player load. RESULTS A significant main effect was found for longitudinal postmatch [s-IgA] data (F16,240 = 3.78, P < .01) and PlayerLoad data (F16,66 = 1.98, P = .03). For all matches after and including match 7, a substantial suppression trend in [s-IgA] 36-h-postmatch values was found compared with preseason baseline [s-IgA]. CONCLUSION The current study provides novel data regarding longitudinal trends in 36-h-postmatch [s-IgA] for AFL athletes. Results demonstrate that weekly in-season AFL match-play exercise workloads may result in delayed mucosal immunological recovery beyond 36 h postmatch. The inclusion of individual athlete-monitoring strategies of [s-IgA] may be advantageous in the detection of compromised postmatch mucosal immunological function for AFL athletes.

Movement Demands and Perceived Wellness Associated With Preseason Training Camp in NCAA Division I College Football Players

Abstract Wellman, AD, Coad, SC, Flynn, PJ, Climstein, M, and McLellan, CP. Movement demands and perceived wellness associated with preseason training camp in NCAA Division I college football players. J Strength Cond Res 31(10): 2704–2718, 2017—The aims of this study were to examine the movement demands of preseason practice in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college football players using portable global positioning system (GPS) technology and to assess perceived wellness associated with preseason practice to determine whether GPS-derived variables from the preceding day influence perceived wellness the following day. Twenty-nine players were monitored using GPS receivers (Catapult Innovations, Melbourne, Australia) during 20 preseason practices. Individual observations (n = 550) were divided into offensive and defensive position groups. Movement variables including low-, medium-, high-intensity, and sprint distance, player load, and acceleration and deceleration distance were assessed. Perceived wellness ratings (n = 469) were examined using a questionnaire which assessed fatigue, soreness, sleep quality, sleep quantity, stress, and mood. A 1-way analysis of variance for positional movement demands and multilevel regressions for wellness measures were used, followed by post hoc testing to evaluate the relational significance between categorical outcomes of perceived wellness scores and movement variables. Results demonstrated significantly (p ⩽ 0.05) greater total, high-intensity, and sprint distance, along with greater acceleration and deceleration distances for the defensive back and wide receiver position groups compared with their respective offensive and defensive counterparts. Significant (p ⩽ 0.05) differences in movement variables were demonstrated for individuals who responded more or less favorably on each of the 6 factors of perceived wellness. Data from this study provide novel quantification of the position-specific physical demands and perceived wellness associated with college football preseason practice. Results support the use of position-specific training and individual monitoring of college football players.

Monitoring of In-Season Salivary Alpha Amylase Trends for Professional Australian Rules Footballers

Salivary Alpha Amylase has been considered a surrogate biomarker of autonomic nervous system, and may be considered useful to highlight periods of physiological fatigue in athletes. Novel lateral flow technology has allowed for rapid salivary assessment and offers an alternative practical method for monitoring salivary markers such as Alpha Amylase in AFL athletes throughout the in-season. Therefore, the present study aimed to (1) examine week-to-week and month-to-month variations in AFL athletes [sAA] throughout a 16 match period of the AFL in-season, and (2) examine the acute relationship between post-match measure of [sAA] and match-play exercise workloads. Twenty elite male Australian Rules Footballers (24.3 ± 4.2 years, 186.7 ± 7.3 cm, 87.6 ± 8.0 kg) were monitored throughout 16 in-season AFL matches for sAA taken 36-h post-match and exercise workloads (player load) using GPS IA. The present study utilized a linear mixed model analyses for time dependent changes in [sAA] and player load. A significant main effect was found for week-to-week analysis of 36-h post-match [sAA] (F (15, 36)=5.12, p<0.001) and for match-play player loads (F (15, 61)=2.33, p=0.011). Further a significant main effect (F (3 19)=11.88, p<0.001) was found for month-to-month changes in 36-h post-match [sAA]. Finally, high inter- (103%) and intra-subject (110 %) variation of [sAA] were found. The present study presents novel data of trends in 36-h post-match [sAA] for AFL athletes. Results demonstrated a significant changes in month-to-month 36-h post-match [sAA] peaking in the final month of the study. Month-to-month analysis of [sAA] may highlight an accumulative SNS fatigue effect throughout the AFL in-season, however results on a week-to-week basis need to be analysed with caution given the high levels of intra- and inter-subject variation.