The Relationship of Anthropometric and Physical Performance Characteristics on Competitive Success in Amateur, Elite, and Professional Rodeo Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Oranchuk, DJ, Gullett, LK, Kicia, M, Thome, B, and Game, A. The relationship of anthropometric and physical performance characteristics on competitive success in amateur, elite, and professional rodeo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1495-1506, 2023-Reference anthropometric and physical performance qualities can improve understanding of sporting needs and streamline preparation and rehabilitation programs. However, these data and their relationships with competitive success are absent in rodeo athletes. We hypothesized that riding performance would be most correlated with hip adductor, neck, and grip strength, whereas jump, reactive strength index (RSI), and change of direction abilities would best predict bull-fighting performance. Forty-three amateur ( n = 9), professional ( n = 23), or internationally ranked ( n = 11) male rodeo athletes (bareback = 9, bull riders = 16, saddle bronc = 7, bullfighters = 11) (26.8 ± 5.6 years) volunteered for this study. Anthropometrics included body mass, height, and body fat percentage. Performance measures included isometric hip adduction and abduction, neck flexion and extension, handgrip strength, squat and countermovement jump heights, eccentric utilization ratio, reactive strength index, change of direction, bike sprints, and several pneumatic power measures. Bullfighters were taller and heavier than bull riders (effect size [ES] = 0.84-0.87, p = 0.008-0.017). Bull riders were leaner than bullfighters (ES = 0.74, p = 0.012). Fighters had greater RSI than riders (ES = 0.73-1.47, p < 0.001-0.030). Competitive level of rodeo riders ( n = 32) correlated with age, rodeo experience (ρ = 0.37-0.43, p = 0.013-0.049), bent-leg abduction (ρ = 0.43, p = 0.014), straight-leg hip adduction and abduction (ρ = 0.49-0.56, p < 0.001-0.005), neck flexion force (ρ = 0.43, p = 0.016), and rotational power (ρ = 0.50, p = 0.004). The competitive level of the fighters correlated with age (ρ = 0.64, p = 0.036) and time trial performance (ρ = -0.76, p = 0.006). This is the first study providing normative and correlational strength and power performance data in a rodeo population. These data highlight the need for more event-specific physical preparation. Riders should focus their physical preparation on hip and neck strength and rotational power. Bullfighters should prioritize stiffness and anaerobic power.

Physiological demands of women's rugby union: time-motion analysis and heart rate response.

The aim of this study was to determine the physical demands of women's rugby union match play using time-motion analysis and heart rate (HR) response. Thirty-eight premier club level female rugby players, ages 18-34 years were videotaped and HRs monitored for a full match. Performances were coded into 12 different movement categories: 5 speeds of locomotion (standing, walking, jogging, striding, sprinting), 4 forms of intensive non-running exertion (ruck/maul/tackle, pack down, scrum, lift) and 3 discrete activities (kick, jump, open field tackle). The main results revealed that backs spend significantly more time sprinting and walking whereas forwards spend more time in intensive non-running exertion and jogging. Forwards also had a significantly higher total work frequency compared to the backs, but a higher total rest frequency compared to the backs. In terms of HR responses, forwards displayed higher mean HRs throughout the match and more time above 80% of their maximum HR than backs. In summary, women's rugby union is characterised by intermittent bursts of high-intensity activity, where forwards and backs have similar anaerobic energy demands, but different specific match demands.

Inspiratory and expiratory respiratory muscle training as an adjunct to concurrent strength and endurance training provides no additional 2000 m performance benefits to rowers.

The purpose of this study was to examine respiratory muscle training (RMT) combined with 9 weeks of resistance and endurance training on rowing performance and cardiopulmonary responses. Twenty-seven rowers (mean ± SD: age = 27 ± 9 years; height = 176.9 ± 10.8 cm; and body mass = 76.1 ± 12.6 kg) were randomly assigned to an inspiratory only (n = 13) or expiratory only (n = 14) training group. Both RMT programs were 3 sets of 10 reps, 6 d/wk in addition to an identical 3 d/wk resistance and 3 d/wk endurance training program. Both groups showed similar improvements in 2000 m rowing performance, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, and maximum inspiratory (PImax) and expiratory (PEmax) pressures (p < .05). It was concluded that there were no additional benefits of 9 weeks of inspiratory or expiratory RMT on simulated 2000 m rowing performance or cardiopulmonary responses when combined with resistance and endurance training in rowers.

Effect of different bicycle body positions on power output in aerobically trained females.

Aerodynamic bicycle positioning reduces drag but also reduces power output (PO) in males. The effect of aerodynamic bicycle positioning in trained endurance females is unknown. Eighteen females participants (VO2max 49.7 ± 6.3 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1)) all with competitive experience performed cycling trials at ventilatory threshold 1 and 2 (VT-1, VT-2) in both an aerodynamic and an upright position. There was a significant difference in PO between the aerodynamic and upright positions at VT-1 (152.7 ± 28.0 Watts and 159.7 ± 33.1 Watts, respectively) but not at VT-2 (191.2 ± 39.1 Watts and 192.4 ± 40.0 Watts, respectively). There were no significant differences in heart rate, oxygen consumption, or cadence between positions at either intensity. At both intensities the individual response was varied and no trends due to years of experience or background (triathlete or cyclist) explained this variability. Therefore, despite the significant mean difference in PO at VT-1, these results indicate that in trained females the effect of aerodynamic positioning is individual.

The development and reliability of a repeated anaerobic cycling test in female ice hockey players.

The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the reliability of a repeated anaerobic power cycling test designed to mimic the repeated sprinting nature of the sport of ice hockey. Nineteen female varsity ice hockey players (mean X +/- SD age, height and body mass = 21 +/- 2 yr, 166.6 +/- 6.3 cm and 62.3 +/- 7.3) completed 3 trials of a repeated anaerobic power test on a Monark cycle ergometer on different days. The test consisted of "all-out" cycling for 5 seconds separated by 10 seconds of low-intensity cycling, repeated 4 times. The relative load factor used for the resistance setting was equal to 0.095 kg per kilogram body mass. There was no significant difference between the peak 5-second power output (PO), mean PO, or the fatigue index (%) among the 3 different trials. The peak 5-second PO was 702.6 +/- 114.8 w and 11.3 +/- 1.1 w x kg, whereas the mean PO across the 4 repeats was 647.1 +/- 96.3 w and 10.4 +/- 1.0 w x kg averaged for the 3 different tests. The fatigue index averaged 17.8 +/- 6.5%. The intraclass correlation coefficient for peak 5-second, mean PO, and fatigue index was 0.82, 0.86, and 0.82, respectively. This study reports the methodology of a repeated anaerobic power cycling test that was reliable for the measurement of PO and calculated fatigue index in varsity women ice hockey players and can be used as a laboratory-based assessment of repeated anaerobic fitness.

Does an individual's fitness level affect baseline concussion symptoms?

CONTEXT: Variables that may influence baseline concussion symptoms should be investigated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of physical fitness on self-report of baseline concussion symptoms in collegiate athletes and students. DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 125 undergraduates, including 95 collegiate athletes and 30 recreational athletes (83 males, 42 females). INTERVENTION(S): Participants completed the Standardized Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2; symptom report) at baseline, within 10 minutes of completing the Leger test, and within 24 hours of the initial baseline test. The Leger (beep) test is a shuttle-run field test used to predict maximal aerobic power. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The total symptom score on the SCAT2 was calculated and analyzed with a repeated-measures analysis of variance. A linear regression analysis was used to determine if 3 variables (sport type, sex, or fitness level) accounted for a significant amount of the variance in the baseline symptom report. RESULTS: Participants reported more symptoms postactivity but fewer symptoms at 24 hours compared with baseline, representing a time effect in our model (F2,234 = 47.738, P < .001). No interactions were seen among the independent variables. We also found an effect for fitness level, with fitter individuals reporting fewer symptoms at all 3 time intervals. The regression analysis revealed that fitness level accounted for a significant amount of the variance in SCAT2 symptoms at baseline (R (2) = 0.22, F3,121 = 11.44, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Fitness level affected the baseline concussion symptom report. Exercise seems to induce concussion symptom reporting, and symptom severity may be a function of an athlete's level of conditioning. Sports medicine professionals should consider an athlete's level of fitness when conducting baseline concussion symptom assessments.

An investigation of the type and frequency of movement patterns of National Hockey League goaltenders.

Twenty-four National Hockey League (NHL) goaltenders were observed to determine the types and frequency of their movements during actual games. A secondary purpose was to compare these movements across the 3 periods of game play and between 2 NHL seasons (2003-04 and 2005-06) as a result of several rule changes between seasons. The mean (+/- SD) age, height, body mass, and years of NHL experience of the goaltenders were 30 +/- 4 y, 85.4 +/- 4.4 kg, 184.0 +/- 3.8 cm, 6.6 +/- 4.0 y, respectively. The mean (+/- SD) number of times and type of movements used during a game in order of most frequent were vertical movement (43.7 +/- 10.3), moving laterally (39.7 +/- 12.7), moving into full-butterfly position (32.1), anterior-posterior movement in front of goal crease (31.5 +/- 11.5), skating out of the goal area to play the puck (19.7 +/- 6.3), and using a half butterfly on a single leg pad (left = 5.2 +/- 1.9, right = 6.4 +/- 2.1). Goaltenders played the puck less frequently during the final period of the game than during the first 2 periods and more frequently between the 2 different NHL seasons after certain rule changes. It was concluded that NHL goaltenders move most frequently vertically, laterally, and out of the net to play the puck. In addition, goaltenders moved out of the goal area to play the puck less often in the third period but more frequently after several league rule changes designed to reduce this movement.

A 26 year physiological description of a National Hockey League team.

The primary purpose of this investigation was to examine the physiological profile of a National Hockey League (NHL) team over a period of 26 years. All measurements were made at a similar time of year (pre-season) in 703 male (mean age +/- SD = 24 +/- 4 y) hockey players. The data were analyzed across years, between positions (defensemen, forwards, and goaltenders), and between what were deemed successful and non-successful years using a combination of points acquired during the season and play-off success. Most anthropometric (height, mass, and BMI) and physiological parameters (absolute and relative VO2 peak, relative peak 5 s power output, abdominal endurance, and combined grip strength) showed a gradual increase over the 26 year period. Defensemen were taller and heavier, had higher absolute VO2 peak, and had greater combined grip strength than forwards and goaltenders. Forwards were younger and had higher values for relative VO2 peak. Goaltenders were shorter, had less body mass, a higher sum of skinfolds, lower VO2 peak, and better flexibility. The overall pre-season fitness profile was not related to team success. In conclusion, this study revealed that the fitness profile for a professional NHL ice-hockey team exhibited increases in player size and anaerobic and aerobic fitness parameters over a 26 year period that differed by position. However, this evolution of physiological profile did not necessarily translate into team success in this particular NHL franchise.

The effect of a competitive season and environmental factors on pulmonary function and aerobic power in varsity hockey players.

This study examined the effect of a competitive season and environmental factors on pulmonary function and aerobic power in varsity hockey players. Fourteen male subjects completed testing before and after a 7-month varsity hockey season within ice arena conditions. All subjects completed an aerobic power (.)VO(2) (max) test on a cycle ergometer. Pulmonary function tests were performed at rest and 1, 10, 15, and 25 min after the (.)VO(2) (max) test. The arena environment was monitored during testing and throughout the season for temperature, relative humidity, gaseous chemicals, moulds, and fungi. There was no change in (.)VO(2) (max) during the season. The percent change in forced expiratory flow in 1 s (FEV1) post-exercise compared to resting FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) after the (.)VO(2) (max) test were significantly lower after the season. The arena temperature and relative humidity ranged between 13 and 16 degrees C and between 30% and 45% over the course of the season. Sulfur dioxide (0.7-4.5 ppm) was found in the arena and no airborne moulds unique to the dressing room environment were found to exceed Health Canada's guideline of 50 CFU/m(3) for indoor air quality. It was concluded that some hockey players experience limitations to pulmonary function over the course of a competitive season.