Resistance training (RT) is used to develop muscle strength for a variety of health and performance benefits. Because of the complexity of variable integration in a RT programme, it is unclear how manipulating RT variables influences the overall dosage (sets × repetitions × exercises × intensity × frequency × duration) expressed as a relative dosage (arbitrary units [au]) or absolute dosage (kilograms) and its effect on muscle strength development. We aimed to investigate how RT volume, intensity and dosage influence muscle strength, and if any individual prescription variable is more important than others for developing muscle strength. Four databases were systematically searched. Only randomised controlled trials that recorded dynamic muscle strength and provided sufficient training variable data were included. Meta-regressions were performed on pooled muscle strength data, individually for the quadriceps and chest muscle groups, and RT dosage calculations. Quadratic non-linear regressions were performed to investigate if a change in volume, intensity, duration and dosage as continuous variables, as well as frequency, sex and age as categorical variables predicted the change in muscle strength. There were 157 articles that contained appropriate data for analysis. A significant dose response for muscle strength for all outcomes was identified (p < 0.01). A plateau in muscle strength was identified at 887,000 au for chest and 773,000 au for quadriceps strength, where further increasing the dosage did not maintain or increase the rate at which muscle strength developed. Non-linear models identified volume and intensity as significant predictors of the relationship between dosage and muscle strength development for relative chest strength. Duration was a significant predictor for relative quadriceps strength. There is a non-linear dose–response effect for RT dosage and muscle strength, indicating there is no further benefit obtained from increasing dosage beyond 773,000–887,000 au. The variables that influence muscle strength are different between muscle groups, suggesting that the interaction between dosage and individual variables may differ between muscle groups and therefore, to optimise muscle strength development, specific training variables should be prioritised when developing RT programmes. These findings reflect relative changes in strength among primarily untrained individuals and a clear relationship with absolute strength in trained populations could not be determined.

PlayerLoad™ is the most widely used accelerometer-derived metric for quantifying external demands in sport. Its normalized variant, PlayerLoad·min−1, is also commonly used as a marker of exercise intensity. However, recent literature has raised concerns regarding its scientific foundation, including inconsistent definitions, arbitrary units, opaque filtering methods, questionable theoretical underpinnings, and imprecise mechanical terminology. The construct validity of PlayerLoad™ remains unverified, and emerging evidence suggests weak dose–response relationships with performance outcomes. Although widely adopted in practice, these concerns warrant critical scientific scrutiny. This review critically evaluates the validity and reliability of the PlayerLoad™ metric, highlighting the need for greater transparency and theoretical rigor in wearable athlete monitoring. Furthermore, we present alternative accelerometer-derived metrics, developed from clearer biomechanical and physiological principles, which may offer more robust and interpretable measures for researchers and practitioners.

ABSTRACT:Lyristakis, P, Wundersitz, D, Cousins, S, Zadow, E, and Gordon, BA. The relationship between subjective and objective intensity across a multiset resistance training program. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study aimed to explore the relationship between rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and objective intensity (relative: percentage of 1 repetition maximum [1RM], absolute: kilograms lifted) across multiple sets, exercises, and training sessions. A total of 104 subjects were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 exercise interventions. Subjects performed 3 resistance training (RT) sessions per week for 8 weeks, which incorporated 5-6 exercises at 50% or 80% of 1RM, across 2-3 sets for 6 or 14 repetitions; RPE was recorded after each exercise set. Generalized estimating equation models of fixed effects were used to assess the relationship between RPE and objective intensity, individual exercises, sets, repetitions, and training sessions. Significant differences in RPE between exercises were identified despite the same objective relative intensity prescription, with the shoulder press resulting in the highest RPE (17.2 ± 2.3; p < 0.001), and the calf raise producing the lowest (13.3 ± 2.6; p < 0.001). Objective relative intensity, set number, and repetition number predicted RPE across most exercises (p < 0.001). Higher relative intensities (β = 0.6 to 2.0) and fewer repetitions (β = -0.1 to -0.3) were associated with greater changes in RPE. Between sets, pairwise comparisons showed that RPE increased at different rates between exercises. A statistically significant relationship exists between RPE and objective relative intensity, sets, and repetitions, with higher intensities and fewer repetitions associated with greater RPE. Despite the same objective relative intensity prescription, RPE was not consistent between individual exercises; therefore, %1RM might be the most appropriate method to prescribe RT intensity and ensure appropriate and desired training stimulus.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Insufficient physical activity is prevalent in rural Australian communities, with limited access to facilities for high-intensity resistance training, which is currently recommended for strength development. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different resistance training doses and prescribed intensities for improving muscle strength in adults with no regular training history. METHODS: Insufficiently active adults were randomly allocated to either high-dose, low-repetition (HDLR); high-dose, high-repetition (HDHR); or low-dose, low-repetition (LDLR) interventions. Bench-press strength (1RM) was assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (to adjust prescription), and post-intervention. HDLR and LDLR were prescribed 6 repetitions at 80% 1RM for 3 or 2 sets respectively, while HDHR were prescribed 14 repetitions at 50% 1RM for 2 sets. Six exercises (bench-press, leg-press, shoulder-press, biceps curls, calf-raise, lat pulldown) were prescribed for HDLR and HDHR, and five (without calf-raise) for LDLR, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Dosage, calculated as sets × repetitions × exercises × intensity × frequency × duration, of HDLR and HDHR was within 2.8% and approximately 50% greater than LDLR. RESULTS: All interventions demonstrated significant improvements in strength over time (p<0.001). A significant intervention × time interaction was observed (p=0.003), with both HDHR and LDLR responding differently from mid-intervention to post-intervention compared to HDLR (p<0.001 & p=0.003 respectively). No intervention effect (p=0.661) or interaction between dose and time was identified (p=0.517), indicating that regardless of dose, all prescriptions were effective. CONCLUSION: Resistance training, even at lower doses and lower intensities, effectively increases muscle strength in previously inactive rural adults. Greater gains may be achieved with higher dose and higher intensity prescriptions, particularly as training adaptations occur and strength increases, supporting current exercise prescription guidelines. These findings suggest that accessible, lower-dose and lower intensity resistance training can be a practical strategy for improving strength in rural communities with limited resources.

Objective:To explore the incremental dose-response effect of aerobic exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs (ExCRP) on cardiorespiratory fitness in comparison to non-exercise controls among people with coronary heart disease (CHD).Review Methods:Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus were searched from January 1, 2000 until December 4, 2023. Articles were eligible for selection if they satisfied the following criteria: randomized controlled studies assessing change in cardiorespiratory fitness among people with CHD in non-exercise and aerobic intervention groups, established peak oxygen uptake via cardiopulmonary exercise test, minimum of 4-week program duration, and reported frequency, intensity, and duration of prescribed exercise. The study was prospectively registered (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021274924).Summary:Thirty-three studies, including 1901 participants were included in the continuous dose-analysis. A significant difference in cardiorespiratory fitness was identified between ExCRP and non-exercise control that favored exercise by 3.4 (3.0-3.9) mLkg-1min-1. No difference existed between interval and continuous training when matched for exercise dose. Dose-response analyses identified a significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (3.4 [2.9-5.5] mLkg-1min-1) associated with program completion, with no additional benefit related to increased exercise dose. When compared to non-exercise control, participating in ExCRP with a minimum total program intervention dose of 2194 metabolic equivalent minutes significantly improves cardiorespiratory fitness. However, no additional benefit was discernible from higher exercise doses. Although the recommended dose for ExCRP augments medical treatment and is sufficient to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, it is likely that the narrow range in prescribed exercise dose and variations in the fidelity of exercise interventions limit interpretation.

In this study, a high-volume endurance exercise protocol induced markers of cardiac stress and altered plasma coagulation and fibrinolytic activity for up to 48 h in recreationally active cyclists. However, analysis of coagulation biomarkers indicates no increase in thrombotic risk when appropriate hydration and rest protocols are implemented.

Using logistic regression and neural networks, the aim of this study was to compare model performance when predicting player draft outcome during the 2021 AFL National Draft. Physical testing, in-game movement and technical involvements were collected from 708 elite-junior Australian Rules football players during consecutive seasons. Predictive models were generated using data from 465 players (2017 to 2020). Data from 243 players were then used to prospectively predict the 2021 AFL National Draft. Logistic regression and neural network models were compared for specificity, sensitivity and accuracy using relative cut-off thresholds from 5% to 50%. Using factored and unfactored data, and a range of relative cut-off thresholds, neural networks accounted for 73% of the 40 best performing models across positional groups and data configurations. Neural networks correctly classified more drafted players than logistic regression in 88% of cases at draft rate (15%) and convergence threshold (35%). Using individual variables across thresholds, neural networks (specificity = 79 ± 13%, sensitivity = 61 ± 24%, accuracy = 76 ± 8%) were consistently superior to logistic regression (specificity = 73 ± 15%, sensitivity = 29 ± 14%, accuracy = 66 ± 11%). Where the goal is to identify talented players with draft potential, model sensitivity is paramount, and neural networks were superior to logistic regression.

Aims: Although alcohol consumption is proposed to trigger electrographic abnormalities, acute changes in arrythmias and conductance disturbances have not been systematically studied in young adults who are the age group most likely to binge drink. The aim of this study was to determine if changes in breath alcohol content (BrAC) during an acute binging episode influence electrographic abnormalities in young adults. Methods: Fifty-five university students (20.6±2.1 years of age), who were not regular users of alcohol, consumed 60% mixer and 40% vodka until 0.08% BrAC was reached (6.4±1.9 standard drinks). Five-lead Holter recordings were analysed by a blinded cardiac technician. Electrographic abnormalities were identified and classified according to location (supraventricular or ventricular) and type (arrhythmia or conduction disturbance). Results: Although heart rate was elevated with BrAC beyond 0.05% compared to 0.00%, no differences existed in the relative incidence of electrographic abnormalities by location or type. Logistic regression revealed that baseline electrographic abnormality significantly contributed to predicting electrographic abnormality in 0.00% to 0.05% (p=0.02) and 0.05% to 0.08% BrAC phases (p=0.01). Conclusions: Alcohol consumption, resulting in BrAC of 0.08%, increased heart rate after BrAC reached 0.05% but did not acutely influence the relative incidence of electrographic abnormality by location or type in apparently healthy young people. These results do not support the hypothesis that a binge drinking episode causes electrographic abnormalities in young adults.

Introduction Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes (ExCRP) promote recovery and secondary prevention for individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite this, enrolment and adherence to ExCRP in rural locations is low. Telehealth programmes provide a convenient, home-based intervention, but concerns remain about compliance to exercise prescription. This paper presents the rationale and protocol design to determine if telehealth delivered ExCRP is not inferior to supervised ExCRP for improving cardiovascular function and exercise fidelity.Method and analysis A non-inferiority, parallel (1:1), single-blinded randomised clinical trial will be conducted. Fifty patients with CVD will be recruited from a rural phase II ExCRP. Participants will be randomly assigned to telehealth or supervised ExCRP and prescribed three weekly exercise sessions for 6 weeks. Exercise sessions will include a 10 min warm up, up to 30 min of continuous aerobic exercise at a workload equivalent to the ventilatory anaerobic threshold and a 10 min cool down. The primary outcome will be change in cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by cardiopulmonary exercise test. Secondary outcome measures will include change in blood lipid profile, heart rate variability, pulse wave velocity, actigraphy measured sleep quality and training fidelity. Non-inferiority will be confirmed if intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses conclude the same outcome following independent samples t-test with p<0.025.Ethics and dissemination Research ethics committees at La Trobe University, St John of God Health Care and Bendigo Health approved the study protocol and informed consent. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated among stakeholders.Trial registration number ACTRN12622000872730p; pre-results.

ABSTRACT:Jennings, J, Štaka, Z, Wundersitz, DW, Sullivan, CJ, Cousins, SD, Čustović, E, and Kingsley, MI. Position-specific running and technical demands during male elite-junior and elite-senior Australian rules football match-play. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1449-1455, 2023-The aim of this study was to compare position-specific running and technical demands of elite-junior and elite-senior Australian rules football match-play to better inform practice and assist transition between the levels. Global positioning system and technical involvement data were collated from 12 Victorian U18 male NAB League ( n = 553) and 18 Australian Football League ( n = 702) teams competing in their respective 2019 seasons. Players were grouped by position as nomadic, fixed, or ruck, and data subsets were used for specific analyses. Relative total distance ( p = 0.635, trivial effect), high-speed running (HSR) distance ( p = 0.433, trivial effect), acceleration efforts ( p = 0.830, trivial effect), deceleration efforts ( p = 0.983, trivial effect), and efforts at >150 m·min -1 ( p = 0.229, trivial effect) and >200 m·min -1 ( p = 0.962, trivial effect) did not differ between elite-junior and elite-senior match-play. Elite juniors covered less total and HSR distance during peak periods (5 seconds-10 minutes) of demand ( p ≤ 0.022, small-moderate effects). Within both leagues, nomadic players had the greatest running demands followed by fixed position and then rucks. Relative disposals ( p = 0.330, trivial effect) and possessions ( p = 0.084, trivial effect) were comparable between the leagues. During peak periods (10 seconds to 2 minutes), elite juniors had less technical involvements than elite seniors ( p ≤ 0.001, small effects). Although relative running demands and positional differences were comparable between the leagues, elite juniors perform less running, HSR, and technical involvements during peak periods when compared with elite seniors. Therefore, coaching staff in elite-senior clubs should maintain intensity while progressively increasing the volume of training that recently drafted players undertake when they have transitioned from elite-junior leagues.

Purpose To identify the effects of fatigue from an exercise protocol (similar to a soccer match) on ankle motion and forces during single-legged drop landing. Methods Seventeen males aged (mean ± SD) 22.2 ± 2.0 years participated in this repeated measures study. A 90-min intermittent exercise protocol with a 15-min rest at halftime was performed. Before, at halftime and after the exercise, participants were tested via a single-legged drop landing task onto a force platform whilst wearing a three-dimensional inertial measurement system (Xsens). Ankle angles (plantarflexion/dorsiflexion and inversion/eversion) were analysed before landing and at peak ground reaction force after landing, and center of pressure was analysed at peak ground reaction force. Results No significant differences were found for the outcomes between pre-, halftime and post-exercise ( p > 0.05). Conclusions Findings suggest that exercises simulating a soccer match (regarding exertion) do not necessarily lead to significant changes in ankle motion or forces around the ankle.

Determining characteristics that define talent is critical for recruitment and player development. When developing predictive models, sensitivity is important, as it describes the ability of models to identify players with draft potential (true positives). In the current literature, modelling is limited to a small number of selected variables, and model sensitivity is often poor or unreported. The aim of this study was to determine how a technical factor combined with physical and in-game movement factors affects position-specific model sensitivity when evaluating draft outcome in an elite-junior National Australia Bank (NAB) League population. Physical, in-game movement, and technical involvement data were collated from draft-eligible (18th year) participants in the under 18 boys NAB League competition (n = 465). Factors identified through parallel analysis were used in binomial regression analyses. Models using factor combinations were developed to predict draft success for all-position, nomadic, fixed-position, and fixed&ruck players. Models that best characterised draft success were all-position (physical and technical: specificity = 97.2%, sensitivity = 36.6%, and accuracy = 86.3%), nomadic (physical and technical: specificity = 95.5%, sensitivity = 40.7%, and accuracy = 85.5%), fixed (physical: specificity = 96.4%, sensitivity = 41.7%, and accuracy = 86.6%), and fixed&ruck (physical and in-game movement: specificity = 96.3%, sensitivity = 41.2%, and accuracy = 86.7%). Including a technical factor improved sensitivity in the all-position and nomadic models. Physical factors and physical and in-game movement yielded the best models for fixed-position and fixed&ruck players, respectively. Models with improved sensitivity should be sought to assist practitioners to more confidently identify the players with draft potential.

Despite the International System of Units (SI), as well as several publications guiding researchers on correct use of terminology, there continues to be widespread misuse of mechanical terms such as 'work' in sport and exercise science. A growing concern is the misuse of the term 'load'. Terms such as 'training load' and 'PlayerLoad' are popular in sport and exercise science vernacular. However, a 'load' is a mechanical variable which, when used appropriately, describes a force and therefore should be accompanied with the SI-derived unit of the newton (N). It is tempting to accept popular terms and nomenclature as scientific. However, scientists are obliged to abide by the SI and must pay close attention to scientific constructs. This communication presents a critical reflection on the use of the term 'load' in sport and exercise science. We present ways in which the use of this term breaches principles of science and provide practical solutions for ongoing use in research and practice.

Regular physical activity is important for cardiovascular health. However, high-volume endurance exercise has been associated with increased number of electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, including disturbances in cardiac rhythm (arrhythmias) and abnormalities in ECG pattern. The aim of this study was to assess if heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with ECG abnormalities. Fifteen participants with previous cycling experience completed a 21-day high-volume endurance exercise cycle over 3,515 km. Participants wore a 5-lead Holter monitor for 24 h pre- and post-exercise, which was used to quantify ECG abnormalities and export sinus R-to-R intervals (NN) used to calculate HRV characteristics. As noise is prevalent in 24-h HRV recordings, both 24-h and heart rate collected during stable periods of time (i.e., deep sleep) were examined. Participants experienced significantly more arrhythmias post high-volume endurance exercise (median = 35) compared to pre (median = 12; p = 0.041). All 24-h and deep sleep HRV outcomes were not different pre-to-post high-volume endurance exercise (p > 0.05). Strong and significant associations with arrhythmia number post-exercise were found for total arrhythmia (total arrhythmia number pre-exercise, ρ = 0.79; age, ρ = 0.73), supraventricular arrhythmia (supraventricular arrhythmia number pre-exercise: ρ = 0.74; age: ρ = 0.66), and ventricular arrhythmia (age: ρ = 0.54). As a result, age and arrhythmia number pre-exercise were controlled for in hierarchical regression, which revealed that only deep sleep derived low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio post high-volume endurance exercise predicted post total arrhythmia number (B = 0.63, R2Δ = 34%, p = 0.013) and supraventricular arrhythmia number (B = 0.77, R2Δ = 69%, p < 0.001). In this study of recreationally active people, only deep sleep derived LF/HF ratio was associated with more total and supraventricular arrhythmias after high-volume endurance exercise. This finding suggests that measurement of sympathovagal balance during deep sleep might be useful to monitor arrhythmia risk after prolonged high-volume endurance exercise performance.

The aim of this observational study was to determine if on-court activity and match statistics differed between periods of scoring streaks and regular play in basketball. Thirty-seven basketballers including professional women, semi-professional women and semi-professional men wore accelerometers during competitive matches throughout a season. Accelerometry-derived live-time individual on-court exercise intensity and team game-related statistics were compared between scoring streaks (periods of play where the teams participating in the study scored at least three times in a row), streaks against (periods of play where the opposition teams scored at least three times in a row) and regular play. Few differences existed in the average exercise intensity between streak types. During streaks against, there was a 5–15% lower proportion of 2-point attempts, 0.8–1.3 fewer defensive rebounds per minute and 0.3–1.6 fewer shot attempts per minute compared to regular play and scoring streaks, and there were 0.3 fewer offensive rebounds per minute compared to regular play. During scoring streaks, there were 0.5 more defensive rebounds per minute, 1.3 more shot attempts per minute, a 43% greater shooting percentage and a 10% lower proportion of 3-point attempts compared to regular play. To reduce the chances of streaks against, teams should focus on facilitating 2-point shot attempts and consider implementing a 3:1 ratio of 2-point to 3-point attempts to maximize scoring success, and they should focus on winning rebounds to facilitate more shot attempts.

Examinations of the effect of resistance training (RT) on muscle strength have attempted to determine differences between prescriptions, mostly examining individual training variables. The broad interaction of variables does not appear to be completely considered, nor has a dose-response function been determined. This registered ( doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/EH94V ) systematic review with meta-analysis aims to determine if the interaction of individual training variables to derive RT dose, dosing, and dosage can influence muscle strength and determine if an optimal prescription range exists for developing muscle strength. To derive RT dose, the following calculation will be implemented: number of sets × number of repetitions × number of exercises × exercise intensity, while RT dosing factors in frequency and RT dosage considers program duration. A keyword search strategy utilising interchangeable terms for population (adult), intervention (resistance training), and outcomes (strength) will be conducted across three databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus). Novel to the field of exercise prescription, an analytical approach to determine the dose-response function for continuous outcomes will be used. The pooled standardised mean differences for muscle strength will be estimated using DerSimonian and Laird random effects method. Linear and non-linear dose-response relationships will be estimated by fitting fixed effects and random effects models using the one-stage approach to evaluate if there is a relationship between exercise dose, dosing and dosage and the effect on muscle strength. Maximised log-likelihood and the Akaike Information Criteria will be used to compare alternative best fitting models. Meta regressions will investigate between-study variances and a funnel plot and Egger’s test will assess publication bias. The results from this study will identify if an optimal prescription range for dose, dosing and dosage exists to develop muscle strength.

The aim of this study was to determine if residual neuromuscular fatigue influenced subsequent match and training activity in professional women's basketball. Prior to matches and training sessions throughout a season, players performed countermovement jumps while wearing a magnetic, angular rate and gravity (acceleration) sensor on their upper back. Flight time to contraction time ratio was used to determine neuromuscular performance and to identify neuromuscular fatigue. Average session intensity and volume, the proportion of live time spent in different intensity bands (matches), and absolute and relative time spent in different intensity bands (training) were quantified using accelerometry. Residual neuromuscular fatigue was deemed to be present when the decrement in neuromuscular performance relative to pre-season baseline was greater than the smallest worthwhile change. Players displayed residual neuromuscular fatigue before 16% of matches and 33% of training sessions. When players were fatigued prior to matches, the proportion of live time undertaking supramaximal activity was 5.7% less (p = 0.02) and moderate-vigorous activity was 3.7% more than when not fatigued (p = 0.02). When fatigued prior to training, the players displayed a 2.6% decrement in average intensity (p = 0.02), 2.8% decrement in absolute (p = 0.01) and 5.0% decrement in relative (p = 0.01) maximal activity, as well as 13.3% decrement in absolute (p < 0.01) and 6.8% decrement in relative (p < 0.01) supramaximal activity when compared to not being fatigued. These findings suggest that residual neuromuscular fatigue influences players' ability to perform supramaximal activity, which highlights the importance of monitoring neuromuscular performance throughout a professional season.Highlights Residual neuromuscular fatigue can influence the amount of supramaximal activity players perform in a subsequent training session or match.Practices should be implemented to minimise residual neuromuscular fatigue carried into matches while maintaining a sufficient training volume to elicit physiological adaptations.MARG sensors can be used as an affordable and time-efficient tool for regularly monitoring countermovement jump-derived neuromuscular fatigue.

Using a combination of respiratory gas exchange, infrared thermography, and blood glucose (BGL) analysis, we have investigated the impact of Capsicum annuum (C. annuum) fruit powder (475 mg) or caffeine (100 mg) on metabolic activity in a placebo controlled (lactose, 100 mg) double-blinded three-way cross-over-design experiment. Metabolic measurements were made on day 1 and day 7 of supplementation in eight adult male participants (22.2 ± 2 years of age, BMI 23 ± 2 kg/m2, x̅ ± SD). Participants arrived fasted overnight and were fed a high carbohydrate meal (90 g glucose), raising BGL from fasting baseline (4.4 ± 0.3 mmol/L) to peak BGL (8.5 ± 0.3 mmol/L) 45 min after the meal. Participants consumed the supplement 45 min after the meal, and both caffeine and C. annuum fruit powder restored BGL (F (8,178) = 2.2, p = 0.02) to near fasting levels within 15 min of supplementation compared to placebo (120 min). In parallel both supplements increased energy expenditure (F (2, 21) = 175.6, p < 0.001) over the 120-min test period (caffeine = 50.74 ± 2 kcal/kg/min, C. annuum fruit = 50.95 ± 1 kcal/kg/min, placebo = 29.34 ± 1 kcal/kg/min). Both caffeine and C. annuum fruit powder increased supraclavicular fossa temperature (F (2,42) = 32, p < 0.001) on both day 1 and day 7 of testing over the 120-min test period. No statistical difference in core temperature or reference point temperature, mean arterial pressure or heart rate was observed due to supplementation nor was any statistical difference seen between day 1 and day 7 of intervention. This is important for implementing dietary ingredients as potential metabolism increasing supplements. Together the results imply that through dietary supplements such as caffeine and C. annuum, mechanisms for increasing metabolism can be potentially targeted to improve metabolic homeostasis in people.

Basketball competitions often include a scheduled regular season followed by knock-out finals. Understanding training and match demands through the season can help optimize performance and reduce injury risk. This study investigated whether training and/or match demands differed between the regular season and finals, and whether these differences were dependent on player role. Average session intensity and volume and durations of relative exercise intensities (inactive, light, moderate-vigorous, maximal, supramaximal) were quantified during training sessions and matches using accelerometry in two semi-professional basketball teams (n = 23; 10 women, 13 men). Training and match demands were compared between the regular season (training: 445 observations; matches: 387 observations) and finals (training: 113 observations, matches: 75 observations) with consideration of player role (starters, in-rotation bench, out-rotation bench). During finals matches, starters received 4.4 min more playing time (p = 0.03), performed 14% more absolute maximal activity (p < 0.01) and had 8% less relative inactive time (p = 0.02) when compared to the regular season. Out-rotation bench players received 2.1 min less playing time (p < 0.01), performed 33% less absolute maximal activity (p = 0.01) and 57% less absolute supramaximal activity (p < 0.01) in finals when compared to the regular season. During finals training sessions, average training intensity was 5% higher (p = 0.02), absolute moderate-vigorous activity was 3% higher (p = 0.04), relative maximal activity was 12% higher (p < 0.01), and relative inactive time was 5% lower (p = 0.03) when compared to the regular season. These findings suggest starters need to be physically prepared for greater match demands during finals, while out-rotation bench players should supplement their training during finals with extra supramaximal activity to maintain their conditioning levels for matches.

Background Bowling in cricket is a complex sporting movement which, despite being well characterised, still produces a significant number of injuries each year. Fast bowlers are more likely to be injured than any other playing role. Frequency, duration, intensity and volume of bowling, which have been generalised as measurements of workload, are thought to be risk factors for injuries. Injury rates of fast bowlers have not reduced in recent years despite the implementation of various workload monitoring practices. Objective To identify the variables used to quantify frequency, intensity, time and volume of bowling; and evaluate relationships between these variables and injury risk. Methods Six online databases were systematically searched for studies on fast bowling that included terms related to workload. Population characteristics, variables relating to demand and their relationship to standardised definitions of physical activity were extracted from all included studies. Results Bowling workload is typically quantified through measures of frequency, duration, or indirect intensity, with few studies reporting on bowling volume. Conclusions When reported on, volume was often described using imprecise or insufficient measures of intensity. There is a need to develop more appropriate measures of intensity during bowling and improve the quality of evidence to inform on bowling programme management practices.