PURPOSE:This randomized controlled trial (RCT) quantified the effects of resistance exercise training (RET) compared to low-intensity sham RET attention-control (SHAM) on depressive symptoms among young women (18-40y) with analogue Generalized Anxiety Disorder (AGAD). METHODS:Fifty-five participants (21.8 ± 2.2y) with AGAD (Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire GAD subscale (≥6) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (≥45)) were randomized to eight weeks of World Health Organization and American College of Sports Medicine guidelines-based, progressive, moderate-to-high-intensity (70-80% one-repetition maximum (1RM)) RET (PRET) with two sets of 8-12 repetitions of eight exercises, or a SHAM (20% 1RM), both preceded by a two-week familiarization. The 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) measured depressive symptoms at baseline, post-familiarization, week four, eight, and one-month follow-up. A two (group) by five (time-point) repeated measures ANOVA quantified differences between groups. Standardized mean difference (SMD) quantified the magnitude of within-condition change. Hedges' d effect sizes quantified the magnitude of difference in change between groups. RESULTS:No significant group by time interaction was found for depressive symptoms (F(3.2167) = 0.34, p = 0.806; d = 0.17[95%CI: -0.36 to 0.70]). A significant main effect for time was found (F(3.2167) = 42.19, p < 0.001); PRET (SMD = 1.53[95%CI: 0.92 to 2.13]) and SHAM (SMD = 1.04[95%CI: 0.49 to 1.60]) induced large-magnitude reductions in depressive symptoms, that were maintained (SMD: PRET: 1.64[95%CI: 1.02 to 2.26]; SHAM: 1.15[95%CI: 0.59 to 1.72]) at one-month follow-up. CONCLUSION:PRET and low-intensity RET can induce large antidepressant benefits. Although the difference between PRET and SHAM was unconfirmed, larger within-condition effects indicate greater benefits of PRET; however, benefits can also occur following lower-intensity RET.

Background: Resistance exercise training (RET) has shown promising effects on anxiety, but prior studies have overlooked mode-specific expectations, which may contradict any causal findings. Methods: This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of ten-weeks of twice weekly, progressive, moderate-to-high intensity guidelines-based RET (PRET) (70-80% of estimated one-repetition maximum (1RM); n = 27) compared to a low-intensity sham RET attention-control (SHAM) (20% 1RM; n = 28) on anxiety outcomes among fifty five young women (21.8 +/- 2.5y/o) with Analogue Generalized Anxiety Disorder (AGAD). Anxiety symptoms, feelings of tension and expectations were measured at baseline, post-familiarization, week four, week eight, and four-week follow-up. A two-group (PRET/SHAM) x five time-point RM-ANOVA quantified differences between groups. Hedge's d and standardized mean difference (SMD) effect sizes quantified the magnitude of differences between and within groups, respectively. Spearman's rho quantified associations between expectations and engagement, compliance and psychological responses. Results: No significant group & times; time interaction was found for anxiety symptoms (F(2.9, 157)=0.49, p >= 0.68; d = 0.23, 95%CI: -0.30 to 0.76) and feelings of tension ((F(3.5, 184) = 1.1, p >= 0.34; d = 0.002, 95%CI: -0.53 to 0.53). RET significantly reduced anxiety and feelings of tension for moderate to large effect sizes for both conditions (all SMD:0.76 to 1.16). At four-weeks follow up, PRET had larger effects on anxiety and feelings of tension (SMD:1.30 and 1.22, respectively) compared to SHAM (SMD:0.84, 0.75, respectively). No significant associations were observed between baseline and changes in expectations and psychological responses (all rho: -0.16 to 0.25, all p >= 0.19). Conclusions: Both RET intensities significantly reduced anxiety related outcomes in young women with AGAD, independent of expectations. However, PRET produced more sustainable anxiolytic effects.

Background: Although participation in female team sports has expanded rapidly, research on sprint performance, particularly across positional profiles and velocity-time metrics remains limited. Providing these data allows practitioners to establish normative values for comparison and quantify potential differences between playing standards, thereby supporting more informed positional profiling and talent identification within female team sport. Purpose: To compare sprint performance between intercounty and club, female team sport athletes and to report velocity-time metrics by playing position, presented for the first time in this population. Methods: One hundred and six female team sport athletes (intercounty: 29; club: 77) completed two maximal 40-m sprints on a synthetic indoor track. Sprint times were recorded at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 m using dual-beam timing gates. Maximum sprint speed and relative velocity-time metrics were calculated. Positional group data were analyzed descriptively; between-group differences were assessed using independent samples t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, with effect sizes calculated (Cohen's d, r). Results: Intercounty players were significantly faster than club players across all distances (small to medium effect sizes) and achieved higher maximum sprint speeds (large effect size). Club players demonstrated significantly greater relative sprint velocity between 0-10 m and 10-20 m (medium effect sizes). Conclusions: Sprint performance and maximum sprint speed distinguish intercounty from club, female, team sport athletes. These findings also establish novel positional benchmarks for sprint profiling and athlete development in female team sports.

Female Gaelic football is an invasive field-based team sport but there are limited data on players' sprint profiles. This study aimed to examine between-competition (league vs championship) differences during training and match-play, and to provide descriptive data by positional group. Fourteen players were monitored using 10-Hz GPS units (STATSports Apex) across 15 games and 34 training sessions. Key metrics included the number of accelerations and decelerations (≥ ± 3.0 m·s ⁻ ²), total sprints (≥ 20.0 km·h ⁻ ¹), sprint distances (<10 m, 10-20 m, 20-30 m, ≥ 30 m), average and total sprint duration and distance, peak speed, number of sprints at 80-90% and ≥90% of individual peak speed, and the highest percentage of peak speed achieved. In training, average sprint duration and distance, and sprints at 80-90% peak speed decreased from league to championship (p < 0.05; ES 0.59-0.84), while peak speed increased (p < 0.05; ES 0.61). In games, average sprint duration, number of sprints ≥30 m, and peak speed percentage achieved were greater in league games (p < 0.05; ES 0.36-0.73) compared to championship games. Despite the firmer surfaces of summer championship games, seasonal variations in training focus and in tactical and technical periodisation may explain the observed differences in running performance. These preliminary findings highlight the need for future research to examine how training periodisation, competition standard, and match demands interact to shape the running performance of female Gaelic football players.

ABSTRACT:Hughes, W, Healy, R, Lyons, M, Higginbotham, C, Lane, A, and Beattie, K. The role of maximal-, explosive-, and reactive-strength on the magnitude of adaptation to sprint training in elite female Gaelic football. J Strength Cond Res 40(9): e950-e958, 2026-It has been established that maximal-, explosive-, and reactive-strength play an important role in the development of speed. However, it is unclear whether stronger individuals, who have already gained the superior neuromuscular adaptations from strength training, will adapt to a sprint training program to a greater extent than weaker individuals. The aim of this study was to explore the role of strength on the magnitude of sprint adaptations in elite female Gaelic football players. It was hypothesized that higher levels of maximal-, explosive-, and reactive-strength would be positively related to higher magnitudes of adaptation after an 8-week sprint training program. Eighteen elite female Gaelic football players (age: 25.3 ± 6.3 years; height: 1.67 ± 0.06 m; mass: 65.3 ± 7.7 kg) participated in this study. The physical strength characteristics (isometric midthigh pull, countermovement jump, and 10-5 repeat jump test) and sprint performance (0-5, 0-10, 0-20, 0-25, 0-30, and 0-35 m) were assessed for all subjects before and after the training period. All subjects completed the same sprint training program twice per week for 8 weeks which focused on the development of maximum velocity (day 1) and acceleration (day 2), with a total sprint volume of 2,240 m. Paired samples t test revealed significant small to large improvements in performance across all sprint distances and maximum velocity (except for 0-20 m), with effect sizes ranging from 0.49 to 0.85 ( p < 0.05). A linear regression demonstrated that only the reactive strength index could significantly predict changes in sprint performance for the 35-m sprint distance ( p = 0.042, R2 = 0.212). There were no significant associations between the maximal- and explosive-strength and any of the sprint distances. The findings of this study indicate that higher initial levels of reactive-strength were significantly associated with the improvements in sprint performance over 0-35 m, accounting for 21.2% of the variability. This suggests that enhancing reactive-strength could be a key focus for training programs aiming to improve sprint performance in elite female Gaelic football players.

Chronic resistance exercise training (RET) is largely understudied as a treatment intervention for anxiety disorders. Expectations may play a role in the effect of RET on anxiety and mood responses. Exploring placebo effects in chronic interventions is imperative to understanding the influence of expectations on psychological responses to chronic RET. This study quantified the associations between expectations of psychological outcomes of exercise (EPOE) and observed anxiety symptom and mood state responses to chronic RET among young adults with and without Analogue Generalized Anxiety Disorder (AGAD). An eight-week RET intervention was implemented among 54 young adults (25.8 ± 5y). 26 were randomized to the intervention group and 28 to waitlist (WL). Anxiety symptoms and mood state responses were measured pre and post RET and EPOE were measured at baseline. Spearman’s rho quantified associations between baseline expectations and anxiety and mood responses. There were no significant associations in the RET sample between EPOE and experienced psychological responses (all rho= -0.41 to -0.07, all p > 0.005). Preliminary findings suggest that the mental health benefits of chronic RET were independent of placebo effects, notwithstanding the potential limitations of small sample size and the non-mode-specific measure of expectations. Future research should explore the associations of mode-specific EPOE in larger sample sizes.

PURPOSE:This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of resistance exercise training (RET) compared with a waitlist quantified the acute effects of a single resistance exercise session on depressed mood state. METHODS:Sixty-two young adults (26.6 ± 5.6 yr; 39 female) were randomized to 8 wk of World Health Organization and American College of Sports Medicine guidelines-based RET or a waitlist, with an acute RCT nested in at week 1. In the first session, RET participants completed moderate-intensity resistance exercise, comprising two sets of 8-12 repetitions of eight exercises targeting the major muscle groups. Waitlist participants completed 30 min of quiet rest. The Depression subscale of the Profile of Mood States Brief Form (POMS-B) measured depressed mood state pre- and 10 min post-session. Two group × two time (pre/post) RMANOVAs examined differences between resistance exercise and quiet rest. Subanalyses were conducted among young adults with analogue generalized anxiety disorder (AGAD), major depressive disorder (AMDD), comorbid AGAD and AMDD, and pre-exercise POMS-B ≥1 and ≥4. RESULTS:No significant group-time interaction ( F(1,59) = 1.70, P = 0.198) was found for depressed mood state. Significant main effects for time were found among the total ( F(1,59) = 14.74, P < 0.001), AGAD ( F(1,28) = 13.22, P ≤ 0.001), AMDD ( F(1,12) = 5.12, P ≤ 0.043), POMS-B ≥1 ( F(1,31) = 30.29, P < 0.001) and ≥4 ( F(1,11) = 10.71, P = 0.007) samples, such that depressed mood state reduced following a single bout of resistance exercise ( d = 0.29 to 1.26) and quiet rest ( d = 0.27 to 0.39). CONCLUSIONS:Resistance exercise and quiet rest elicited significant small-to-large and small-to-moderate magnitude reductions in depressed mood state, respectively, that were not significantly different from each other.

BACKGROUND:Recent evidence supports the positive effects of moderate-to-high-intensity, guidelines-based, progressive resistance exercise training (PRET) compared to waitlist controls among young adults with analogue Generalized Anxiety Disorder (AGAD). The true effects of PRET independent of potential social and psychological benefits of intervention engagement remain unclear. This 10-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) controls for such benefits by quantifying the acute and chronic effects of eight weeks of PRET compared to a low-intensity sham attention-control (SHAM) on GAD symptoms among young women (18-40y) with AGAD. METHODS:The full design and methods of this 10-week RCT are presented herein. Validated cut-scores on both the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire GAD subscale (≥6) and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (≥45) determined AGAD status. PRET was consistent with World Health Organisation and American College of Sports Medicine guidelines; participants performed two sets of 8-12 repetitions of eight exercises at 70-80 % one-repetition maximum (1RM). SHAM (20 % 1RM) was matched on all intervention features aside from load/intensity. AGAD status and worry severity (primary outcomes) were assessed at baseline, post-two-week familiarization, week 4, week 8, and one-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were assessed weekly. Two acute resistance exercise trials were nested at weeks one and eight to quantify acute response and potential training-induced changes in acute response. CONCLUSION:This 10-week RCT advances knowledge by anticipated replication of the effects of guidelines-based PRET among young women with AGAD, investigation of a minimally-beneficial dose threshold (i.e., low-intensity SHAM) and dose-response, and control of plausible social and psychological influences of intervention engagement.

ABSTRACT:Li, M, Crotti, M, Martins, R, Tiernan, C, Lyons, M, Lander, N, Barnett, LM, and Duncan, MJ. The road to designing integrated neuromuscular training programs for children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 39(10): 1105-1122, 2025-Integrative neuromuscular training (INT) combines motor competence and strength development to boost athletic performance, but its specific components and effects on children and adolescents are not well understood. Three predetermined principles (INT exercise categories, INT progression modalities, and INT program effectiveness) were used to guide this review. Electronic databases SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE (Ovid), APA PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase were searched. Search terms related to study design, population, and intervention were identified, and risk of bias was appraised using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale. Narrative synthesis indicated "strength training" (18 out of 30 studies, 60%), particularly core strength exercises (72.2%), was the most common in INT exercise categories. Twelve out of 30 studies (40%) met at least 2 types of INT progression modalities (i.e., volume-based progressions, intensity-based progressions, and complexity-oriented progressions). Meta-analysis reported significant improvements in countermovement jump (mean difference [MD] 3.32 cm, 95% CI [2.07, 4.38]; p = 0.00), push-up (MD 3.74 repetitions, 95% CI [1.53, 5.95]; p = 0.00), and sprint (standardized MD -0.18 s, 95% CI [-0.26 to -0.09]; p = 0.00), but not in flexibility. Subgroup analysis revealed that meeting all the 3 progression modalities significantly enhanced sprint (standardized MD -0.76 s, 95% CI [1.21 to -0.31]; p = 0.03) and flexibility (MD 6.38 cm, 95% CI [5.45 to 7.31]; p = 0.00). This review provides evidence that INT programs have a positive effect on improving children and adolescents' physical fitness and is regarded as a promising protocol. This review and future research can inform a call to action for using INT as a novel approach for developing motor competence, strength, and conditioning simultaneously during childhood and adolescence.

This study investigated coaching practices in female Gaelic football in Ireland, with specific emphasis on coaches’ perception of the role of strength and speed training on performance. A questionnaire comprising of five sections (i.e., coaching demographic, strength and speed training, programming, strength and speed testing, and menstrual cycle) was developed and subsequently circulated to female Gaelic football clubs (i.e., senior, intermediate, junior level, and age specific categories) and all 32 county boards in Ireland. Sixty-six coaches completed the survey (43 ± 10 years). Seventy-nine percent of coaches reported including strength and speed training as part of their programming. Additionally, 79% and 90% of coaches indicated that they strongly agree that strength and speed training can positively influence match-play performance, respectively. In the context of programming for strength qualities, practitioners primarily orientated towards the development of strength endurance. Free sprinting was the most popular ‘specific’ method of speed development. Additionally, strength training was a popular ‘general’ method of enhancing speed, with 95% of coaches reporting that they believe strength training has a positive effect on overall sprint performance. Strength and speed testing was implemented by approximately half of the surveyed coaches. Fifty-nine percent of coaches surveyed reported that they do not take the menstrual cycle into consideration when programming for their players. Overall, this study highlights some theory-practice gaps, particularly in relation to the programming of strength qualities and knowledge surrounding the impact of the menstrual cycle in performance. Consequently, coaches should interpret this practice-based information with caution when prescribing strength and speed training with their athletes.

This study explored high-performance team sports coaches' pedagogical practice in light of Game-Based Approach (GBA) pedagogy. A mixed-methods, longitudinal case study explored two high-performance Gaelic football coaches' perceptions of their practice through multiple semi-structured and stimulated recall interviews which were supported by systematic observation of practice sessions (n = 52). The coaches' espoused use of GBA pedagogy strongly aligned with their actual practice incorporating scaffolding principles fundamental to constructivist learning theory. They also displayed a critically reflective rationale for the judicious deviation from highly representative playing form activity considering the needs of the players and the specificities of their context. This study reinforces the importance of critical, adaptable, and context-driven coaching practices that bridge the gap between pedagogical models and real-world applications. Coach developers should facilitate collaborative in-situ support to assist coaches' critical reflection on the application of GBAs to their specific contexts.

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a commonly performed and highly successful surgical procedure. Metal-on-metal (MoM) THA implants were introduced two decades ago and subsequently recalled due to high early revision rates. Acetabular cup erosion and fragmentation secondary to chronic edge loading causing delayed instability are rare but devastating complications of MoM THA warranting expeditious revision surgery. Case Presentation: We report a 70-year-old male with a history of bilateral MoM THA who presented with left hip instability. In addition to the radiographic and clinical features of hip instability, macroscopic examination at revision surgery revealed extensive erosion and fragmentation of the antero-superior margin of the implanted cup, osteolysis, and widespread metallosis of the periarticular soft tissues. Discussion: This case highlights a significant adverse complication of MoM THA. Despite the industry's wide discontinuation and recall of these implants, MoM hip arthroplasty implants are present in many patients, who are all at risk of developing similar complications. Guidelines for the surveillance and treatment of both symptomatic and asymptomatic MoM THAs have been reported, although ambiguity remains in the optimal approach for managing patients with existing MoM THA. Conclusion: Failure of MoM hip arthroplasty is most commonly the result of adverse reaction to metal debris. We present a novel mechanism of failure in a patient presenting with late instability due to asymmetric wear of the MoM bearing surface.. While it is uncertain whether early intervention in this patient may have prevented this complication, arthroplasty surgeons should be aware of the various modes of failure for MoM hip implants, as expeditious revision surgery is often required.

The role of expectations in psychological responses to acute resistance exercise (RE) is largely unknown. This study quantified associations between expectations regarding psychological responses to exercise and observed state anxiety and mood responses after acute RE among adults with and without Analogue Generalized Anxiety Disorder (AGAD). Acute RE was nested into week one of an eight-week RCT of RE among 56 young adults with AGAD (n = 25) and non-AGAD (n = 31). 23 young adults were randomized to the intervention group and 33 to seated quiet rest. State anxiety and mood were measured pre and 10 min-post acute RE or seated quiet rest (QR). Expectations were measured pre acute RE or QR. Spearman’s rho quantified associations between expectations and mood responses. There were no associations in the acute RE sample between expectations of psychological outcomes and experienced psychological outcomes (all rho: -0.05 to 0.16) and the QR sample (all rho: -0.07 to 0.22). The measurement of Expected Psychological Outcomes of Exercise (EPOE) was not specific to RE modality alone, possibly influencing participants’ responses. These preliminary findings suggest that post-acute RE mood responses are independent from expectations of psychological outcomes, which is paramount when promoting RE as a potential treatment/therapeutic option to improve mood. Future research should focus on expectations of psychological responses specifically to acute and chronic RE.

Purpose : This study aimed to (1) determine if differences exist in female team-sport maximum sprinting speed (MSS) using sprint distances of 30 and 40 m and split times over 5- and 10-m intervals, (2) determine the intertrial reliability of MSS using each measurement method, and (3) examine the association between sprint acceleration distance and MSS. Methods : Elite and subelite female Gaelic football players (N = 62) performed 40-m sprints with dual-beam timing gates placed every 5 m. Four measurement methods were used to determine MSS: 5-m split times over a 40-m sprint distance, 5-m splits over 30 m, 10-m split times over 40 m, and 10 -m splits over 30 m. Results : A repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed significant differences ( P < .001) in MSS-derived differences from the different measurement methods with a of .494 (large effect). MSS was significantly different between all methods (mean differences: 0.02–0.08 m·s −1 ; Cohen d z : 0.49–1.25). The greatest mean MSS was achieved using 5-m splits over 40 m. All MSS measurement methods had high relative and absolute reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: .97–.98; coefficient of variations: 1.0%–1.2%; standard error of measurement: 0.07–0.08 m·s −1 ). There was a significant moderate positive correlation ( ρ = .41) between MSS and acceleration distance. Conclusion : The highest estimate of MSS was found using 5-m splits over 40 m. All measurement methods displayed high reliability; we recommend the use of 5 -m splits over ∼30 m when assessing MSS in female team-sport athletes with timing gates.

This study examined the relationship between Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) scores, a tool to assess anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk, in youth soccer players. Following institutional ethics approval and informed consent, 105 children (54 boys and 51 girls), 13-16 years of age (14.2 [1.1] y), took part. ACL injury risk was determined using the LESS and the FMS used to assess functional movement performance. Pearson product-moment relationships were significant between FMS and LESS for the whole sample and boys and girls separately (all P < .001). Backward linear multiple regression (P = .001, adjusted R2 = .584) explained 58% of the variance in LESS scores, with only FMS (P = .001) significantly contributing to the model. Chi-square analysis for the whole sample and for boys and girls separately (all P = .0001) indicated that children who were classed as "poor" for the FMS were significantly more likely to be classified as poor for the LESS, and children classed as good for the FMS were significantly more likely to be classed as excellent for the LESS. This study provides evidence to support that functional movement skills may be important in reducing high-risk movement patterns associated with ACL injury in youth soccer.

This study investigated the impact of a Game-Based Approach (GBA) intervention on practice session characteristics, player performance outcomes, and perceptions within Gaelic football. Employing a mixed-methods multiple baseline design, two squads (Under 14 and Under 15) from a Gaelic football academy underwent the intervention, one after 4 weeks and the other after 9 weeks of baseline. Framed by Complex Learning Theory (CLT), the intervention comprised systematic observations of coaching sessions, quantitative assessment of skill execution and decision-making in assessment games, and qualitative interviews and focus groups with players. The GBA intervention positively influenced practice session characteristics, promoting playing form and non-linear sequencing of activities. The evaluation of players' game performance showed significant improvement across all decision-making variables for both squads. In skill execution, there was limited support, with improvements observed only in the Under 14 squad. Systematic tracking of practice activity sequencing, supported by player data, revealed players' awareness of purposeful organization, with the explicit connection between tasks fostering knowledge development and reflection, potentially enhancing decision-making. While players appreciated conditioned games and the tactical curriculum, they were less receptive to the player-centered strategy of "player huddles." The comprehensive data collection approach of this study fills gaps in sports coaching research, offering insights into the design and efficacy of GBA interventions. GBA interventions are suggested to enhance player performance and session quality, providing guidance for coaches in optimizing training methodologies. Integration of GBA pedagogy with CLT offers a promising framework for coaches seeking tangible changes in their practice.

Despite coaching pedagogy researchers advocating that sports coaches employ a range of core coaching practices to positively impact player learning, coaches' actual practices remain under-investigated. Guided by Complex Learning Theory (CLT), the aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which coaches in a high-performance team sport setting report employing a range of in-session core coaching practices during both on-field and off-field sessions and their perceptions of how such practices impact player learning. Twelve Gaelic football coaches took part in semi-structured interviews. A reflective thematic analysis of the data developed four themes - (1) application of questioning by the coaches, (2) difficulties and challenges experienced when using questioning, (3) using video analysis to maximise learning and (4) the coach as a facilitator of player learning. Findings showed that coaches were aware of and employing many of the core practices advocated in the sports coaching literature. Coaches employed varied questioning to give players an active role within both on-field and video review sessions to enhance their overall game understanding. However, numerous challenges expressed by coaches suggested it was not a consistent tool in their coaching practice. The coaches recognised the need to facilitate player learning by employing core practices which encourage player autonomy and prolonged dialogue, although this was mostly reported to take place in off-field activities such as video analysis and pre/post session meetings. The current study highlighted an epistemological gap with some coaches demonstrating awareness of advocated strategies but failing to support these claims with tangible examples in their practice. This investigation supports the application of CLT as a suitable theoretical framework in which to interpret the core practices coaches employ in their practice. The introduction of CLT to coaches may promote a sustained and sophisticated application of core coaching practices within the delivery of coaching sessions.