The objective of the study was to explore coaches’ philosophies regarding strength training (repetitive muscle actions against high loads) and the transfer of strength training to sports performance. Thirteen world class coaches and athletes from track cycling, Bicycle Moto-Cross (BMX), sprint kayaking, rowing and athletics sprinting were interviewed using an open-ended, semi-structured approach. Participants were asked about their coaching philosophies, design of athlete training programmes, strength training and its transfer to sports performance. A thematic analysis was conducted. Data trustworthiness was enhanced by methods of member checking and analyst triangulation. Coaches believed that task-specific strength is essential for sports performance. They reported that non-specific strength training (‘traditional’ gym-based strength exercises that are not specific to a sport movement) is important for increasing athletes’ muscle size and strength. This is typically used in conjunction with resisted sport movement training (for example, increased resistance running, pedalling or rowing), believed to achieve an effective transfer of enhanced muscle strength to sports performance. Coaches described the transfer process as complex, with factors associated with fatigue and coordination having particular significance. The importance that coaches place on coordination is supported by a theoretical model that demonstrates increases in muscle strength from strength training may need to be accompanied with a change in inter-muscular coordination to improve sport performance. The idea that each athlete needs to adapt intermuscular coordination in response to a change in his/her unique set of ‘organism constraints’ (e.g. muscle strength) is well described by the theory of ecological dynamics and Newell’s model of constraints.

There is growing interest of ergogenic aids that deliver supplemental oxygen during exercise and recovery, however, breathing supplemental oxygen via specialist facemasks is often not feasible. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of an oxygen-nanobubble beverage during submaximal and repeated sprint cycling. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 10 male cyclists (peak aerobic capacity, 56.9 ± 6.1 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; maximal aerobic power, 385 ± 25 W) completed submaximal or maximal exercise after consuming an oxygen-nanobubble (O₂) or placebo (PLA) beverage. Submaximal trials comprised 30-min of steady-state cycling at 60% peak aerobic capacity and 16.1-km time-trial (TT). Maximal trials involved 4 × 30 s Wingate tests interspersed by 4-min recovery. Time-to-completion during the 16.1-km TT was 2.4% faster after O₂ compared with PLA (95% CI = 0.7–4.0%, p = 0.010, d = 0.41). Average power for the 16.1-km TT was 4.1% higher for O₂ vs. PLA (95% CI = 2.1–7.3%, p = 0.006, d = 0.28). Average peak power during the repeated Wingate tests increased by 7.1% for O₂ compared with PLA (p = 0.002, d = 0.58). An oxygen-nanobubble beverage improves performance during submaximal and repeated sprint cycling, therefore may provide a practical and effective ergogenic aid for competitive cyclists.

Pressure measurement systems have numerous applications in healthcare and sport. The purpose of this review is to: (a) describe the brief history of the development of pressure sensors for clinical and sport applications, (b) discuss the design requirements for pressure measurement systems for different applications, (c) critique the suitability, reliability, and validity of commercial pressure measurement systems, and (d) suggest future directions for the development of pressure measurements systems in this area. Commercial pressure measurement systems generally use capacitive or resistive sensors, and typically capacitive sensors have been reported to be more valid and reliable than resistive sensors for prolonged use. It is important to acknowledge, however, that the selection of sensors is contingent upon the specific application requirements. Recent improvements in sensor and wireless technology and computational power have resulted in systems that have higher sensor density and sampling frequency with improved usability - thinner, lighter platforms, some of which are wireless, and reduced the obtrusiveness of in-shoe systems due to wireless data transmission and smaller data-logger and control units. Future developments of pressure sensors should focus on the design of systems that can measure or accurately predict shear stresses in conjunction with pressure, as it is thought the combination of both contributes to the development of pressure ulcers and diabetic plantar ulcers. The focus for the development of in-shoe pressure measurement systems is to minimise any potential interference to the patient or athlete, and to reduce power consumption of the wireless systems to improve the battery life, so these systems can be used to monitor daily activity. A potential solution to reduce the obtrusiveness of in-shoe systems include thin flexible pressure sensors which can be incorporated into socks. Although some experimental systems are available further work is needed to improve their validity and reliability.

Plantar pressure measurement systems are routinely used in sports and health applications to assess locomotion. The purpose of this review is to describe and critically discuss: (a) applications of the pressure measurement systems in sport and healthcare, (b) testing protocols and considerations for clinical gait analysis, (c) clinical recommendations for interpreting plantar pressure data, (d) calibration procedures and their accuracy, and (e) the future of pressure sensor data analysis. Rigid pressure platforms are typically used to measure plantar pressures for the assessment of foot function during standing and walking, particularly when barefoot, and are the most accurate for measuring plantar pressures. For reliable data, two step protocol prior to contacting the pressure plate is recommended. In-shoe systems are most suitable for measuring plantar pressures in the field during daily living or dynamic sporting movements as they are often wireless and can measure multiple steps. They are the most suitable equipment to assess the effects of footwear and orthotics on plantar pressures. However, they typically have lower spatial resolution and sampling frequency than platform systems. Users of pressure measurement systems need to consider the suitability of the calibration procedures for their chosen application when selecting and using a pressure measurement system. For some applications, a bespoke calibration procedure is required to improve validity and reliability of the pressure measurement system. The testing machines that are commonly used for dynamic calibration of pressure measurement systems frequently have loading rates of less than even those found in walking, so the development of testing protocols that truly measure the loading rates found in many sporting movements are required. There is clear potential for AI techniques to assist in the analysis and interpretation of plantar pressure data to enable the more complete use of pressure system data in clinical diagnoses and monitoring.

The aim of this study was: (1) to understand female cyclist’s experiences and perceptions of the menstrual cycle (MC) on training and competition performance, and (2) to explore female cyclist’s comfort in having conversations relating to the MC with coaches and support staff. Twenty competitive female cyclists (age 35.1 ± 7.7 yrs, cycling for 11.9 ± 7.4 yrs, 3 elite, 7 sub-elite and 10 club cyclists) were interviewed using an open-ended, semi-structured approach. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Female cyclists’ experiences and perceptions of the MC on training and competition performance were wide ranging with participants reporting a range of MC symptoms that varied in severity and timing in the MC. 45% of the cyclists had experienced irregular MCs either currently or in the past with participants suggesting possible causes may be due to low body weight and insufficient energy intake to support training. 73% of the participants spoke to their coach about their MC, but typically this was limited to a note on their training programme that they started their period, or a brief mention of how they are feeling. Participants highlighted the positive influence of elite athletes talking about their MCs in terms of accepting the influence of MC on performance and improving openness of conversation. Most participants said they lacked knowledge about the MC and how to manage MC related symptoms. The findings highlight the need for improved education on the MC in sport for cyclists and coaches to improve performance and athlete health and wellbeing.

Objectives: The aims of this study are to: (1) understand the type, severity, and experiences of saddle sores in female cyclists, (2) explore the impact on enjoyment, training, and performance, and (3) what prevention or treatment methods female cyclists use, including discussing these issues with their coach, bike fitters, and medical staff. Methods: 20 competitive female cyclists (age 35.1 ± 7.7 years, cycling for 11.9 ± 7.4 years, three elite, seven subelite, and 10 club cyclists) were interviewed using an open-ended, semistructured approach. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Saddle sores were highly prevalent in female cyclists and most occurred in the vulva region. The saddle sores were suggested to be attributed to pressure, friction at saddle contact points, and sweat or a combination of all three. The biggest reported impact of saddle sores was that they reduced the enjoyment of cycling. Participants identified risk factors for developing saddle sores and methods of how they attempted to prevent them from occurring. To treat and manage saddle sores, the participants used treatment creams, modified training, and in severe cases, they sought medical treatment or took a break from cycling. The participants reported the process of finding a comfortable saddle and bicycle setup as trial and error, which was long and expensive. Generally, saddle sores are considered a taboo topic, and many participants in this study were reported to have received poor or conflicting advice on this topic. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for improved education on the prevention and treatment of saddle sores and more research into female-specific bicycle setup and saddle design.