ESSAI Conference Proceedings

8/11/2019 ESSAI Conference Proceedings

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` E X E R C I S E A N D S P O R T S C I E N C E S AS S O C I A T I O N O F I R E L A N D

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

ESSAIANNUALCONFERENCE

University of Limerick

2005

Edited by Amir Shafat, Ph.D. N.S.D.

CONTENTS

From the Editors Desk Page 2

Keynote Lecture:Got the Rhythm? Page 3

Keynote Lecture:Salt and Water Losses and Replacement in Athletes Page 4Postgraduate Research Abstracts Pages 5 - 21

ESSAI Membership Form Page 22

Sponsors Page 23

w w w . e s s a i - o n l i n e . o r g

C U M A N N A C L A O C H T A A G U S S P R T E O L A O C H T A N A H I R EA N N


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ESSAI ANNUALCONFERENCE 2005

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FROM THE EDITORS DESK

The annual conference of ESSAI was

an exciting and informative day for

all. Over a hundred representatives

from the whole of Ireland attended,

including students, post-graduates

and faculty.

The most current and up-to-date

research findings were presented by

seventeen research post-graduates.

All presentations reflected the high

level of research activity in Ireland

and were a great opportunity to listen to the next generation of sport scientists and discuss the

results even before publication. The discussion that followed was always fascinating as

psychologists, biomechanists and physiologists tried to integrate the findings in our multi-

disciplinary field.

Two outstanding post-graduates merit special mention: Nora Nelson (DCU) and Miriam Clegg (UL)

were awarded the Jacinta OBrien prize for best poster and oral presentation (pages 13 and 17).

The conference day was opened and closed by two distinguished keynote speakers RonMaughan and Ross Sanders; if you want to know the current thoughts on hydration and rhythm

read on; abstracts of their talks are on pages 3 and 4.

In between all the hard science, there was a great opportunity to network and relax over lunch and

the traditional Soire.

Finally, a humongous THANK YOU to Dr. Pippa Powers, who organised the conference, the

referees in the competition and the post-graduates in UL who made it all possible and enjoyable.

Last but not least are the sponsors who contributed so generously (see back cover).

See you all at the next ESSAI conference in Waterford in autumn 2006 (wait for announcement on

the new web site www.essai-online.org)

How to quote this publication: Author's name, last name first and initials (Year publication printed). Title of

presentation. The proceedings of the annual conference of the ESSAI.

Example: Hanlon M. and Anderson R. (2005). Use of real-time bandwidth kinematic feedback in learning a

cyclical lower limb movement skill. The proceedings of the annual conference of theESSAI.

Amir Shafat is a lecturer in Sport & Exercise Science

at the University of Limerick & the editor of the ESSAI newsletterE-mail: [email protected]


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Keynote Lecture

Got the Rhythm?Ross H. SandersCentre for Aquatics Research and Education

The University of Edinburgh

Rhythm is a term that is often used informally when describing attributes of skilled performance.

However, rhythm is not usually defined in precise terms or recognised as a variable that can be

routinely quantified in sports science research to yield important information about the process of

acquiring skill. The purpose of this talk is to elaborate examples of research in which analysis of

rhythms in movement is improving our understanding of the process of skill acquisition. Staff and

postgraduate students at Edinburgh University are addressing various research questions by

quantifying the joint and limb motions using techniques such as Fourier analysis and continuousrelative phase (CRP). Using these techniques of representing movement patterns and rhythms,

differences in inter-joint and inter-segmental coordination and coupling among subjects and across

conditions and trials are identified. This provides the basis for understanding how skill is acquired

from both biomechanical and motor control perspectives. The supportive aquatic environment

provides an opportunity to study movement rhythms without the confounding effects of gravity. A

study of prone kicking across a range of abilities revealed that with increasing skill, swimmers

coordinated their lower limbs so that a body-wave of moderate velocity travelled from hip to toe.

This required establishing vertical undulations of the joints to resemble simple sinusoidal waves

with optimal phase differences between hip, knee, and ankle. Also, swimmers learned to eliminate

biological noise to simplify the movement pattern towards one that was more effective in

producing propulsion. Similar methods are being applied to address the question of whether a

preferred kicking frequency can be changed to a frequency that yields better performance in

underwater dolphin kicking. Another study addresses the question of whether movement rhythms

can be modified readily to adjust appropriately between barefoot and fin kicking. In addition to

elaborating examples of how analysis of movement rhythms can be useful in addressing various

questions in biomechanics and motor control, the presentation provides insights into why

movement rhythms are fundamental to skilled sports performance and how awareness of the role

of rhythms in coordinated movement can increase coaching effectiveness.


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Keynote Lecture

Salt and water losses and replacement strategies in athletesRon J MaughanLoughborough University

The amount of sweat lost in an exercise session depends on many factors, including especially the

exercise intensity and duration, the ambient temperature and humidity, the amount of clothing worn

and the individuals state of fitness and heat acclimation. Reported sweat rates in training or

competition for most sports events are typically about 1-1.5 l/h, but individual sweat rates may reach 3

l/h. The main electrolytes present are sodium and chloride, with smaller amounts of potassium and

various other inorganic ions. Sweat sodium concentration varies widely, typically from about 15-80

mmol/l, and is generally correlated with the sweating rate. Although acclimatisation reduces the sweat

sodium concentration, sweating rate increases after acclimatisation, and the total solute loss may notbe much different. Measurements of elite soccer players in training have shown that salt losses may

be as high as 8-10 grams of salt in a single 90-minute soccer training session. Other players engaged

in the same training sessions, however, lose only 2-3 grams of salt per session. Restoration of fluid

balance after exercise is not achieved even when very large volumes of fluid are ingested if the salt

losses are not also replaced. Ingestion of plain water causes a fall in plasma sodium concentration

and in plasma osmolality, stimulating a prompt diuresis. Adding sodium to fluids ingested after

exercise maintains the drive to drink, while simultaneously reducing urine output. This may be

important when the time interval between successive exercise periods is short and when no solid foodis consumed. In this situation, sodium must be present in the drinks consumed if a return to

euhydration is to be achieved. If foods containing adequate amounts of salt are eaten during the

recovery period, it is not necessary for salt to be added to drinks. Losses of other electrolytes,

including potassium, magnesium and calcium, in sweat are generally small in relation to the whole

body stores, and replacement during exercise is not normally a priority. Provided that sufficient food is

eaten to ensure that energy balance is maintained, this will generally provide an adequate amount of

these electrolytes without resort to supplementation.

Further reading

Maughan RJ, SM Shirreffs, SJ Merson, CA Horswill (2005). Fluid and electrolyte balance in elitemale football (soccer) players training in a cool environment. J Sports Sci 23, 73-79.

Shirreffs SM and RJ Maughan (1998) Volume repletion following exercise-induced volume

depletion in man: replacement of water and sodium losses. Am J Physiol 274, F868-F875.

Shirreffs SM, LF Aragon-Vargas, M Chamorro, RJ Maughan, L Serratosa, JJ Zachwieja (2005) Thesweating response of elite professional soccer players to training in the heat. Int J Sports Med 26,90-95.


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Postgraduate Research Oral Presentation 1The effect of experience on the qualitative analysis of human movement

Joseph OHalloran, R. Anderson

Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland

INTRODUCTIONQualitative analysis is perhaps the simplest method of evaluating the performance of humanmovement. However, when observing complex movement only a limited amount of the detail isactually seen (Trew et al., 2001). Research within qualitative analysis has shown only moderateinter-observer reliability (Eastlack et al., 1991).

AIMThe purpose of this investigation was to study the reliability and consistency of qualitative analysisof the sprint start.

METHODSSix novice athletes and ten sprint coaches (5 expert; 5 novice) participated in the study, approvedby University of Limerick Research Ethics Committee. Each athlete performed ten sprint starts,recorded using 50Hz digital camcorders. Thirty of these sprint starts, including three repeated andfive from a different angle, were selected for examination and scoring to be completed by thecoaches. These were placed in a different randomised order for each of the viewing days.Viewing took place on three separate days under three conditions: real time (RT), 50% speed(HS), and frame by frame with full control (FF). Statistical significance (P


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Postgraduate Research Oral Presentation 2The effect of muscle temperature on power output in power andendurance athletes

Antonia Rossiter, P.M. JakemanDepartment of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland

INTRODUCTIONStudies of muscle in vitroshow that temperature-related changes in peak power output and peakcontraction velocity are dependent on fibre type (Ranatunga, 1984).

AIMThis study aimed to investigate if temperature-related changes in peak knee angular velocity(KAVpeak) and peak power output (PPO) obtained during short-term maximal exercise differ inpredominately type II (POWER) versus type I (ENDURANCE) athletes.

METHODSWith the approval of the University of Limericks Research Ethics Committee and written informedconsent, three male and three female power athletes and two male and four female enduranceathletes participated in this study. PPO and KAVpeakwere measured during 7s maximal sprints ona friction-loaded cycle ergometer at frictional loads (FL) equivalent to 20g.kg-1, 60g.kg-1 and100g.kg-1of body weight (BW). The sprints were performed immediately post-immersion up to thegluteal fold for 30min in water designed to raise (HOT; 45oC) or lower (COLD; 10oC) skeletalmuscle temperature (Tm) by 3

oC. Data were analysed by repeated measures ANOVA andindependent t-tests.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

In all conditions, KAVpeakwas inversely and linearly related to FL, but PPO was independent of FL.The velocity at which PPO occurred (KAVPPO) was less than KAVpeak. It is proposed that aparabolic power-velocity relationship exists in freely accelerating cycle ergometry, which is similarto that described in muscle in vitro, and in vivousing isokinetic ergometry. At FL of 20g.kg-1and60g.kg-1BW KAVPPOwas similar but decreased at 100g.kg

-1BW. The model proposes that there isan optimal velocity (KAVopt) to attain maximal power (Pmax) and this is maintained across a range ofFL. COLD resulted in a greater decrease in Pmax(p=0.05) and KAVpeak(p0.005) in POWER (24%and 1.2rad.s-1decrease, respectively) than ENDURANCE athletes (15% and 0.7rads-1decrease,respectively). HOT resulted in minimal and similar increases PPO and KAVpeak in POWER andENDURANCE athletes.

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS

Contrary to studies in isolated rodent muscle, which show that type I muscle is more sensitive totemperature than type II muscle (Ranatunga, 1984), this study suggests that subjects withpredominately type II muscle were more sensitive to changes in Tmthan those with predominatelytype I muscle.

REFERENCERanatunga K. W. (1984). J Physiol 321: 517-529.


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Postgraduate OP3Postgraduate Research Oral Presentation 3

Validation of accelerometers and gyroscopes to provide real-timekinematic data for golf analysis

Keith Fitzpatrick, R. AndersonDepartment of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland

INTRODUCTIONGolfers continually demand more information about their performance and require immediatefeedback on their swing.

AIMBy combining Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology with golf clubs, golfers canacquire accurate and relevant information regarding their golf swing.

METHODSTwo gyroscopes (ADXRS300; Analog Devices, Massachusetts) and one dual axis accelerometer(ADXL202; Analog Devices, Massachusetts) were incorporated on a putter head. One gyroscopewas positioned to measure deviations occurring between the yaw angle of the clubface at shot set-up and the yaw angle at point of contact. Many authors emphasise the necessity to maintain theclub face exactly perpendicular to the intended direction of ball at ball contact (Brooks, 2002; Pelz,2000; Rosburg, 1963; Werner and Greig, 2001). The second gyroscope was positioned to measuredeviations between the pitch angle of the club at shot set-up and the pitch angle at point of contact.It is obvious from the literature that the golf ball should be putted with the ball being hit slightlyupwards. This action allows for the ball to begin rolling quicker and avoid skidding across the green(Pelz, 2000). Both gyroscopes may also be used to provide detailed information about the angleand angular velocities of the club at various stages throughout the swing. The accelerometer

measures the acceleration of the clubhead throughout the swing. Many coaches, authors andresearchers emphasise the necessity to accelerate the club through the ball during ball contact(Foston, 2001; Newell, et al., 2004; Pelz, 2000; Rosburg, 1963). The data from controlled trials ofthe gyroscopes were obtained by placing the putter in a clamp, which enabled the movement of theputter to be controlled, resulting in a pendulum type motion. This ensured that the putter onlymoved in one plane and the position could be adjusted to give specific rotations. The sensor datawas collected using PowerLab (AD Instruments, New Zealand) and the position of the putter wasverified using an EvaRT 4.4 motion analysis system (Motion Analysis Corporation, California). Theangular velocity data from the gyroscopes was integrated to obtain angle data. This gyroscopedata was compared to the angle data obtained from the motion analysis system.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

The error existing between the data sets was 1.340 (RMSD) for the yaw angle and 1.060 (RMSD)for the pitch angle over a 2 second period. Using the accelerometer data it is possible to present arepresentative movement trace to the subjects based on the movement pattern of the club.

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONSThe use of gyroscopes and accelerometers has been shown to be an accurate method ofevaluating kinematic data. Future research will assess their potential as a feedback tool.

REFERENCESBrooks, R. J. (2002). Science and Golf IV, pp. 127-141.Foston, P. (2001). The complete encyclopedia of golf techniques. Running pres: Pennsylvania.

Newell, S. et al. (2004). The complete golfer, 3 ed. Annes publishing limited, London.Pelz, D. (2000). Dave Pelz's Putting Bible. Doubleday, New York.Rosburg, B. (1963). The putter book, Vol. 3. Nicholas Kaye Ltd, London.Werner, F. D. and Greig, R. C. (2001). Better Golf from New Research. Origin Inc, Jackson.


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Postgraduate Research Oral Presentation 4Use of real-time bandwidth kinematic feedback in learning a cyclicallower limb movement skill

Michael Hanlon, R. AndersonBiomechanics Research Unit, University of Limerick

INTRODUCTIONBiofeedback (BFB) is a technique which uses devices (typically electronic) to relay quantitative orcomparative information back to an individual about some physiological process so that greatercontrol of the process may be achieved. Several forms of BFB have been tested for use in strokerehabilitation since the late 1960s. Specifically, the use of kinematic BFB has been shown to havebeneficial effects whether used in conjunction with typical physical therapy (Montoya et al., 1994)or as the sole treatment (Colborne et al., 1993).

AIMDetermine the effectiveness of a novel form of BFB using real-time pattern-based bandwidthfeedback for learning a lower limb movement skill. Determine if any differences exist between theeffectiveness of audio versus visual feedback modalities.

METHODSSixteen healthy adult volunteers gave informed consent to participate in the study for 4 weeks (2sessions per week). Subjects were allocated into two age and sex-matched groups (audio andvisual). Each session consisted of 50 BFB training trials where subjects attempted to learn andaccurately replicate a 4-second movement of the right leg in the sagittal plane followed by 5 non-BFB retention trials. An instrumented knee brace provided real-time values for the subjects kneeangle (at 50 Hz). This allowed comparison of the subjects movement to the ideal values. During

the 4-second movement, a BFB indicator was triggered at every instant the subjects knee anglewas above or below the prescribed limits. The audio group indicators were a high and low pitchsound, while the visual group used 2 on-screen illuminating buttons.

RESULTS & DISCUSSIONA significant performance improvement wasseen due to BFB training over the 8 trainingsessions (p


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Postgraduate Research Oral Presentation 5Muscle mass, functional ability and quality of life in ICU survivors

Bruce Wardrop

Human Performance Laboratory, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland

INTRODUCTIONRecent research has consistently shown that ICU (intensive care unit) survivors demonstratedecreased QOL (quality of life) when compared to pre-admission status and / or matchedpopulations and this is primarily attributed to reduced physical functioning. Critical illness and ICUtreatment is known to result in atrophy of lean mass, which could result in reduced physicalfunctioning.

AIMThe relationship between critical illness, body composition and functional ability has never beenexplored, despite the logical association between them.

METHODS & RESULTSICU survivors (n=12; 8 males, 4 female) and controls (n=12; 8 male, 4 female) were matched forage and sex and various secondary anthropometric measures, ensuring homogeneity of thegroups. ICU survivors were found to have significantly reduced overall QOL (SF-36), stemmingfrom significantly reduced physical functioning as opposed to reduced mental health. This wascorroborated by poor performance by the ICU survivors in the functional tests. No significantdifferences were observed for body composition, however ASLM (appendicular lean skeletal mass;p=0.07) and TBP (total body protein; p=0.07) and DXAFM (fat mass as estimated by DXA scan;p=0.09) all approached significance. Results indicate that the ICU survivors have approximately11.6% less ASLM, 14.5% less TBP and 28.4% greater fat mass. Observed powers were low

(


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Postgraduate Research Oral Presentation 6

The effect of back squat resistive loads on the biomechanicalperformance of drop jumps

Tom Comyns1, A.J. Harrison1, L. Hennessy21Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland

2Irish Rugby Football Union, 62 Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4, Ireland

INTRODUCTIONCombining weight lifting with plyometrics is known as complex training (Ebben et al., 1998). Themajority of complex training research studies have used a protocol where the subjects lifted 85% oftheir one-repetition maximum (1RM) prior to performing a drop jump (DJ), or counter-movementjump, with conflicting results (Radcliffe & Radcliffe, 1999; Scott & Docherty, 2004). Only twostudies have used an alternative resistive load (Baker, 2003, Gourgoulis et al., 2003). Ambiguityexists on the effect of different loads on fast stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) performance. The aimof this study was to examine the effect of three resistive loads (65%, 80% & 93%) on the

biomechanical performance of the DJ. In particular, the effect on jumping performance, i.e. flighttime (FT), and vertical leg-spring stiffness (kvert) was examined.

METHODSTwelve elite male rugby players (mean SD: age 23.3 2.5 years; height 182.2 6.0 cm; mass94.6 11.5 kg; 1RM 191.7 35.4 kg) participated in this study. The study obtained ethicalapproval from the University of Limerick Research Ethics Committee and written informed consentfrom all subjects. Single-legged drop jumps from a 30cm height were performed on a sledgeapparatus prior to and after back squatting at each resistive load (65%, 80% & 93%). The order ofthe resistive loads was randomly assigned for each subject.

RESULTS & DISCUSSIONThe GLM ANOVA results reported a significantreduction in FT between the baseline jumps andthe jumps done after all resistive loads (p < 0.01),indicating that lifting prior to drop jumping mayhave a negative effect on jump performance. Forkvert, however, the difference between thebaseline jumps and the jumps done after the93% load showed a significant improvement (seeFig 1), resulting in the DJ being performed in amore elastic and dynamic manner. An increasein kvert is associated with an increase in the leg

cadence of a fast stretch-shortening cycleactivity, such as hopping or sprinting (Arampatziset al., 1999; Farley et al., 1991).

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONSThis study shows that back squatting at 93% of 1RM results in a significant reduction in FT but asignificant improvement in kvert. From a practical viewpoint it provides evidence to support theuse of complex training with rugby players, when 93% of 1RM is the lifting load.

REFERENCESArampatzis, A. et al. (1999). J. Biomech., 32: 1349-1353.Baker, D (2003). J. Strength Cond. Res., 17(3): 493 - 497.

Farley, C.T. et al. (1991). J. Appl. Physiol., 716: 2127-2132.Gourgoulis, V. et al. (2003). J. Strength Cond. Res., 17(2): 342 344.Radcliffe J.C., & Radcliffe, J.L. (1999). Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 38(5): S189.Scott, S.L. & Docherty, D. (2004). J. Strength Cond. Res., 18(2): 201 205.

-1.5

-1

-0.5

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

Resistive load

kvertdifferences(kN/m

*

65% load 80% load 93% load

Fig 1: Mean 95% confidence interval kvert differencebetween the baseline jumps and jumps done after the

65%, 80% and 93% resistive loads. (*indicates asignificant difference, p < 0.05).


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Postgraduate Research Oral Presentation 7Development of a full-body computer model for golf biomechanics

Ian C. Kenny1, E.S. Wallace1, S.R. Otto2, D. Brown31

Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, University of Ulster2R&A Rules Limited, St. Andrews3School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, University of Ulster

INTRODUCTIONComputer models permit the study of the complex interactions between biomechanical variables.However their application to the scientific study of the golf swing is still in an early phase ofdevelopment.

AIMThe purpose of the present study was to validate a computer based full-body model of a golfersswing for driving clubs.

METHODSExperimental data were collected in a laboratory for an elite male golfer (25 yrs, +1 handicap) whohit 24 shots, comprising of 8 trials using each of three drivers of different shaft length (46 /1.17m,48/1.22m & 50/1.27m). The subject signed an informed consent and protocols followedguidelines approved by the University of Ulster Research Ethics Committee. A 5-camera MACsystem operating at 240Hz collected kinematic data (Mitchell et al., 2003), which was subsequentlyused to drive the model utilising ADAMS software. Additional skin markers were used for modelvalidation. A large-scale musculoskeletal human model and parametric model of a driver wereconstructed (figure 1). Forward dynamics simulations were repeated 8 times for each of the 24trials. Two commercially available launch monitors recorded experimental clubhead and launchconditions.

RESULTS & DISCUSSIONThere was a very high level of agreement (r=0.995) between the experimental kinematic data forthe redundant markers and the predicted trajectory splines of the model, providing modelkinematics validation. The model was capable ofquantifying differences in upper torso and upper legkinematics brought about by the different lengths ofthe clubs. There was also a high level of correlation(r=0.989) between the model predicted mean valuesfor clubhead speed and the experimental values foreach of the club lengths, both demonstratingincreased clubhead velocity as club length

increased. Muscle contraction force output by themodel showed a significant difference (p0.001)between driver simulations, demonstrating itscapability to illustrate the link between gross muscleforce production and club length, as evidenced bythe increased force output for the longest shaftedclub. Fig 1: Simulated clubhead velocity for a 46driver model

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONSA large-scale musculoskeletal model has been developed that has the capacity to rapidly producekinematic and kinetic results relating to variations in the golf swing when using clubs of differentproperties.

REFERENCEMitchell K et al., (2003). J. Orthop. Sports Phys. Ther. 33:196-203.


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Postgraduate Research Oral Presentation 8Physiological characteristics of elite Irish junior middle and longdistance runners

Fiona M. Sarsfield, Donal OGorman, Noel McCaffrey, Niall M. Moyna

Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland

AIMSTo characterize and compare the physiological profiles of elite male and female junior middledistance (MD) and long distance (LD) runners.

METHODSMaximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and running economy (RE) were determined in 18 male

(18.0 + 1.6y) and 14 female (17.1 + 1.4y) elite Irish junior MD and LD runners. A series of 6-9submaximal runs (3 min duration with 1 min recovery) were performed on a treadmill with a 1%inclination, to determine RE and blood lactate levels. The treadmill velocity was increased by 0-5miles.hr-1 at the beginning of each exercise stage. Following a 1-h recovery period, subjectsperformed a maximal treadmill test (ramp protocol) to determine VO2max. Expired oxygen, CO2,ventilatory volume (Ve), heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measuredthroughout each test. Velocity at VO2max (vVO2max) was calculated by simple linear regressionusing VO2max and RE. Blood samples were taken during the recovery period of each submaximalrun. This was used to determine lactate threshold (LT), the onset of blood lactate accumulation at2 mmol.l-1(OBLA), the %VO2at LT (VO2LT), the %HR at LT (%HRLT) and the velocity at LT (Vel-LT). The ventilatory threshold (VT) was determined using the Vslope and Vebreak methods.

RESULTSVO2max and vVO2max were higher (P


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Postgraduate Research Oral Presentation 9

Perceived environmental determinants of active commuting to school inIrish adolescents

Nora Nelson1

, C. Woods1

, D. OGorman1

, J. Kearney2

, N.M. Moyna1

1School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Ireland

2Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland

INTRODUCTIONResearch indicates that perceptions of the physical environment may influence physical activity inchildren (Timperio et al., 2004) and adults (Humpel et al., 2002). The Take PART project (PhysicalActivity Research for Teenagers) examined physical activity behaviours and perceptions of thephysical environment in Irish adolescents.

AIMS

To determine the relation between perceptions of aesthetics, safety, function, destinations andneighbourhood satisfaction, and mode of commuting to school.

METHODSA one-stage cluster sample was used to recruit 15 - 17 year old adolescents (N = 1506, 42%female) from 20 post-primary schools. Participants completed a self-report questionnaireassessing physical activity behaviour, and rated perceptions of neighbourhood aesthetics, safety(relating to traffic and crime), function (relating to structural features such as path design),destinations and neighbourhood satisfaction (NEWS: Saelens et al., 2003) on Likert scales.Adolescents who walked or cycled to school were classified as active commuters and those whotook the car, bus or train were classified as inactive commuters.

RESULTSActive commuters had higher perceptions of safety from traffic (28.3 vs. 27.1, p


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Postgraduate Research Poster 1Inflammatory markers and adhesion molecules correlate with BMI andaerobic fitness in Irish adolescents

Kevin OBrien, Tony Walsh, Niall MoynaSchool of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Ireland

INTRODUCTIONAtherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease that begins in childhood. Upregulation of inflammatory

markers (IL-6, TNF-, CRP) and adhesion molecules (sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1) are the earlieststeps of atherosclerosis.

AIMSThe primary purpose of this study was to assess the relation between BMI and fitness levels and

levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, IL-6, TNF-and CRP in Irish adolescents.

METHODS

Fifteen normal weight, overweight and obese adolescents (age 16.2 0.70 y) were recruited. IL-6,TNF-, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and CRP were analysed using an ELISA quantitative sandwichtechnique (R & D Systems, United Kingdom). Aerobic fitness (VO2max) was estimated using themulti-stage fitness test.

RESULTSObese individuals had higher levels of sICAM-1 (290.57 37.98 v 237.03 27.23 ng/dL, p < 0.05),IL-6 (3.86 2.19 v 1.77 0.77 pg/dL, p < 0.05), and CRP (3.48 2.96 v 0.478 0.40 pg/dL, p

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