Interdisciplinary Theories and Models in Sports Science

Theory and Models 1

• Focuses on interdisciplinary theories and models in sports science
• Applications span health, recreational, fitness, and competitive sports

Evidence-Based Models

• Originates from medical field, ranking evidence quality from lowest to highest
• Examples include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with female athletes and menstrual cycles
• Highest level of evidence: Meta-analysis

Coaching vs. Science

• Science perspective focuses on generalizable, group-level data and eliminating confounding variables. Uses standardization with large populations
• Coaching perspective focuses on individual athlete needs, incorporating personal history, emotions and practical experience.

Linear vs. Non-Linear Systems

• Linear systems: Stable, predictable, and repeatable, often oversimplifying complex biological processes
• Non-linear systems: Dynamic, sensitive, unpredictable, more representative of human physiological systems

Theories vs. Models

• Theory: Explains broad phenomena, broad and abstract scope, generates hypotheses
• Model: Represents specific processes, predicts outcomes and acts as a practical tool for decision-making

Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning

• Inductive: Specific observations lead to general theories
• Deductive: General theories lead to specific predictions

Coaching Framework

• Factors influencing coaching decisions: Athlete biology (fatigue, thermoregulation, menstrual cycle), psychological models (stress-response, motivation), external factors (environment, financial resources), and technology (tools for monitoring training and performance)

Personalized Training

• Tailoring training based on athlete performance outcome, daily adjustments, and long-term cost/benefit assessment, as well as psychological and physiological readiness.

Challenges and Issues with Periodization 2

• Periodization: Strategic division of training into macro, meso, and microcycles to optimize performance, based on the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
• Biological and genetic factors: Individual adaptation differs due to genetics, with some markers predicting up to 49% of VO2 max trainability
• Training models including polarized, pyramidal, and threshold training, each with specific intensity zone focuses
• Timing and recovery: mRNA adaptation returns to baseline within 24 hours, emphasizing the importance of session timing for optimal adaptation
• Injury prevention is crucial.

Mixed vs. Block Periodization

• Mixed: targets multiple areas simultaneously
• Block: focuses on specific areas (e.g., strength or endurance) for better adaptation

Monitoring and Adaptation

• Tools like heart rate monitors track training load and intensity
• Early warning systems like "traffic light" systems help avoid overtraining and injuries

Considerations for Coaches

• Individualizing training based on athlete history, resources, limitations, and feedback loops

Endurance Training Models 3

• VO2max: Maximum oxygen uptake, highest rate the body uses oxygen during exercise, crucial for endurance performance. Ranges vary by individual and athletic ability
• Fick equation: describes oxygen transport (VO2 = HR × SV × (a-vO2 difference))

Maximal Lactate Steady State (MLSS)

• Exercise intensity where lactate production equals lactate clearance, beyond which lactate accumulates, limiting performance
• For intensities below MLSS, duration depends on glycogen stores.

Running Economy (RE)

• Definition: Energy expenditure at a specific submaximal running speed
• Typical VO2 values vary, with elite performers exhibiting lower consumption than average individuals.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

• Benefits: Running economy improvement (1–7%)
• Focuses on VO2max and lactate thresholds
• Basic training: Focuses on long term endurance improvement through increased weekly mileage.

Threshold Training

• Targeting training at or near lactate thresholds (MLSS) to enhance lactate clearance

Strength Training

• Specific strategies, like 90% MVC for calf muscles, improve running economy.

Altitude Training

• Improves endurance performance via increased hemoglobin mass and better oxygen delivery
• Challenges include variability in individual responses and environmental conditions

Hypoxic Training Methods

• Live high, train low (LHTL) approach: Athletes live at high altitudes but train at lower altitudes
• Artificial Hypoxia: Normobaric and Hyperbaric hypoxia, use to induce hypoxic conditions (reduced oxygen) for adaptation

Hyperoxic Training

• Breathing high oxygen before and during training enhances oxygen delivery to improve tissue oxygenation and performance

Oxygen Toxicity

• Prolonged exposure can be damaging to tissues and detrimental to health

Health Models 6

• WHO Definition of Health: complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just absence of disease
• Biopsychosocial model considers the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors
• Risk factor approach identifies factors increasing the risk of disease
• Salutogenic focuses on factors promoting well-being
• Social-ecological model emphasizes the multiple levels of influence impacting health outcomes

Theories of Health Behavior Change

• Theory of Planned Behavior: Predicts health behaviors based on attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control
• Self-Determination Theory: Explains choices people make with external influence
• Kurt Lewin's Field Theory: Behavior is influenced by internal (personality, thoughts) and external (environment, social) factors

Determinants of Health and Exercise Performance

• Individual Factors: Genetics, personal behaviors (e.g., exercise habits, smoking)
• Social Factors: Social support, cultural contexts
• Environmental/Political Factors: Access to resources, policies, and environmental quality

Tracking and Monitoring Overview

• Critical tools in sports science for analyzing athlete performance and well-being
• Used for physical and physiological parameter measurement for coaching optimization
• Involves video, GPS, RFID, and physiological sensors (e.g., heart rate monitors)

Tracking Systems and Technologies

• Position determination (video, satellite, RFID)
• Physiological monitoring (heart rate, respiratory)
• Analysis and visualization (technical and tactical, team management)

Validity and Reliability

• Validity: Accuracy of a measure—does the tool actually measure what it's intended to?
• Reliability: Consistency—do similar results occur under similar conditions?

What Can We Measure?

• External measurements: distance, speed, accelerations, decelerations, and high-intensity activities
• Internal measurements: heart rate, perceived exertion, lactate levels

Practical Application in Team Sports

• Tracking, periodization, and micro/mesocycle-based training, consideration of acute and chronic workload ratios

Overview of Thermoregulation

• Maintaining core body temperature (36.1°C–37.8°C)
• Mechanisms include heat production (shivering) and heat dissipation (sweating)
• Extreme conditions can disrupt thermoregulation, leading to hyperthermia or hypothermia

Internal and External Influences on Thermoregulation

• Gender differences influence core temperature response during exercise
• Environmental factors directly impact heat production and dissipation through clothing, heat exposure versus cold exposure, use of cooling aids and methods.
• Exercise impacts thermoregulation through metabolic heat production

Practical Application

• Monitoring core body temperature in events is crucial
• Excessive sweat loss negatively impacts performance through dehydration

Change of Direction (Philipp Kunz)

• Planning and execution, perceptual factors (decision-making), and speed of direction changes are key.
• Factors within this area include change of direction technique, speed, anthropometry, and muscle qualities.
• Key tests for this include the Illinois Agility Test, 505 Test, and the T-Test.

Concentric Strength and Power

• Changing direction involves deceleration and re-acceleration (concentric).
• Meta-analysis confirms moderate correlation between concentric strength and change of direction ability.

Eccentric Strength

• Often overlooked in change of direction, yet critical in deceleration phases.
• More research is needed in this area.

Muscle Imbalance

• Muscle power and imbalances predict change of direction speed.
• The need for consistency in testing methods is a critical consideration.

Testing Methods

• Various tests are available for change of direction analysis and assessment (Illinois Agility Test, 505 test, T-test)

Common Tests

• Illinois Agility tests change of direction not agility
• 505 Test and T-Test involve simple one-directional change of direction, offering insights into speed and time for change of direction actions.