Theory and Models in Sports Science

Theory and Models 1

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

Evidence-Based Models

• Origin of Evidence Pyramids: Rooted in medicine, ranks evidence quality from lowest to highest.
• Example: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) used with female athletes and menstrual cycles.
• Highest level of evidence: Meta-Analysis

Coaching vs. Science

• Science Perspective: Interested in generalizable group data and focuses on removing confounding variables.
• Coaching Perspective: Addresses individual athlete needs and incorporates various variables such as personal history, emotions. Uses practical experience and science blending.

Linear vs. Non-Linear Systems

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

Theories vs. Models

• Theory: Explains broad phenomena; broad and abstract
• Model: Represents specific processes; narrow and concrete; generates hypotheses; practical tool for decision-making

Why Use Models?

• Simplify complex systems for a better understanding.
• Aid in decision-making for coaches.
• Provide a standardized framework for research and application.

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's performance outcome, day-to-day adjustments, and long-term cost-benefit assessments. Includes psychological and physiological readiness.

Challenges and Issues with Periodization 2

• Key Concepts: Periodization—strategic division of training into phases (macrocycle, mesocycle, microcycle) to optimize performance.
• Biological and Genetic Factors: Individual adaptations vary due to genetic differences; genetic markers predict VO2 max trainability.
• Training Models: Training models like Polarized, Pyramidal, and Threshold Training vary in how they emphasize different intensity zones.
• Intensity Zones: Defined intensity zones using heart rate and Borg scale.
• Timing and Recovery: mRNA adaptation returns to baseline within 24 hours, but responses can vary; importance of injury prevention.

Mixed vs. Block Periodization

• Mixed Periodization: Targets multiple areas simultaneously
• Block Periodization: Focuses on specific areas (like strength or endurance) for better adaptation.

Endurance Performance and VO2 max

• VO2 max: Maximum oxygen uptake is the highest rate the body can use oxygen during exercise; a primary determinant of endurance.
• Typical VO2 max values for different demographics exist.

Fick Equation and Oxygen Transport

• Fick Equation: Describes oxygen transport (VO2 = HR × SV × a-vO2 difference). Values for various components (HR, SV, a-vO2) exist.

Maximal Lactate Steady State (MLSS)

• Exercise intensity where lactate production equals lactate clearance.
• Exercise above MLSS leads to lactate accumulation and acidosis.

Running Economy (RE)

• Definition: Energy expenditure at a specific submaximal running speed.
• Important values exist for different groups (East African runners, athletes, students)

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

• Benefits: Running economy improvement by 1-7%
• Focus: VO2 max and lactate thresholds

Altitude Training

• Improves endurance performance through increased hemoglobin mass; Challenges associated with altitude exposure variability.

Hypoxic Training Methods

• Live high, train low (LHTL): Athletes train at lower altitudes to maintain training intensity.
• Artificial Hypoxia: Reduced oxygen levels at normal or increased pressure.
• Acute hypoxic exposure: Short bursts of training or exercise in hypoxic conditions.
• Training Duration: High concentration for several weeks to maximize erythropoiesis (red blood cell production).

Hyperoxic Training

• Mechanism: Breathing high oxygen concentrations before or during training to enhance oxygen delivery.
• Acute Effects: Improves tissue oxygenation.
• Chronic Effects: Improves VO2 max and aerobic capacity.
• Hyperoxic Recovery: Reduces muscle soreness and speeds recovery.

Oxygen Toxicity and Free Radical Formation

• Prolonged high oxygen levels can damage lung tissue and other areas.
• Results in the formation of free radicals.

Health Models 6

• What is Health? A complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, beyond the absence of disease or infirmity.
• Biopsychosocial Model: Recognition of the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in determining health.
• Risk Factor Approach: Identifies factors that increase disease risk, targeting modifiable risk factors (smoking, poor diet) for health improvement.
• Salutogenic Model: Focuses on health-promoting factors like the Sense of Coherence (SOC).

Salutogenic Model

• Sense of Coherence (SOC): Person's ability to manage stress, maintain health amidst challenges.

Social-Ecological Model

• Emphasizes individual, interpersonal, environmental, and political/societal factors impacting health.

Theories of Health Behavior Change

• Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB): Health behaviors are predicted by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.
• Self-Determination Theory (SDT): Motivation behind choices—autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Determinants of Health and Exercise Performance

• Individual level (genetics, habits), social level (support, expectations), and environmental/political level (resources, policies).

Tracking and Monitoring Overview

• Tracking and monitoring are critical for analyzing athlete performance and well-being.
• Technologies for tracking include video, GPS, RFID systems, and physiological sensors.

Key types of Measurements:

• External measurements: Distance, speed, accelerations, decelerations.
• Internal measurements: Heart rate, lactate levels, respiratory data.

Tracking Systems and Technologies

• Methods of position determination: Video, Satellite (GPS/GNSS), Radio-based (RFID).
• Physiological monitoring: Heart rate, respiratory.
• Analysis & Visualization: Technical/tactical, team management.

Validity and Reliability

• Validity: The accuracy of a measurement (a GPS accurately measuring run distance)
• Reliability: Consistency of a measurement (getting similar results under similar conditions).

What Can We Measure?

• External Measurements: distance, speed, accelerations, high-intensity activities, metabolic power, etc.
• Internal Measurements: Heart rate, RPE (rating of perceived exertion), Lactate levels

Practical Application in Team Sports

• Tracking individual players (e.g., specific distances covered, intensity levels).
• Periodization: Monitoring training load (acute-to-chronic workload ratios) and structuring microcycles & mesocycles.

Thermoregulation

• Overview: The body's processes for maintaining core temperature (36.1-37.8°C).
• Mechanisms: Heat production (shivering, muscular activity), heat dissipation (radiation, conduction, convection, evaporation (sweating)).
• Extreme Conditions: Hyperthermia (excessive heat), hypothermia (low body temp).
• Influences: Gender, exercise intensity, clothing, environment.
• Cooling Strategies: Pre-cooling, heat acclimatization, cooling methods (e.g., cooling vests, ice slurry)

Selecting Variables for Monitoring

• Important variables for measuring athletic performance depend on training goals, sport demands, and both internal & external measurements.