Performance

Reliability and validity of wearable microtechnology devices in team sports

This project looks at the validity and reliability of global navigation satellite systems throughout movements commonplace to field-based team sports. Specifically, we are looking to discover if the validity and reliability is consistent over time eg multiple sessions.

Student: Mr Zachary Crang

Supervisors: Assoc. Prof Rich Johnston, Assoc. Prof Grant Duthie, Dr Jonathon Weakley

Can we use wearable microtechnology devices to monitor neurological changes and injury risk post-concussion in team sport players?

Sports-related concussion, a transient trauma induced alteration in mental status, accounts for approximately 1.6 to 3.8 million reported cases annually in the United States alone.

Current protocols used to diagnose and determine return to play typically rely on subjective interpretation, with poor sensitivity one week post-injury. Due to the issues with these assessments, it is suggested that players return to their respective sports with lingering neuromuscular deficits.

Indeed, lab assessments have highlighted poorer neuromuscular control in previously concussed athletes that persist for months following a concussive event. However, these assessments are time consuming and require access to specialised equipment that make them redundant for many practitioners. It has been proposed that the use of microtechnology, specifically inertial measurement units (IMUs) may aid in objectively assessing alterations in gait parameters upon return to play. The studies in this PhD aim to assess validity and reliability of thoracic placed IMUs and their place in assessing motor deficits post-concussion.

Student: Laura Dunne

Supervisors: Assoc. Prof Rich Johnston, Prof Stuart Cormack, Dr Michael Cole

Application of an instantaneous work-rate measure using external load in elite football players

This project will examine the measurements collected using wearable microtechnology including GPS and heart rate metrics and the relationship to measurements of oxygen uptake. This will be investigated during a football drill designed to simulate movements which occur during training and competition. The research will investigate which metrics commonly used in training load monitoring have the strongest relationship to oxygen uptake and how this varies at different exercise intensities. The research will then examine these metrics within regular training and competition in elite football players. These metrics will be examined across different training drills and in relation to contextual variables which occur during competition.

Student: Mr Chris Searle

Supervisors: Assoc. Prof Rich Johnston, Assoc. Professor Grant Duthie, Dr Andrew Townshend

The use of blood flow restriction training in high performance athletes

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training has been a popular training method used within the hypertrophy and rehabilitation setting since the initial idea was developed by Dr Yoshiaki Sato, the creator of KAATSU. However, in recent years it has started to be involved within High Performance Sport settings, as an alternative method for athletes who are unable to perform traditional resistance training methods due to an injury, or athletes who are wishing to gain an alternative stimulus. However, recent research in BFR has shifted towards the use of BFR within athlete preparation and recovery. This program of research aims to demonstrate the use of BFR training in High Performance Athletes, with this project being based at the Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS).

Student: Mr Brock Kenny

Supervisors: Prof Stuart Cormack, Prof Shona Halson, Dr Paul Tofari, Dr Jonathon Weakley, Mr Peter Culhane

Quantifying the effect of mental fatigue on physical performance in elite Australian Rules Football athletes

Mental fatigue negatively affects endurance exercise performance and skill execution, two key components of Australian Rules football performance. This project aims to understand if athletes experience mental fatigue and if it does affect physical performance in matches and training.

Student: Sam Joseph

Supervisors: Assoc. Prof Ryan Timmins, Dr Suzy Russell, Prof Shona Halson, Assoc. Prof Rich Johnston, Dr Nick Murrray

The Effects of Exercise During Pregnancy on Haemodynamics

During pregnancy the maternal body undergoes significant physiological changes, with some of the most profound changes occurring within the cardiovascular system. Many of the cardiovascular changes occur within the first month or two of pregnancy including an increase in blood volume, cardiac output, heart rate and stroke volume, which are all associated with a decrease in vascular resistance and systemic vascular tone. Maladaptive changes to these maternal haemodynamic processes can occur during gestation, increasing the risk of gestational hypertensive conditions. Regular exercise performed during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of developing perinatal gestational hypertensive conditions. Further evidence on the exact parameters of exercise needed to explain these beneficial responses is required, within both uncomplicated and at-risk pregnancies. This research aims to compare the acute effects of three popular modes/intensities of exercise (vigorous intensity interval training on the treadmill, resistance training and reformer Pilates) on maternal and foetal cardiovascular outcomes.

Student: Courtney Giles

Supervisors: Dr Kassia Beetham, Dr Jemima Spathis, Assoc. Prof Rich Johnston, Assoc. Prof Michael Baker

Enhancing Physical Performance in Elite Rugby League Players

This project aims to examine the factors influencing the physical performance of elite rugby league players, with a particular focus on athlete monitoring. By analysing training data, this research will seek explore how to optimise performance outcomes. Specifically, the research will quantify the relationship between internal and external training loads, and how we can attempt to use this information to enhance the physical performance of athletes.

Student: Tom Fary

Supervisors: Assoc. Prof Rich Johnston, Assoc. Prof Grant Duthie, Dr Patrick Campbell, David Ballard, Dr Michael Speranza and Dr Jacob Jennings

Industry Partner: Brisbane Broncos NRL