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Improving menstrual health literacy in sport.
(Elsevier B.V., 2023-07-19) McGawley K; Sargent D; Noordhof D; Badenhorst CE; Julian R; Govus AD
Menstrual health represents a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to a woman's menstrual cycle. From a health literacy perspective, knowledge acquisition and expertise are dependent upon the degree to which an individual can find, access, understand, critically analyse, and apply health information. Therefore, menstrual health literacy can be used to describe the state of knowledge acquisition and application specific to menstrual health-related issues. Menstrual health literacy is low among female athletes, their coaches, and practitioners, and few evidence-informed education or implementation strategies exist to improve menstrual health literacy in sport. Moreover, athletes seldom discuss their menstrual cycles or hormonal contraceptive use with their coaches, despite experiencing menstrual symptoms and/or disturbances and perceiving their menstrual cycles/hormonal contraceptive use to affect performance. Barriers to communication about menstrual cycle- and hormonal contraceptive-related topics include a perceived lack of knowledge among athletes, coaches, and practitioners, concerns about how conversations on these issues will affect interpersonal relationships, and a lack of formal and informal discussion forums. Whilst evidence relating to the effects of the menstrual cycle phase and hormonal contraceptive use on training and performance is currently limited, with existing studies often lacking methodological rigour, impactful steps can still be made to support female athletes. This cornerstone review highlights the current state of menstrual health literacy among athletes, coaches, and practitioners, and provides recommendations for improving menstrual health literacy in sport.
Athlete Preferences for Nutrition Education: Development of and Findings from a Quantitative Survey.
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-05-29) Solly H; Badenhorst CE; McCauley M; Slater GJ; Gifford JA; Erueti B; Beck KL; Nieman DC
Nutrition education (NE) is one of several strategies aimed at enhancing the dietary intake of athletes. This study investigated NE preferences of New Zealand and Australian athletes competing nationally and internationally. Athletes (n = 124, 22 (18, 27) years, female 54.8%) from 22 sports completed an online survey, with responses analysed using descriptive statistics. Teaching techniques considered 'extremely effective' were life examples (47.6% of athletes), hands-on activities (30.6%), and discussions with a facilitator (30.6%). Setting personal nutrition goals was important to most athletes (83.9%), along with two-way feedback with a facilitator (75.0%). General nutrition topics considered 'essential' were energy requirements (52.9%), hydration (52.9%), and nutrient deficiencies (43.3%). Performance topics considered 'essential' were recovery (58.1%), pre-exercise nutrition (51.6%), nutrition during exercise (50.0%), and energy requirements for training (49.2%). Athletes preferred a 'combination of in-person group and one-on-one sessions' (25% of athletes), 'one-on one sessions' (19.2%) and 'in-person group sessions' (18.3%), with only 13.3% interested in 'exclusively online delivery'. Sessions of 31-60 min (61.3% of athletes) held monthly (37.5%) and undertaken with athletes of the same sporting calibre (61.3%) were favoured by the participants. The preferred facilitator was a performance dietitian or nutritionist (82.1% of athletes), who had knowledge of the sport (85.5%), experience in sports nutrition (76.6%), and credibility (73.4%). This research provides novel insights into the factors that need to be considered when designing and implementing nutrition education for athletes.
Measurement error of self-paced exercise performance in athletic women is not affected by ovulatory status or ambient environment
(American Physiological Society, 2021-11) Zheng H; Badenhorst CE; Lei T-H; Muhamed AMC; Liao Y-H; Amano T; Fujii N; Nishiyasu T; Kondo N; Mündel T
Measurement error(s) of exercise tests for women are severely lacking in the literature. The purpose of this investigation was to 1) determine whether ovulatory status or ambient environment were moderating variables when completing a 30-min self-paced work trial and 2) provide test-retest norms specific to athletic women. A retrospective analysis of three heat stress studies was completed using 33 female participants (31 ± 9 yr, 54 ± 10 mL·min−1·kg−1) that yielded 130 separate trials. Participants were classified as ovulatory (n = 19), anovulatory (n = 4), and oral contraceptive pill users (n = 10). Participants completed trials ∼2 wk apart in their (quasi-) early follicular and midluteal phases in two of moderate (1.3 ± 0.1 kPa, 20.5 ± 0.5°C, 18 trials), warm-dry (2.2 ± 0.2 kPa, 34.1 ± 0.2°C, 46 trials), or warm-humid (3.4 ± 0.1 kPa, 30.2 ± 1.1°C, 66 trials) environments. We quantified reliability using limits of agreement, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). Test-retest reliability was high, clinically valid (ICC = 0.90, P < 0.01), and acceptable with a mean CV of 4.7%, SEM of 3.8 kJ (2.1 W), and reliable bias of −2.1 kJ (−1.2 W). The various ovulatory status and contrasting ambient conditions had no appreciable effect on reliability. These results indicate that athletic women can perform 30-min self-paced work trials ∼2 wk apart with an acceptable and low variability irrespective of their hormonal status or heat-stressful environments. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study highlights that aerobically trained women perform 30-min self-paced work trials ∼2 wk apart with acceptably low variability and their hormonal/ovulatory status and the introduction of greater ambient heat and humidity do not moderate this measurement error.
Assessment of Changes in Physiological Markers in Different Body Fluids at Rest and after Exercise
(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-11-05) Jesuthasan A; Ali A; Lee JKW; Rutherfurd-Markwick K
Physiological and biological markers in different body fluids are used to measure the body's physiological or pathological status. In the field of sports and exercise medicine, the use of these markers has recently become more popular for monitoring an athlete's training response and assessing the immediate or long-term effects of exercise. Although the effect of exercise on different physiological markers using various body fluids is well substantiated, no article has undertaken a review across multiple body fluids such as blood, saliva, urine and sweat. This narrative review aims to assess various physiological markers in blood, urine and saliva, at rest and after exercise and examines physiological marker levels obtained across similar studies, with a focus on the population and study methodology used. Literature searches were conducted using PRISMA guidelines for keywords such as exercise, physical activity, serum, sweat, urine, and biomarkers, resulting in an analysis of 15 studies for this review paper. When comparing the effects of exercise on physiological markers across different body fluids (blood, urine, and saliva), the changes detected were generally in the same direction. However, the extent of the change varied, potentially as a result of the type and duration of exercise, the sample population and subject numbers, fitness levels, and/or dietary intake. In addition, none of the studies used solely female participants; instead, including males only or both male and female subjects together. The results of some physiological markers are sex-dependent. Therefore, to better understand how the levels of these biomarkers change in relation to exercise and performance, the sex of the participants should also be taken into consideration.
The relationship between attachment style and important elite sport team variables : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2018) Campbell, Jade
The purpose of this study was to extend group attachment theory research by Smith, Murphy, and Coats (1999) and apply it within a sport team context. The relationship between attachment and important sport team variables, namely leadership, cohesion, and collective efficacy, was explored. Data were collated by on-site administration of a questionnaire consisting of the Social Group Attachment Scale (SGAS), the Leadership Scale for Sport (LSS), the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ), and the Collective Efficacy Scale. The sample included 173 elite female netball players from 16 teams competing in the U17 and U19 New Zealand National Championships. Results demonstrate that both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance had significant negative correlations with almost all subscales from the GEQ and collective efficacy measure. However, attachment avoidance revealed enlarged significance and strength in the relationships. Similarly, attachment avoidance demonstrated a significant positive relationship with three leadership subscales, whereas attachment anxiety did not. Attachment avoidance demonstrates a stronger relationship with the variables under investigation, suggesting this style of attachment may have a more detrimental impact in an elite sport team setting. Implications for theory, measurement, coaches, and sport psychology are discussed. Future recommendations for researchers, sport psychologists, and coaches are also discussed.
An examination of cultural inclusion and Māori culture in New Zealand rugby : the impact on well-being : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Health (Sport & Exercise) at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2018) Hapeta, Jeremy William
This thesis presents four separate, yet related, studies. The purpose, as the title indicates, was to interrogate the inclusion of ‘culture’ (specifically in terms of ethnicity) within New Zealand Rugby environments and settings. Related to this primary objective, I also wanted to understand the impact of Māori knowledge practices on the well-being of players, coaches, other participants and communities. Each of the four studies aims to address these broad research objectives. A Kaupapa Māori approach guided the philosophical, theoretical and methodological perspectives utilised in each of the interrelated studies. Study 1 is a culturally progressive, Kaupapa Māori, review that synthesises the extant literature from 2008 to 2017of ethnicity and inclusion in sport globally, and Māori and rugby in New Zealand. The results showed that the main Māori symbol used in rugby was the haka. Thus, Study 2 examines whether the haka ‘Ka Mate’ is a commodity to trade or a taonga to treasure by analysing marketing campaigns related to sporting events. The pukengā (experts) interviewed would prefer it be treated as a taonga (treasure), not a commodity to maintain the well-being of this taonga and the communities who treasure it. The third study interrogates cultural identity and leadership practices from a Māori perspective by examining how indigenous storytelling impacted on well-being in a NZ provincial rugby team. The case study results demonstrated that a Māori motto (whakataukī), motif (maunga), mascots and a ‘maunga of success’ model were all used by the team (players and coaches/support staff) to enhance their individual and collective well-being, both on and off the field. The fourth study presents two other case studies that explore sport for social change inititiatives involving Māori and Pasifika rangatahi (youth) and rugby in New Zealand. Results showed that rugby and cultural identity can be used effectively as a waka (vehicle) to promote social and cultural change for youth. The concluding chapter discusses the outcomes of the overall research objectives where the studies’ limitations and strengths are also presented. Finally, implications for future research directions and recommendations are made.
Flow in New Zealand high-performance athletes and their intentions to use regulated breathing : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2018) Barrett, Jay Andrew
Flow, or being “in the zone” (Jackson & Csikszentmihalyi, 1999, p. 12), is associated with athletes’ best-perceived performance (Jackson, Thomas, Marsh, & Smethurst, 2001). Practising regulated breathing could be associated with experiencing flow; the current research sought to identify this potential relationship with New Zealand high-performance adult athletes. New Zealand high-performance adult athletes’ intentions to use regulated breathing in two behaviours (‘practising regulated breathing in a training routine’ or ‘using regulated breathing as a mental skills tool during competition’) along with the components of an individual’s intentions (instrumental and experiential attitudes, injunctive and descriptive norms and capacity and autonomy; Fishbein & Ajzen, 2010) were also researched. A cross-sectional survey was used to gather data. A t-test showed there was no statistically significant difference in the frequency flow was experienced between participants currently practising regulated breathing against those that were not, t(40) = 0.96, p = .342. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVAs showed the majority of the sample responded that they intended to practice regulated breathing in a training routine (64%) and use regulated breathing as a mental skills tool during competition in the future (76%) with no significant difference across the competition level competing at, F(2,87) = 0.26, p = .774 and F(2,87) = 0.56, p = .575, respectively. Finally, multiple linear regression models showed instrumental attitudes were the only significant predictor of intentions to perform regulated breathing in a training routine (Beta = .68, p < .001) or during competition as a mental skills tool (Beta = .82, p < .001). Participants’ components (instrumental and experiential attitudes, injunctive and descriptive norms and capacity and autonomy) estimated 67% of the variation in their intentions to practice regulated breathing in a training routine and 70% of the variation in their intentions to use regulated breathing as a mental skills tool during competition. Further evidence is needed to confirm the relationship between practising regulated breathing and how frequently flow is experienced. However, regulated breathing interventions could be appealing to New Zealand high-performance athletes.
"Please Sir, can we play a game?" : transforming games teaching and coaching: a practitioner's perspective : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2018) Slade, Dennis George
Over the last 30 years, traditional skill-based game teaching models have gradually been supplemented by instruction under an inclusive banner of Game Centred Learning (GCL) but more specifically, Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU). This thesis uniquely examines from a practitioner’s perspective how the development of GCL and its dissemination occurred in New Zealand (NZ) 1945-2015. The multi-method approach establishes through a triangulation of data sources utilising a bricolage approach that the development was not mandated by educational policy but evolved through various combinations of insights from early luminaries in the field and visits to NZ by a key figure in the field (Rod Thorpe). Additionally, a new guard of Physical Educators in pre-service teacher education colleges in NZ were also significantly influential in the dissemination of GCL strategies as was a new socio-ecological perspective in PE syllabi (1999; 2007). An emergent autoethnographic documentation of the author’s role further informs this evolution of GCL and TGfU practices in NZ. Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, practice and field are used as markers to signal change and record tensions that ultimately led to adoption of GCL practice in PE teaching and sport coaching in NZ. The thesis findings present implications for PE practitioners through innovative GCL approaches, associated with play, mastery learning and TGfU, that involves transforming play. It is concluded that at a practical and theoretical level, TGfU should be seen in a holistic experiential sense and integrated into PE programmes acknowledging its potential to contribute to and enhance citizenship. The final contribution to knowledge of this research is the presentation of a model of GCL designed to transform play.
The effects of sago supplementation for exercise in a warm-humid environment : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Health (Sport & Exercise) at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2016) Che Jusoh, Mohd Rahimi bin
Whilst carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion during exercise with heat stress theoretically has some benefits for performance there is a lack of evidence on the effects of complex-CHO on exercise and recovery in warm-humid (tropical) conditions. The aims of this thesis were to investigate the effects of sago feeding on exercise performance, some physiological parameters, substrate metabolism, and thermoregulatory responses in the condition of exercise with thermal stress. The initial experimental study investigated the reliability of two novel laboratory-based cycling protocols in the presence of significant thermal stress. These protocols would then be employed in the second part of this thesis. The data indicate that the 15 min time-trial pre-loaded with 45 min fixed-intensity (Chapter 5, Study A) and 15 min time-trial pre-loaded with 15 min incremental warm-up (Chapter 5, Study B) were highly reliable when using trained, familiarized males under warm-humid environmental conditions. The second part of this thesis describes experiments which investigated the efficacy of an alternative Malaysian-based CHO, sago, on exercise in conditions which replicate the Malaysian environment (warm and humid). Chapter 6 describes a study investigating the effect of sago supplementation before and during exercise in a warm-humid environment. The data collected from this study revealed that pre- and during-sago feeding has no differential effects on exercise performance though sago feeding produced a higher glycaemic response during the hour prior to exercise. However, feeding sago before exercise attenuated the rise in core temperature during exercise compared to the control condition, whilst there was a smaller reduction in plasma volume found when consuming sago during steady-state exercise through reduced whole-body sweating, with a concomitant higher plasma sodium concentration. Heart rate was also higher when sago was ingested either before or during exercise compared to control. Then, Chapter 7 further investigated the utility of sago ingestion as a recovery meal on a subsequent exercise bout in a warm-humid environment. In terms of performance, sago ingestion during short-term recovery seemed to sustain time-trial performance on the second bout of exercise compared to a control condition (no food) where exercise performance degraded. However, no attenuation of physiological, metabolic and thermoregulatory responses was apparent.
Building brands and fan relationships through social media : the case of the Grand Slam tennis events : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sport and Exercise at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2016) Thompson, Ashleigh-Jane
Social media have become pervasive parts of society and modern consumer culture. However, sports scholars have noted a distinct lack of knowledge and understanding related to their use among sports properties. This thesis, through the novel use of a modified circuit of culture framework (du Gay, Hall, Jones, McKay & Negus, 1997) explores how Facebook and Twitter were utilised by the four Grand Slam tennis events (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and U.S. Open) to build their brands and relationships with fans. A unique multi-perspectival, multi-method approach involving semi-structured interviews, a content analysis of Facebook and Twitter posts, and online surveys provided rich sources of data. The findings reveal that these events are deliberately and proactively using social media. It is apparent that social media aid in two key functions: (1) a facilitator of socialisation and emotional connections, and (2) a cultivator of brand image and brand experience. Furthermore, two unique challenges were identified: (1) providing value and meeting fan expectations, and (2) organisational adaptability. Importantly, this research has significant practical and scholarly implications, providing one of the first empirical examinations into how social media assist sports event brands in brand management efforts. Social media are shown to be sites that provide opportunities for practitioners to create a quasi-virtual brand experience, representing an online substitute for the live event. This particular aspect represents a unique finding and an aspect that is of particular relevance for sports event brands. In addition, this study was one of the first to employ a multi-method approach, framed within the circuit of culture, in sports-related social media research. The use of this approach revealed the need to modify the circuit of culture with a centralised moment of “prosumption” for future social media related studies. It is proposed that this approach would be transferable to other sports contexts, advancing the research agenda of sport management scholars.

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