Assessment Scenario and guidance for Physiology for Training

Assessment Instructions

Please read this document.

You are required to write up a lab report based on the scenario presented below and the data that was collected (some expansion on the real data) in the lab practical’s we had. This data is on an excel spreadsheet within the BREO assessment and feedback folder. Refer to the assessment brief and the following scenario details below.

Background to This Assessment and Basis for Your Report

Lower limb injury is common among female athletes (Fuller et al., 2007). Therefore, it is important to identify risk factors for injury and identify those that may be at risk of injury. Modifiable risk factors associated with an increased risk of injury include; altered neuromuscular control, reduced muscle strength, altered muscle length-tension curve, and reduced flexibility (Murphy et al., 2003, Mahieu et al., 2006 Arnason et al., 2008, Gilchrist et al., 2008). A systematic review by O’Sullivan, McAuliffe and DeBurca (2012) suggested that increases in flexibility can be achieved with eccentric training. In addition, eccentric training has been suggested to also improve strength power and speed. However, Minshul (2014) also reports increased knee extensor strength and improved neuromuscular function with long term application of PNF stretching techniques. The purported benefits of eccentric training were of interest to a female football academy team of Therapists Rehabilitators and Coaches who were looking to investigate training methods that could a) reduce risk of injury through increased flexibility and b) increase performance. They also wanted to know whether these benefits were superior to PNF stretching or equitable.

The team set about planning a testing protocol to investigate whether adding PNF stretch protocols to the established normal gym training sessions would confer to show improvements in ROM and lower limb power (vertical jump height). In contrast, the plan also included a second group intervention who completed normal training sessions but with the addition of three lower limb eccentric training focused exercises. The protocol was laid out as follows:

The assessment brief alludes to the following sections that must be completed, and I have inserted the details we are looking for in each section of this lab report.

Title: A comparison between PNF protocol and eccentric exercise on the effects of hip range of motion and vertical jump height in female footballers.

Introduction

Ensuring top-notch athletic performance and reducing the likelihood of injuries are of utmost importance for football teams, especially for those in their early stages. Football necessitates a combination of physical attributes such as speed, agility, and strength, which can exert significant pressure on the musculoskeletal system. The importance of strength in sports is apparent in its various effects on player skills, from boosting sprint power to enhancing tackle stability. Inexperienced players on newer football teams encounter distinct obstacles when they step onto the field of competition. The risk of injuries is particularly high when athletes lack the physical readiness necessary for the dynamic and demanding nature of the game. Injuries not only hinder individual player performance but also pose a collective threat to the team's success. Coaches and therapists recognize the need to bridge the gap between the physical condition of newer players and the rigorous demands of competitive football.The primary objectives of coaches and therapists working with newer football teams are twofold: to enhance performance capabilities and to implement effective injury prevention strategies. Coaches aim to develop a well-rounded athletic foundation in their players, with strength training serving as a fundamental component to empower them in various aspects of the game. Additionally, therapists are keenly aware of the vulnerability of newer teams to injuries and strive to proactively address these concerns through targeted training interventions.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of injury prevention and training in this specific group and activity. Because musculoskeletal problems in football are so common, athletes must be conditiond proactively. Football injuries are common, as noted by Hägglund et al. (2007), who also discuss the unique difficulties experienced by elite male and female players. Furthermore, Arnason et al. (2008) provide data that emphasises how successful intervention trials are at preventing hamstring strains in professional football players. In addition to these findings, a systematic evaluation of chronic adaptations to eccentric training is provided by Douglas et al. (2017), which sheds light on the possible long-term advantages of particular training approaches. Fuller et al. (2007) provide important information on injury patterns related to pitch type by comparing the incidence and types of injuries incurred on various playing surfaces. Gilchrist et al.'s (2008) randomised controlled experiment examines gender-specific factors in therapies to prevent noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female collegiate football players. To further improve our understanding of individual vulnerability, Mahieu et al. (2006) explore intrinsic risk factors for the development of Achilles tendon overuse injury. In order to shed light on the relative merits of various stretching techniques, Minshull et al. (2014) investigate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) versus passive stretch conditioning on neuromuscular performance. By performing a systematic review on the impact of eccentric training on lower limb flexibility, O'Sullivan et al. (2012) add to the body of knowledge by providing thorough insights into the possible advantages of eccentric modalities.

Based on the literature, the present study intends to investigate the impact of a tailored strength programme on the performance and injury resilience of fresher football teams. This research intends to add significant insights to the current debate on optimising performance and minimising injury risks in football by diving into the backdrop of the sport, understanding the individual demands of fresher players, and acknowledging the overall significance of strength.