Auckland University of Technology

About: Auckland University of Technology is a education organization based out in Auckland, New Zealand. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 4116 authors who have published 13461 publications receiving 353076 citations. The organization is also known as: AUT & AUT University.

Accelerometer data reduction in adolescents: effects on sample retention and bias

Abstract: Background Accelerometry is increasingly being recognized as an accurate and reliable method to assess free-living physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents. However, accelerometer data reduction criteria remain inconsistent, and the consequences of excluding participants in for example intervention studies are not well described. In this study, we investigated how different data reduction criteria changed the composition of the adolescent population retained in accelerometer data analysis.

Is velocity-specific strength training important in improving functional performance?

Abstract: A variable considered when designing programs to optimize athletic performance is training velocity. It has been suggested that training at a specific velocity improves strength mainly at that velocity and as velocity deviates from the trained velocity, the less effective training will be. However, the research describing velocity-specific adaptation and the transference of these adaptations to other movement velocities is by no means clear. Compounding the problem in this area is the failure of research to detail the relationship between training velocity and actual movement velocity of a given task or athletic pursuit. In most cases there is a great disparity between training velocity and actual movement velocity. Factors that may better develop and explain velocity-specific adaptation in relation to functional performance are discussed. Developing qualities such as strength, power and rate of force development would appear of greater importance than training at the actual movement velocity of a task. It may be that irrespective of load and limb velocity, the repeated intent to move an isoinertial load as rapidly as possible might be an important stimulus for functional high velocity adaptation. The ability of the nervous system to activate and coordinate agonist, synergist and antagonist activity would seem essential. It was suggested training techniques that simulate the velocity and acceleration profiles associated with the desired functional performance, such as throw or jump training, may optimize functional adaptation. Furthermore combination training that incorporates same session sport specific training with either a heavy load or a mixed training load approach might provide an optimal strategy for promoting intramuscular and intermuscular co-ordination and improving functional performance.

Physical demands and physiological responses during elite field hockey.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the physical demands of elite men's field hockey using modern time-motion analysis techniques. 18 elite male players (age: 24.4 ± 4.5 yrs) participated in 5 matches, during which physical outputs of players were quantified using GPS units and heart rate monitors. The mean total distance covered by each individual player was 6798 ± 2009 m. Mean total distance covered per position for 70 min (position (70)) was 8160 ± 428 m. Distance covered per position (70) decreased by 4.8% between the 1 (st )and 2 (nd) halves ( P 19 km.h (-1)) comprised 6.1% (479 ± 108 m) of the total distance covered and involved 34 ± 12 sprints per player, with an average duration of 3.3 s. Average HR was higher in the 1 (st) half (86.7% HR (max)) than the 2 (nd) half, (84.4% HR (max)), though this was not significant ( P = 0.06). The results suggest that modern day elite field hockey is a physically demanding team sport. Quantification of the demands and outputs of players at this level provides a useful framework on which to develop conditioning practices. The difference in physical outputs observed for some positions suggests position-specific conditioning is required at the elite level.

Persistent postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study of potential risk factors

Abstract: Background Persistent postoperative pain (PPP) is common after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The primary aim of this prospective cohort study was to identify important predictors of moderate to severe PPP 6 and 12 months after TKA. Methods Consenting patients (n=300) undergoing primary unilateral TKA attended a preoperative session to collect clinical information (age, gender, BMI, preoperative knee pain, comorbid pain, likely neuropathic pain) and psychological variables (depression, anxiety, catastrophising, expected pain). Quantitative sensory testing (pressure pain thresholds, temporal summation, conditioned pain modulation) was performed, and blood samples were obtained for subsequent genotyping of OPRM1 and COMT. Acute postoperative pain was measured at rest and during movement. Surgical factors (surgery time, patella resurfacing, anaesthetic type) were collected after operation. Follow-up questionnaires were sent 6 and 12 months after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of PPP. Results The prevalence of moderate to severe PPP was 21% (n=60) and 16% (n=45) 6 and 12 months after surgery, with 55% (n=33) and 60% (n=31) of PPP likely neuropathic in nature. At 6 months, a combination of preoperative pain intensity, expected pain, trait anxiety, and temporal summation (Akaike information criterion, 309.9; area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, 0.70) was able to correctly classify 66% of patients into moderate to severe PPP and no to mild PPP groups. At 12 months, preoperative pain intensity, expected pain, and trait anxiety (Akaike information criterion, 286.8; area under ROC curve, 0.66) correctly classified 66% of patients. Conclusions Findings from this study highlight several factors that may be targeted in future intervention studies to reduce the development of PPP. Trial registry number ACTRN12612001089820.