Effects of inter-limb asymmetries on physical and sports performance: a systematic review

The prevalence of inter-limb asymmetries has been reported in numerous studies across a wide range of sports and physical qualities; however, few have analysed their effects on physical and sports performance. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken using the Medline and SPORT Discus databases, with all articles required to meet a specified criteria based on a quality review. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria, relating participant asymmetry scores to physical and sports performance measures. The findings of this systematic review indicate that inter-limb differences in strength may be detrimental to jumping, kicking and cycling performance. When inter-limb asymmetries are quantified during jumping based exercises, they have been primarily used to examine their association with change of direction speed with mixed findings. Inter-limb asymmetries have also been quantified in anthropometry, sprinting, dynamic balance and sport-specific actions, again with inconsistent findings. However, all results have been reported using associative analysis with physical or sport performance metrics with no randomised controlled trials included. Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms that underpin inter-limb differences and the magnitude of performance changes that can be accounted for by these asymmetries.     

Optimization of Maximal Rate of Heart Rate Increase Assessment in Runners

Purpose: Correlations between fatigue-induced changes in exercise performance and maximal rate of heart rate (HR) increase (rHRI) may be affected by exercise intensity during assessment. This study evaluated the sensitivity of rHRI for tracking performance when assessed at varying exercise intensities. Method: Performance (time to complete a 5-km treadmill time-trial [5TTT]) and rHRI were assessed in 15 male runners following 1 week of light training, 2 weeks of heavy training (HT), and a 10-day taper (T). Maximal rate of HR increase (measured in bpm·s^?1) was the first derivative maximum of a sigmoidal curve fit to HR data recorded during 5 min of running at 8 km·h^?1 (rHRI_8km·h^?1), and during subsequent transition to 13 km·h^?1 (rHRI_{8–13km·h^?1}) for a further 5 min. Results: Time to complete a 5-km treadmill time-trial was likely slower following HT (effect size ± 90% confidence interval = 0.16 ± 0.06), and almost certainly faster following T (–0.34 ± 0.08). Maximal rate of HR increase during 5 min of running at 8 km·h^?1 and rHRI_{8–13km·h^?1} were unchanged following HT and likely increased following T (0.77 ± 0.45 and 0.66 ± 0.62, respectively). A moderate within-individual correlation was found between 5TTT and rHRI_8km·h^?1 (r value ± 90% confidence interval = –.35 ± .32). However, in a subgroup of athletes (n = 7) who were almost certainly slower to complete the 5TTT (4.22 ± 0.88), larger correlations were found between the 5TTT and rHRI_8km·h^?1 (r = –.84 ± .22) and rHRI_{8–13km·h^?1} (r = –.52 ± .41). Steady-state HR during rHRI assessment in this group was very likely greater than in the faster subgroup (≥ 1.34 ± 0.86). Conclusion(s): The 5TTT performance was tracked by both rHRI_8km·h^?1 and rHRI_{8–13km·h^?1}. Correlations between rHRI and performance were stronger in a subgroup of athletes who exhibited a slower 5TTT. Individualized workloads during rHRI assessment may be required to account for varying levels of physical conditioning.     

A first class knowledge service: developing the National electronic Library for Health

With the introduction of clinical governance and the move towards evidence-based practice, there is a growing need to provide health professionals and patients, and the public, with high quality information. Developments in the health service have added weight and urgency to this need. The National electronic Library for Health (NeLH) has a key role to play in providing health professionals with a core knowledge base of accredited and evaluated information. The Pilot NeLH was launched in November and this article outlines the progress and achievements made during this time. The NeLH is based around a central website featuring core resources and links to commissioned specialist collections. Over 70 information resources, including bibliographic databases and full text publications, are accessible via the NeLH, which aims to act as a one-stop shop to support evidence-based decision-making. Much work has been undertaken on national procurement and licensing, particularly in partnership with National Health Service (NHS) libraries. Partnerships as a whole are crucial to ensure true seamless access for health professionals. Key partners include NHS libraries, NHS Direct Online and the electronic Library for Social Care. A short glossary is included for those readers less familiar with current health service developments in the UK.     

Reading and Responding: A Rose-coloured Experience

The writer argues that a fresh look at some aspects of reader-response theories could have a revitalising effect on classroom practices. If we want pupils to respond to texts, we should make more use of what happens while they read, helping them to become self-conscious readers. The writer exemplifies some reader-response strategies through his own responses to a short story by AS. Byatt. Implications and suggestions for classroom activities are suggested.