Graduate Journal of Sports Science, Coaching, Management, & Rehabilitation

Optimising Lat Activation: A Comparative Analysis of Grip Width in the Bent-Over Barbell Row

George Swann — 2026-06-12

The aim of this study was to understand the effects of grip variation on muscle activation for the latissimus dorsi (LD) in the bent-over barbell row (BOBR). The consensus of surrounding literature is undecided, but still there is a general belief a wider grip warrants a greater level of LD activity. 20 active male (age, 21.1 ± 1.05 years; stature, 179.6 ± 7.73cm; mass, 86.1 ± 7.40kg) university students performed a narrow (100% biacromial) and wide (150% biacromial) grip variation in the BOBR using an experimentally determined load of 60% one repetition maximum (1RM). Three trials of five repetitions were analysed for each grip type. Surface electromyography (sEMG) for both LD was recorded. Root mean square (RMS) was captured at the peak of each repetition. sEMG amplitude (mV) was greatest in WG set 3 > WG set 2 > WG set 1 > NG set 3 > NG set 2 > NG set 1. Paired t-test analysis revealed a wide grip to elicit greater muscle activity than a narrow grip (p < 0.01). A significant difference was also found between limbs (Left = 0.455 ± 0.294, Right = 0.361 ± 0.209). Our findings suggest, despite fatigue warranting a greater level of activation, LD activity will always be greater at a wider grip width. Our findings also suggest muscle imbalances are prominent in young active males, meaning one limb often compensates for the other during BOBR.

The effect of sleep on swimming performance

Phoebe Dawson — 2026-06-12

There has been extensive research on sleep, including the stages, deprivation, and importance. However, there is limited research into the importance of sleep for athletes, especially swimmers. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate if quality of sleep affects swimming performance in university level swimmers. 11 student-athletes from a university swimming team completed a 50m and 200m freestyle timed swim in the morning and evening. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire and the Elite Performance Readiness Questionnaire prior to the swims. The data was analysed using either a paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test, to assess the difference between AM and PM. For the 200m swim there was a significant increase (P = 0.013) in performance in the evening. However, for the 50m swim, there was no significant difference (P = 0.102). There was no correlation between PSQI scores and swim time (rho (ρ) = -0.22). Eight out of the 11 swimmers (66%) were deemed to have poor quality sleep. This highlights the importance of sleep and understanding the effects of sleep deprivation. The findings of the study reveal that the athletes performed better in the evening compared to the morning. This is important when planning competitions and training programs, understanding that athletes perform better in the evening when they’re more motivated and alert, according to this study. This can also be considered for British Universities and Colleges Sport events, as the performance standard will be higher later in the day.

The effects of the conventional deadlift and Romanian deadlift on muscle activation and joint angles at a submaximal intensity

Michelle Lyons — 2026-06-12

In strength and conditioning, exercise selection and intensity are pivotal for designing resistance training programmes. The conventional deadlift (CD) and Romanian deadlift (RDL) are exercises targeting the lower limbs. Despite being similar, differences exist and comparative studies between CD and RDL remain scarce. This study (i) assessed if the biceps femoris (BF) exhibited greater activation during the RDL, and (ii) determined if the vastus lateralis (VL) and BF showed increased activation during the CD. Fifteen active adults participated in the study, with EMG sensors placed on the VL and BF and markers for 2D motion analysis in the sagittal plane. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) data were collected for both lifts at 70% of the RDL 1RM. Five repetitions at 50% of the RDL 1RM were tested for EMG and 2D motion analysis. Data were analysed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results revealed higher VL activation in the CD (P < 0.05), with no significant difference in BF activation. No differences were observed in hip angles at mid-thigh and knee height (P > 0.343), but differences were noted at the bottom position. Knee angles differed significantly during ascent and descent at mid-thigh (P < 0.027), while ankle differences were evident at knee height and the bottom position (P < 0.12). Ranges of motion differed for all joints (P < 0.002). In conclusion, this study found no difference in BF activation but greater VL activation during the CD.

The Acute effects of Home Advantage on English Professional Rugby Union

Dylan Holmes — 2026-06-12

This study comprehensively explores the acute effects of Home Advantage (HA) in English professional Rugby Union, focusing on performance metrics that extend beyond winning percentages. The analysis was conducted on data collected from all 119 matches of the 2022-2023 season, aiming to investigate how HA influences specific match events. The results reveal that home teams won 69% of their matches, host a significantly higher scoring rate, particularly in terms of tries, and exhibiting superior ground gained per carry compared to away teams. In contrast, while away teams performed a slightly greater number of tackles, they also experienced a higher incidence of missed tackles, resulting in a lower overall tackle completion rate. Moreover, the findings indicate that away teams were more prone to injuries, particularly during the early part of the season, suggesting a potential link between travel fatigue and physical strain. Additionally, when attacking, away teams faced a higher frequency of penalties, complicating their ability to mount effective scoring opportunities. These findings suggest that HA not only influences match outcomes but also significantly impacts key in-game behaviours, such as try-scoring efficiency and defensive performance. This research provides valuable insights for coaches and players, emphasizing the need to adapt strategies for both home and away games to account for the unique advantages and disadvantages associated with HA. Future research should examine these effects across multiple seasons to deepen our understanding of the complexities surrounding Home Advantage in Rugby Union.

Creating a positive environment in sport and recreation: Insight from qualitative research

Jessica Love — 2026-06-12

This qualitative study explored how a caring climate influences the experiences of current and future exercise leaders. Through focus groups, we explored how these leaders plan to or are currently creating caring climates within their domains. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Dadoose, a thematic coding system, with a structured codebook and hero quotes to highlight key insights. Three major themes emerged: Belonging and Connection; Support, Listening and Accessibility; and Inclusion, Mindfulness and Rapport. Participants emphasized the importance of feeling valued and understood and helped strengthen relationships and foster a more caring environment. They described everyday actions like small talk, collaboration, and one-on-one check-ins as critical attributes for creating a comfortable and psychologically safe environment. Leaders who showed empathy and openness helped athletes feel cared for beyond performance, reinforcing trust and belonging. These findings support existing literature and show how everyday actions and communication contribute to a caring climate. Participants also highlighted strategies such as rotating players for equal participation, encouraging mindfulness, and building rapport through shared experiences. They viewed caring climates as spaces where athletes feel respected, supported, and accepted as whole individuals, not just performers. Overall, this study found that if future sports and exercise leaders use behaviors such as listening, accessibility, and authentic connection, they can build inclusive and supportive environments. By focusing on empathy and intentional communication, leaders can promote confidence, motivation, and a sense of belonging, which are essential for long-term engagement and well-being among all sport participants.

"A team wouldn’t be without a physio, so why miss mental health?" Exploring the psychological demands of increased exposure and available support for female footballers

Daniel Butler — 2026-06-12

The increased profile of women’s football has been evidenced with increased fan presence and media exposure in England which presents unique challenges for players, and an opportunity to explore the impact on players and psychological support provisions available. 133 female footballers competing across the top four tiers in England volunteered to complete the online survey on Jisc. The survey comprised of 42 questions including open-ended and Likert scale questions, developed around four themes: a) general perspectives regarding the increased attention, b) performance and c) psychological implications of increased crowd presence, and d) player support and coping mechanisms. Open-ended responses were thematically analysed in line with Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step approach. Players referred to inspiring others, career fulfilment, professionalisation, and mental health benefits (e.g., pride) as positives associated with the progression. They also described negative consequences such as: increased pressure and anxiety, heightened scrutiny and abuse, balancing multiple demands with limited resources and inadequate infrastructure to support the rate of growth. 64.7% stated they would like more psychological support from their club. Key stakeholders should seek practicable solutions for enhancing the (often neglected) psychological support available.

Keywords: coping, crowd presence, stress, support, soccer.

Comparison of Resting Pilocarpine-Induced Sweat Sodium Concentration and Exercise-Induced Sweat Sodium Concentration

Madison Luthy — 2026-06-12

INTRODUCTION: Resting sweat sodium concentration is commonly estimated using pilocarpine iontophoresis and a commercial sweat sodium analyzer (SSA), yet it may not reflect changes in sweat sodium during exercise. PURPOSE: To compare pilocarpine-induced (resting) sweat sodium concentration with exercise-induced sweat sodium concentration during a 90-minute treadmill run. METHODS: Twenty-five adults (19–67 y) completed 32 total trials. Before exercise, a resting sweat sample was induced on the upper forearm via pilocarpine iontophoresis and collected with a Macroduct® device, then analyzed on the SSA. Participants then ran for 90 minutes at moderate intensity (~65% heart-rate reserve). Exercise sweat was collected on the inner forearm with Macroduct® collectors that were replaced at 15–30 minutes and at 90 minutes and analyzed on the SSA. Participants were categorized into high- and moderate-fitness groups based on heart-rate reserve. RESULTS: Mean (±SD) resting pilocarpine-induced sodium concentration was 51±17 mM. Exercise-induced sodium concentration averaged 52±18 mM at 15–30 minutes and 57±27 mM at 90 minutes, with no statistically significant differences versus pilocarpine values (p=0.73 and p=0.11, respectively). Subgroup trends indicated greater divergence in moderately fit participants, particularly moderately fit females, who showed the largest average increase from pilocarpine values by 90 minutes (~20% higher). CONCLUSION: Although group means were similar at rest and during exercise, meaningful individual and subgroup variability was observed. Resting pilocarpine-induced sweat sodium may not reliably represent exercise sweat sodium for all athletes, especially moderately fit females, highlighting the need for exercise-specific measurements when developing hydration and electrolyte replacement strategies.

“We’re All Dads Here”: The Impact of Transitions on Coach-Athlete Relationships in British Ski Racing Academies

Rosie Latto — 2026-06-12

The aim of this study was to examine how transitions within British ski racing academies impact coach-athlete relationships. Due to snow conditions in the UK, British alpine athletes who aspire to compete at international level often train in British-run but European-based residential ski academies. British ski academies constitute a previously unstudied setting, and are unique in that coaches and athletes live together in the academy house, leaving little separation between the training and home environments. The term “transitions” in the context of this paper refers to both longitudinal transition of athletes through age and competitive stage, and lateral transition between the training and home environments in the residential academies: the 2 transitions noted here were the initial focuses of this research. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with 7 professional coaches drawn from 2 British-run ski academies who operate European-based residential programmes. The research findings identified 2 additional transitions as significant: these were athletes’ longitudinal transition from UK training to full-time residential academy; and the lateral transition between training and race settings. The key findings within these transitions were the coaches’ role in facilitating athletes’ initial integration into academy; the significant impact that lateral transitions (between training and home/training and race) have on the coach-athlete relationship; and the role of gender in the coach-athlete relationship specifically in the transition from training to race settings. There were novel results from this research which reveal the scale of coaches’ pastoral role in a talent development environment where coaches and athletes live together. This study has implications for coaching education provision in British ski racing and has resulted in consultation with Snowsport Scotland on ways in which to improve coaches’ education and wellbeing, and enhance gender equity in coaching pathways.

The effect of altitude on decision making in male rugby union players

Matthew Waller — 2026-06-12

The body is typically forced to undergo several physiological adaptations when exposed to hypoxia, which can impact physical and cognitive performance. The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of altitude on cognitive function, specifically decision-making, in male athletes. Seven male rugby union players, at senior club level or above, performed a 15-minute cycling protocol (70-80% HRmax, with 3 × 6-s maximal sprints performed at 5, 10, and 15 min) in normoxia (FIO2 = 0.21%) and hypoxia (FIO2 = 0.15%) in a randomised order. Throughout both trials, a Stroop test was conducted immediately after each sprint to assess decision-making ability. Additionally, heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), along with average and peak power output were recorded. Stroop test time (13.3 ± 1.6 vs. 11.8 ± 1.6 s) and oxygen saturation (S_PO₂; 87 ± 2 vs. 97 ± 1%) were impaired in hypoxia compared to normoxia (P = 0.029 and P < 0.01 respectively). All other outcome measures showed no difference between trials. These data confirm that player decision making is negatively affected by altitude, likely due to reduced cerebral oxygenation driving the cognitive impairment. Our findings infer that while rugby union players may be capable of maintaining physiological stability over short durations at altitude, their cognitive ability may be inhibited, resulting in potentially handicapped decision-making during high pressure game situations.

Implementing the 3+1C model in dyadic relationships outside of the elite sport domain

Shelby Houchlei — 2026-06-12

Developing a high-quality coach-athlete relationship (CAR) has been shown to impact athletes' performance, motivations, and satisfaction. However, there is limited evidence on the implementation of the CAR frameworks (3+1C) into other dyadic relationships (e.g., the boss-employee, teacher-student, leader-follower) outside of the elite sport domain. Implementing the 3+1C framework outside of the elite sport domain has the potential to assist individuals in creating high quality relationships using a well-researched theory. This pilot study used the 3+1C model to explore the impactful qualities found in dyadic relationships outside of the elite level sport domain. Our sample size included 15 participants, 6 male and 9 female, being divided into 3 focus group discussions. Participants were prompted to answer a series of questions, allowing them to share their experiences and opinions as a response. Results showed that leaders who demonstrate closeness, commitment, and complementarity within their relationship. In contrast, disengagement from the coach and an ego-involving climate was seen as negative and detrimental to an individual’s experience and relationship with their leader. Our findings emphasize the significance of educating leaders (e.g., coaches, bosses, instructors, teachers) and hosting organizational interventions that are based on reflection and change, also giving followers autonomy and the ability to communicate their needs and idea. Educating leaders and promoting change amongst their leadership styles has the potential to impact a follower’s motivation, performance, relationship with their leader, and overall well-being.