scholarly journals The Differences in Pacing Among Age Groups of Amateur Cross-Country Skiers Depend on Performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pantelis T. Nikolaidis ◽  
Thomas Rosemann ◽  
Beat Knechtle

AbstractPacing strategies have mainly been investigated for runners, but little is known for cross-country skiers. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of performance and age on pacing strategies in cross-country skiing. All finishers (women, n = 19,375; men, n = 86,190) in the ‘Engadin Ski Marathon’ (42 km) between 1998 and 2016 were analysed for the percentage change of speed at 10 km (Change A), 20 km (Change B) and 35 km (Change C). They were classified in performance groups according to quartiles of average race speed (Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4) and in 5-year age groups (<20, 20-24, 25-29… 85-89 years). Men were faster than women by +14.3% (15.2 ± 4.0 vs. 13.3 ± 3.3 km/h; p < 0.001, η2 = 0.215). A small impact of age group × performance group interaction on Change A was shown in women (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.026) and men (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.025), where Q1 augmented and Q4 attenuated the decrease in speed with aging. However, the impact of age group × performance group interaction on Change B and C was trivial (p = 0.002, η2 ≤ 0.010). Based on these findings, it was concluded that the differences in pacing among age groups depended on the performance level. Thus, the coaches and fitness trainers working with cross-country skiers should advise their athletes to consider both age and performance.

Author(s):  
Daniel Suter ◽  
Caio Victor Sousa ◽  
Lee Hill ◽  
Volker Scheer ◽  
Pantelis Theo Nikolaidis ◽  
...  

In recent years, there has been an increasing number of investigations analyzing the effects of sex, performance level, and age on pacing in various running disciplines. However, little is known about the impact of those factors on pacing strategies in ultramarathon trail running. This study investigated the effects of age, sex, and performance level on pacing in the UTMB® (Ultra-trail du Mont Blanc) and aimed to verify previous findings obtained in the research on other running disciplines and other ultramarathon races. Data from the UTMB® from 2008 to 2019 for 13,829 race results (12,681 men and 1148 women) were analyzed. A general linear model (two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)) was applied to identify a sex, age group, and interaction effect in pace average and pace variation. A univariate model (one-way ANOVA) was used to identify a sex effect for age, pace average, and pace variation for the fastest men and women. In our study, pace average and a steadier pace were positively correlated. Even pacing throughout the UTMB® correlated with faster finishing times. The average pace depended significantly on sex and age group. When considering the top five athletes in each age group, sex and age group also had significant effects on pace variation. The fastest women were older than the fastest men, and the fastest men were faster than the fastest women. Women had a higher pace variation than men. In male competitors, younger age may be advantageous for a successful finish of the UTMB®. Faster male runners seemed to be younger in ultramarathon trail running with large changes in altitude when compared to other distances and terrains.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 875-880
Author(s):  
Pantelis Nikolaidis ◽  
Elias Villiger ◽  
Thomas Rosemann ◽  
Beat Knechtle

AbstractThe aim of the study was to examine the effect of performance group by race time (10 groups;<3 h, 3–4 h, and so on up to>12 h) on pacing in women (n=19,465) and men (n=164,454) finishers in the ‘Vasaloppet’ cross-country (XC) skiing race from 2004 to 2017. The speed in the fastest and slowest split was analysed as a percentage of the mean race speed and pacing was defined as the difference (%) between the fastest and slowest split. Women had a larger pace range than men (44.0±10.6% versus 41.1±12.5%, respectively, p<0.001, d=0.25). An almost perfect relationship between performance group and pacing was observed in women (r=0.900, p<0.001) and men (r=0.908, p<0.001). A large main effect of performance on pacing was observed in women (p<0.001, η2=0.292), where the smaller range was in the<4 h group (22.8±3.3%) and the largest in the 10–11 h group (49.2±9.9%). In men, the corresponding values were 21.6±2.2% (<3 h group) and 51.6±11.2% (10–11 h group; p<0.001, η2=0.474). Based on these findings, it was concluded that fast XC skiers had relatively the most even pacing and pacing became less even with decreasing performance. This information is of practical value for coaches working with XC skiers to develop optimal sex- and performance-tailored pacing strategies.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Romero-Ramos ◽  
Emilio Fernández-Rodríguez ◽  
Rafael Merino-Marbán ◽  
Daniel Mayorga-Vega ◽  
Robert Podstawski

Abstract Introduction. Cross triathlon is a sport consisting of three segments: swimming, off-road cycling, and running. Our study analyses the differences in performance between genders and changes in performance in selected age categories at the ITU Cross World Championships held between 2011 and 2016. Material and methods. During this period, a total of 1,933 triathletes were analysed (1,472 men and 461 women). Two-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the impact of sex differences and age-related changes on performance (time, percentage of time, and performance ratio) in swimming, cycling, running, and total race. Results. The age groups with the highest level of participation were persons aged 40-44 and 45-49 years among men and women, respectively. With regards to performance in the different age groups, in men and women, its high level was maintained between 25 and 49 years, and it decreased significantly from the age of 50-54. In men, the best results in cycling and total race time were obtained in the 30-34 age group and in swimming and running in the 40-44 group. Women obtained the best results in running in the 25-29 age group, in cycling in the 30-34 group, and in swimming and total race time in the 35-39 group. Conclusions. The results of the study have confirmed that there is a demand for sports in 40+ age groups. As for performance in the different age groups, it was on a high level between 25 and 49 years and decreased significantly from the age of 50-54 onwards. According to these results, the sports training of these triathletes should be oriented so that they obtain their best results between 30 and 35 years of age.


Author(s):  
Milou Ohm ◽  
Susan J M Hahné ◽  
Arie van der Ende ◽  
Elizabeth A M Sanders ◽  
Guy A M Berbers ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In response to the recent serogroup W invasive meningococcal disease (IMD-W) epidemic in the Netherlands, meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) conjugate vaccination for 14-month-olds was replaced with a MenACWY conjugate vaccination, and a mass campaign targeting 14-18 year-olds was executed. We investigated the impact of MenACWY vaccination implementation in 2018-2020 on incidence rates and estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE). Methods We extracted all IMD cases diagnosed between July 2014 and December 2020 from the national surveillance system. We calculated age group-specific incidence rate ratios by comparing incidence rates before (July 2017-March 2018) and after (July 2019-March 2020) MenACWY vaccination implementation. We estimated VE in vaccine-eligible cases using the screening method. Results Overall, IMD-W incidence rate lowered by 61% (95%CI 40-74). It declined by 82% (95%CI 18-96) in vaccine-eligible age group (15-36 month-olds and 14-18 year-olds) and by 57% (95%CI 34-72) in vaccine non-eligible age groups. VE was 92% (95%CI -20-99.5) against IMD-W vaccine-eligible toddlers. No IMD-W cases were reported in vaccine-eligible teenagers after the campaign. Conclusions The MenACWY vaccination programme was effective in preventing IMD-W in the target population. The IMD-W incidence reduction in vaccine non-eligible age groups may be caused by indirect effects of the vaccination programme. However, disentangling natural fluctuation from vaccine-effect was not possible. Our findings encourage the use of toddler- and teenager MenACWY vaccination in national immunization programmes especially when implemented together with a teenager mass campaign during an epidemic.


2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 13-19
Author(s):  
Birutė Strukčinskienė ◽  
Robert Bauer ◽  
Sigitas Griškonis ◽  
Vaiva Strukčinskaitė

The aim of the study was to examine the long-term trends in pedestrian mortality for children (aged 0 to 14 years) and young people (aged 15 to 19 years) over four decades in transitional Lithuania. Methods. Road traffic fatality data were obtained from Statistics Lithuania and the Archives of Health Information Centre. Trends were analysed by linear regression using “Independence” as a slopechanging intervention in 1991 and population as a further explanatory factor in structural time series models. Results. The impact of the interventions, along with the reforms and changes related with the Independence, on pedestrian fatality trends in our time series model was found highly statistically significant for children 0 to 14 years (p<0.001) and still significant for young people 15 to 19 years (p<0.05). No significant impact on the trend of road traffic deaths was found for the “control-groups” of non-pedestrian road users in the age group 0 to 14 years and adult pedestrians (over 19 years of age). For the age group 15 to 19 years the effect of reforms was also significant for non-pedestrians (p<0.05). These results indicate that the effect of measures and changes used in the post-independence period was more specific in children that participated in road traffic as pedestrians than in adult pedestrians, or in nonpedestrian road users. Conclusions. Pedestrian deaths in Lithuania fell significantly in the age groups 0-14 and 15-19 years. A declining trend was found in road traffic fatalities and in pedestrian deaths in transitional Lithuania in the post-independence period. Socioeconomic and political transformations, systematic reforms in healthcare along with sustainable preventive measures may have contributed to this decrease. Targeted road safety measures were road traffic regulations, pedestrian education and environmentally based prevention measures. As child pedestrians are the most vulnerable group of road users, continued road safety education and promotion are recommended in order to maintain this trend, and to involve adult pedestrians in this development.


2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (02) ◽  
pp. 120-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronka Horber ◽  
Asma Fares ◽  
Mary Jane Platt ◽  
Catherine Arnaud ◽  
Ingeborg Krägeloh-Mann ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective This article describes associated impairments in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and its subtypes. Method Children born between 1990 and 2006 recorded in the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe common database were studied. An “impairment index” characterized severity of impairments and their combinations. Results Amongst the 11,015 children analyzed, 56% (n = 5,968) could walk unaided, 54% (4,972) had normal or near-normal intellect (intelligence quotient ≥ 70). Except for ataxic CP, associated impairments were less frequent when walking ability was preserved. The impairment index was low (walking unaided and normal or near-normal intellect) in 30% of cases; 54% (n = 1,637) in unilateral spastic, 24% (n = 79) in ataxic, 18% (n = 913) in bilateral spastic, and 7% (n = 50) in dyskinetic CP. Around 40% had a high impairment index (inability to walk and/or severe intellectual impairment ± additional impairments)—highest in dyskinetic (77%, n = 549) and bilateral spastic CP (54%, n = 2,680). The impairment index varied little in birth weight and gestational age groups. However, significantly fewer cases in the birth weight group ≤ 1,000 g or gestational age group ≤ 27 weeks had a low impairment index compared to the other birth weight and gestational age groups (23 and 24% vs. between 27 and 32%). Conclusion Thirty percent of the children with CP had a low impairment index (they were able to walk unaided and had a normal or near-normal intellect). Severity in CP was strongly associated to subtype, whereas the association was weak with birth weight or gestational age.


1988 ◽  
Vol 32 (13) ◽  
pp. 760-764
Author(s):  
Robert F. Randolph

Leaders of task-oriented production groups play an important role in their group's functioning and performance. That role also evolves as groups mature and learn to work together more smoothly. The present study uses a functional analysis of the evolving role of supervisors of underground coal mining crews to evaluate the impact of supervisors' characteristics and behaviors on their crews' efficiency and safety, and makes recommendations for improving supervisory selection and training. Data were gathered from a sample of 138 supervisors at 13 underground coal mines. Detailed structured observations of the supervisors indicated that most of their time was spent attending to hardware and paperwork, while comparatively little time was spent on person to person “leadership”. The findings point out that while group needs changed over time, the supervisors' behaviors typically did not keep pace and probably restricted group performance.


2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S103-S109
Author(s):  
Harish Verma ◽  
Zubairu Iliyasu ◽  
Kehinde T Craig ◽  
Natalie A Molodecky ◽  
Utibeabasi Urua ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Kano state has been a protracted reservoir of poliovirus in Nigeria. Immunity trends have been monitored through seroprevalence surveys since 2011. The survey in 2015 was, in addition, intended to assess the impact of use of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). Methods It was a health facility based seroprevalence survey. Eligible children aged 6-9, 12-15 and 19-22 months of age brought to the paediatrics outpatient department of Murtala Mohammad Specialist Hospital between 19 October and 6 November 2015, were screened for eligibility. Eligible children were enrolled after parental consent, history taken, physical examination conducted, and a blood sample collected to test for neutralizing antibody titres against the three poliovirus serotypes. Results Overall, 365 results were available in the three age groups. In the 6-9-month-old age group, the seroprevalence was 73% (95% confidence interval [CI] 64-80%), 83% (95% CI 75-88%), and 66% (95% CI 57-73%) for serotypes 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the 12-15- and 19-22-month-old age groups, seroprevalence was higher but still remained <90% across serotypes. Seroprevalence to serotypes 1 and 3 in 2015 was similar to 2014; however, for serotype 2 there was a significant improvement. IPV received in supplemental immunization activities was found to be a significant predictor of seropositivity among 6-9-month-old infants for serotypes 1 and 2. Conclusions Seroprevalence for serotypes 1 and 3 remains low (<80%) in 6-9-month-olds. This poses a significant risk for poliovirus spread if reintroduced into the population. Efforts to strengthen immunization coverage are imperative to secure and sustain high population immunity.


Hand ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 534-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
William P. Mosenthal ◽  
Haroutioun H. Boyajian ◽  
Sandra A. Ham ◽  
Megan A. Conti Mica

Background: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common upper extremity fractures in adults. This study seeks to elucidate the impact age, fracture type, and patient comorbidities have on the current treatment of DRFs and risk of complications. We hypothesized that comorbidities rather than age would relate to the risk of complications in the treatment of DRFs. Methods: A retrospective review of data was performed for patients treated between 2007 and 2014 using Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases. Patients who sustained a DRF were separated into “closed” versus “open” treatment groups, and the association between patient demographics, treatment type, and comorbidities with complication rates was analyzed, along with the trend of treatment modalities throughout the study time interval. Results: In total, 155 353 DRFs were identified; closed treatment predominated in all age groups with the highest percentage of open treatment occurring in the 50- to 59-year age group. Between 2007 and 2014, there was an increase in the rate of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in all age groups <90 with the largest increase (11%) occurring in the 70- to 79-year age group. Higher complication rates were observed in the open treatment group in all ages <90 years with a trend toward decreasing complication rates as age increased. Comorbidities were more strongly associated with the risk of developing complications than age. Conclusions: Closed treatment of DRFs remains the predominant treatment method among all age groups, but DRFs are increasingly being treated with ORIF. Emphasis on the patients’ comorbidities rather than chronological age should be considered in the treatment decision-making process of elderly patients with DRFs.


Author(s):  
Neville J King ◽  
Kate Ollier ◽  
Eleonora Gullone

ABSTRACTUsing an extended fear survey schedule, 72 per cent of a sample of 8 to 16 year old children and adolescents in Australia reported a lot of fear of nuclear war. Although a high proportion of respondents in all age groups expressed a lot of fear of nuclear war, significantly more respondents in the middle age group (11-13 years) were found to be afraid. Consistent with the findings on children's fears in general, significantly more females than males reported fear of nuclear war. Further research should be undertaken on the impact of the fear of nuclear war on the psychological development of children and adolescents.


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