The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of crank length and cadence on mechanical efficiency in hand cycling. Eight wheelchair dependent, high performance athletes completed four 4-min submaximal exercise bouts at a constant power output of 90 W over the different experimental conditions (crank length, pedal rate) using a sports hand bike (Draft, Godmanchester, UK). Two different crank lengths (180 and 220 mm) were tested at two different cadences (70 and 85 rev min(-1)) using the synchronous mode of cranking. Physiological measures of oxygen uptake (VO2) minute ventilation, blood lactate (B[La]), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded, gross (GE) and net (NE) efficiency were calculated. A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was applied to determine the effects of crank length, cadence and their interaction on these physiological measures. Both GE and NE were significantly higher and V(O)(2) significantly lower for the 180 mm crank (P < 0.05). No significant main effect was found for cadence on the physiological measures (P > 0.05). Likewise, no interactions between crank length and pedal rate were found. There was however, a trend observed with HR and B[La] often lower with the 180 mm crank, indicating lower physiological stress. The RPE data supported this finding, with a tendency for lower ratings with the 180 mm crank (9 +/- 2 vs. 10 +/- 3). The short crank length when used at 85 rev min(-1) was found to be the most efficient (GE 21.4 +/- 3.1%). In conclusion, crank length has a significant effect on ME in hand cycling. A shorter crank length of 180 mm was found to be more efficient than the 220 mm, regardless of pedal rate during hand cycling.

Background Netball is the one of the most popular women’s sports in the world. Since gaining professional status in 2008 there has been a rapid growth in research in the applied sports science and medicine of the sport. A scoping review of the area would provide practitioners and researchers with an overview of the current scientific literature to support on-court performance, player welfare and reduce injury. Objective The primary objective was to identify the current research on the applied sports science and medicine of netball. Additionally, the article provides a brief summary of the research in each topic of sports science and medicine in netball and identifies gaps in the current research. Methods Systematic searches of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE and CINAHL were undertaken from earliest record to Dec 2020 and reference lists were manually searched. The PRISMA-ScR protocol was followed. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they investigated netball as a sport or the applied sport science and medicine of netball athletes. Results 962 studies were identified in the initial search, 150 of which met the inclusion criteria. Injury was the most highly investigated sport science and medicine topic (n = 45), followed by physical qualities (n = 37), match characteristics (n = 24), biomechanics (n = 15), psychology (n = 13), fatigue and recovery (n = 9), training load (n = 4) and nutrition (n = 3). A range of cohorts were used from school to elite and international standards. All cohorts were female netballers, except for one study. A rapid growth in studies over recent years was demonstrated with 65% of studies published in the last decade. There still remains gaps in the literature, with a low evidence base for nutrition, training load and fatigue and recovery. Conclusion This scoping review summarises the current evidence base and key findings that can be used in practice to enhance the applied sport science and medical support to netball athletes across a range of playing standards, and support the growth of the sport. It is evident that netball as a sport is still under-researched.

Purpose/Rationale: Sport Science and Medicine practitioner (SSMP) delivery is clearly of interest, with numerous anecdotal insights to good practice and research focussing on the evaluation of competence in delivery. However, little research has explicitly examined perceptions of the skills sets, process and mechanisms that lead to good practice. Accordingly, our aim was to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of Sport Science and Medicine delivery, examining perceptions in high performance environments and whether constructs apparent in other performance domains could be relevant in the Sport Science and Medicine delivery context. Design/Methodology/Approach: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with six experienced Sport Science and Medicine practitioners and six primary employers of the support itself, namely performance directors. Data were transcribed and analysed to generate higher order themes.Findings: There were four emergent themes of environmental appreciation, role appreciation, understanding people and the importance of team for good practice delivery.Moreover, there were sources of knowledge apparent from other performance domains that offer constructs or concepts with implications for good practice in Sport Science and Medicine.Practical Implications: Findings promote a greater focus on non-technical skills, selection of appropriate delivery models, and an increased emphasis on evidence-based practice. Building from the results, we make some recommendations to support both the practitioner in striving for impactful delivery and those who lead and manage their delivery and development in the roles.Research Contribution: This academic evidence-based offering supports and extends current anecdotal insights on offer in his important function.

Purpose/Rationale: Good Practice in Sport Science and Medicine (SSM) delivery is clearly of interest and importance, with both anecdotal insights and developing empirical research focussing on the evaluation of good practice in delivery. Accordingly, to develop deeper understanding of the positive mechanisms of SSM delivery, our aim was to gain longitudinal insight from SMM practitioners (SSMPs) on their experiences of practice in service delivery. This included perceptions on preparation for their roles and the sources of challenge and support experienced in delivery environments. Design/Methodology/Approach:Semi-structured interviews were undertaken over a 6-month period with nine experienced SSMPs, representing six different disciplines. There were three stages of investigation: an induction interview, three longitudinal interviews at 4-6 weekly intervals and a final reflective interview. Data were transcribed and analysed to generate higher order themes. Findings: Results suggest SSMPs perceive a number of challenges to their delivery. The more significant of these were either organisational or interpersonal in nature. However, there were critical forms and sources of support which could aid in navigating the challenges experienced. This suggests both a key role for employment organisations in supporting SSMP delivery and a need for the SSMPs to focus on non-technical, interpersonal skills to support in navigating key challenges. Practical Implications: The more in-depth appreciation of sources of support and challenge has key implications for both the training and ongoing support on offer to SSMP. Research Contribution: Findings offer important and new empirical insight to GP delivery, specifically identifying gaps in training and the role employing organisations have in supporting SSMPs.

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