title: Heat management strategies in elite rugby sevens

authors: Fenemor, Stephen Paul

abstract: The purpose of this thesis was to develop and implement heat management strategies for international elite men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams competing in hot and humid conditions. The first three of six experimental chapters aimed to characterise the physiological, perceptual, and performance perturbations that undertaking rugby sevens specific exercise in hot and humid conditions involves. The following three experimental chapters built upon these characterisations by investigating practical, training-integrated interventions, designed to alleviate the stressors that collectively impair performance.
Study One (Chapter Three) investigated the validity of two practical measures of core and skin temperature (T꜀; Tsₛₖ during exercise in hot and humid conditions, to identify a measurement tool that could be used during subsequent investigations within the thesis. A tympanic thermometer (to measure tympanic temperature; Tₜyₘₚ) provided sufficient levels of validity compared to gold-standard gastrointestinal T꜀ measurement, while a portable infrared thermometer was not valid for measurement of Tₛₖ, compared to the criterion measure of hard-wired skin thermistors.

Study Two (Chapter Four) involved the characterisation of T꜀, and physiological and performance characteristics that mediate T꜀ change across a rugby sevens tournament played in hot and humid conditions. Commonly measured variables such as playing minutes, high-speed distance, and total distance significantly predicted post-game T꜀ during an international rugby sevens tournament played in hot and humid conditions. In turn, post warm-up Tc significantly predicted post-game T꜀. Moreover, during each tournament day sequential increases in mean T꜀ post warm-up were shown, and all post-baseline measures were greater than baseline on day one and day two, indicative of a cumulative increase in T꜀ across the tournament, particularly during non-competition exercise.

Study Three (Chapter Five) investigated the differences in heat stress between high-intensity running in temperate and hot conditions, while also assessing the application of an off-feet (cycling) heat response test that would be practical to use within the training weeks of an elite rugby sevens team. Acute heat stress resulted in large increases in physiological and perceptual thermal strain when compared to the same exercise stimulus performed in temperate conditions. Furthermore, these increases in thermal strain were associated with a large performance decrement. When comparing running to cycling heat response tests, moderate – large physiological differences were evident, whereas no clear effects on any variables associated with perceptual thermal heat stress were observed. High-intensity running in the heat induces high physiological strain and additional mechanical load that may not be suitable for elite team-sport athletes, meanwhile, high-intensity cycling in the heat induces thermal strain sufficient to drive adaptation and can replicate the perceptual, but not the physiological stress associated with high-intensity running in the heat.

Study Four (Chapter Six) investigated the effectiveness and retention of 10-days of mixed active/passive heat acclimation (HA) integrated within two-weeks of an elite male rugby sevens team training program. Five days of mixed-methods HA elicited some typical physiological, perceptual, and performance adaptations, with an additional five days eliciting further improvements in T꜀, sweat rate, and performance during an intermittent sprint heat response test. Furthermore, most adaptations were retained after 16-days of normal training with no additional environmental heat exposure, providing initial evidence for the efficacy of a practical, and ecologically valid, mixed-methods HA protocol within an elite teams training program.

Study Five (Chapter Seven) examined physiological, perceptual and performance changes during and following 10-days of (primarily) passive HA integrated into an elite female rugby sevens teams training program. Meaningful changes in resting and submaximal Tₜyₘₚ were achieved only after the full 10-day HA protocol, however these were not well-retained after 15 days without any further heat stimulus. Concurrently, meaningful increases in repeated-sprint peak power output were evident, while no sudomotor or cardiovascular changes were apparent during or post HA. Ten days of (primarily) passive HA elicits minor thermoregulatory and performance benefit when integrated into an elite team’s training program. However, such a protocol does not provide a sufficient thermal impulse for adaptations to be retained after 15-days with no further heat stimulus.

Study Six (Chapter Eight) investigated the application of internal and external cooling strategies delivered via the use of ice slurry ingestion and the application of ice towels to the head, neck, and face before and during a repeated high-intensity exercise heat response test within an international elite men’s rugby sevens team. The use of this cooling strategy resulted beneficial physiological changes and beneficial changes in indices of thermal perception. Furthermore, there was a small increase in mean time-trial power output during compared to undertaking no cooling.

With very limited previous research on heat management strategies in rugby sevens, particularly in an elite setting, the research within this thesis is among the first to address these critical areas of preparation and performance in an elite rugby sevens context. It is recommended that practitioners include a combination of practical heat acclimation and cooling strategies within their heat management plan when performing in hot conditions.

text: Heat management strategies in elite rugby sevens The purpose of this thesis was to develop and implement heat management strategies for international elite men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams competing in hot and humid conditions. The first three of six experimental chapters aimed to characterise the physiological, perceptual, and performance perturbations that undertaking rugby sevens specific exercise in hot and humid conditions involves. The following three experimental chapters built upon these characterisations by investigating practical, training-integrated interventions, designed to alleviate the stressors that collectively impair performance.
Study One (Chapter Three) investigated the validity of two practical measures of core and skin temperature (T꜀; Tsₛₖ during exercise in hot and humid conditions, to identify a measurement tool that could be used during subsequent investigations within the thesis. A tympanic thermometer (to measure tympanic temperature; Tₜyₘₚ) provided sufficient levels of validity compared to gold-standard gastrointestinal T꜀ measurement, while a portable infrared thermometer was not valid for measurement of Tₛₖ, compared to the criterion measure of hard-wired skin thermistors.

Study Two (Chapter Four) involved the characterisation of T꜀, and physiological and performance characteristics that mediate T꜀ change across a rugby sevens tournament played in hot and humid conditions. Commonly measured variables such as playing minutes, high-speed distance, and total distance significantly predicted post-game T꜀ during an international rugby sevens tournament played in hot and humid conditions. In turn, post warm-up Tc significantly predicted post-game T꜀. Moreover, during each tournament day sequential increases in mean T꜀ post warm-up were shown, and all post-baseline measures were greater than baseline on day one and day two, indicative of a cumulative increase in T꜀ across the tournament, particularly during non-competition exercise.

Study Three (Chapter Five) investigated the differences in heat stress between high-intensity running in temperate and hot conditions, while also assessing the application of an off-feet (cycling) heat response test that would be practical to use within the training weeks of an elite rugby sevens team. Acute heat stress resulted in large increases in physiological and perceptual thermal strain when compared to the same exercise stimulus performed in temperate conditions. Furthermore, these increases in thermal strain were associated with a large performance decrement. When comparing running to cycling heat response tests, moderate – large physiological differences were evident, whereas no clear effects on any variables associated with perceptual thermal heat stress were observed. High-intensity running in the heat induces high physiological strain and additional mechanical load that may not be suitable for elite team-sport athletes, meanwhile, high-intensity cycling in the heat induces thermal strain sufficient to drive adaptation and can replicate the perceptual, but not the physiological stress associated with high-intensity running in the heat.

Study Four (Chapter Six) investigated the effectiveness and retention of 10-days of mixed active/passive heat acclimation (HA) integrated within two-weeks of an elite male rugby sevens team training program. Five days of mixed-methods HA elicited some typical physiological, perceptual, and performance adaptations, with an additional five days eliciting further improvements in T꜀, sweat rate, and performance during an intermittent sprint heat response test. Furthermore, most adaptations were retained after 16-days of normal training with no additional environmental heat exposure, providing initial evidence for the efficacy of a practical, and ecologically valid, mixed-methods HA protocol within an elite teams training program.

Study Five (Chapter Seven) examined physiological, perceptual and performance changes during and following 10-days of (primarily) passive HA integrated into an elite female rugby sevens teams training program. Meaningful changes in resting and submaximal Tₜyₘₚ were achieved only after the full 10-day HA protocol, however these were not well-retained after 15 days without any further heat stimulus. Concurrently, meaningful increases in repeated-sprint peak power output were evident, while no sudomotor or cardiovascular changes were apparent during or post HA. Ten days of (primarily) passive HA elicits minor thermoregulatory and performance benefit when integrated into an elite team’s training program. However, such a protocol does not provide a sufficient thermal impulse for adaptations to be retained after 15-days with no further heat stimulus.

Study Six (Chapter Eight) investigated the application of internal and external cooling strategies delivered via the use of ice slurry ingestion and the application of ice towels to the head, neck, and face before and during a repeated high-intensity exercise heat response test within an international elite men’s rugby sevens team. The use of this cooling strategy resulted beneficial physiological changes and beneficial changes in indices of thermal perception. Furthermore, there was a small increase in mean time-trial power output during compared to undertaking no cooling.

With very limited previous research on heat management strategies in rugby sevens, particularly in an elite setting, the research within this thesis is among the first to address these critical areas of preparation and performance in an elite rugby sevens context. It is recommended that practitioners include a combination of practical heat acclimation and cooling strategies within their heat management plan when performing in hot conditions.

year: 2022

title: Design issues for World Wide Web navigation visualisation tools

authors: Cockburn, Andy

subjects: World Wide Web

abstract: The World Wide Web (WWW) is a successful hypermedia information space used by millions of people, yet it suffers from many deficiencies and problems in support for navigation around its vast information space. In this paper we identify the origins of these navigation problems, namely WWW browser design, WWW page design, and WWW page description languages. Regardless of their origins, these problems are eventually represented to the user at the browser’s user interface. To help overcome these problems, many tools are being developed which allow users to visualise WWW subspaces. We identify five key issues in the design and functionality of these visualisation systems: characteristics of the visual representation, the scope of the subspace representation, the mechanisms for generating the visualisation, the degree of browser independence, and the navigation support facilities. We provide a critical review of the diverse range of WWW visualisation tools with respect to these issues.

text: Design issues for World Wide Web navigation visualisation tools The World Wide Web (WWW) is a successful hypermedia information space used by millions of people, yet it suffers from many deficiencies and problems in support for navigation around its vast information space. In this paper we identify the origins of these navigation problems, namely WWW browser design, WWW page design, and WWW page description languages. Regardless of their origins, these problems are eventually represented to the user at the browser’s user interface. To help overcome these problems, many tools are being developed which allow users to visualise WWW subspaces. We identify five key issues in the design and functionality of these visualisation systems: characteristics of the visual representation, the scope of the subspace representation, the mechanisms for generating the visualisation, the degree of browser independence, and the navigation support facilities. We provide a critical review of the diverse range of WWW visualisation tools with respect to these issues.

year: 1997-01

title: Journeys of Māori women in engineering and engineering trades: Navigating challenges and embracing identity

authors: Moridnejad, Maryam

subjects: engineering

abstract: CONTEXT 
This paper reports a study that explores the lived experiences of five Māori women in New Zealand who are engaged in engineering and engineering trades, aiming to inspire more Māori women to join these fields. Through in-depth interviews, three key phases of their lives are examined: upbringing, educational experiences, and professional encounters. The research identifies barriers and strategies these women employed, revealing themes such as identity development, stereotyping, cultural identity, determination, and support.  

PURPOSE OR GOAL
Diversity remains a persistent concern within traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering and trades. Literature underscores the invaluable contributions of a diverse workforce, including fresh perspectives, insights, and innovative problem-solving approaches. Efforts to enhance diversity in engineering education must address systemic barriers across all levels of education. The aim of this study is to give voice to Māori women in engineers and engineering trades. The study explores participants' career choices, childhood, schooling, tertiary education, and workplace experiences.

APPROACH OR METHODOLOGY/METHODS
The study is underpinned by a feminist poststructuralist conceptual framework, emphasizing that knowledge is constructed rather than discovered, and power relations are shaped within cultural and societal contexts. Data collection involved an initial short questionnaire and two semi-structured interviews. Qualitative inductive analysis was used. Early thematic coding occurred during the analysis of initial questionnaires to identify key themes for the interviews. Interview data were coded inductively by research assistants and cross-checked by the main researchers to find common themes. In a further analysis phase, interview transcripts were loaded into ChatGPT to identify key commonalities, which were compared with researchers’ codes to finalize the themes. These themes framed the discussion and provided a basis for understanding the lived experiences of Māori women in engineering and engineering trades.

ACTUAL OR ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES
The lives and experiences the five Māori women in this study illuminate the unique experiences and challenges faced by indigenous women pursuing careers in engineering and engineering trades. By amplifying their voices, this research highlights their perspectives, celebrates their agency and resilience, and showcases how they assert themselves, overcome challenges, and advocate for gender equality in their professions. Common themes such as identity development, others’ beliefs and attitudes, cultural identity, determination, and support and encouragement frame the discussion, assisting in demystifying societal realities and gaining insight into their social realities. This research aims to empower and make these women visible. The findings highlight the need for timely career guidance in schools, dismantling gender stereotypes early, and integrating Māori culture into workplaces to foster equity and inclusion.

CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS/SUMMARY
Collaborative efforts from educators, researchers, and policymakers are needed to address systemic barriers and create inclusive pathways for indigenous women and other underrepresented groups into engineering. Flexible support services tailored to the diverse needs are essential for facilitating success in these fields. The researchers suggest further research should focus on longitudinal studies tracking the career trajectories of minority groups, exploring how cultural and gender identities influence educational experiences, evaluating the effectiveness of existing support programmes, and examining the role of mentorship and support networks in empowering minority students to succeed in engineering and trades careers.

text: Journeys of Māori women in engineering and engineering trades: Navigating challenges and embracing identity CONTEXT 
This paper reports a study that explores the lived experiences of five Māori women in New Zealand who are engaged in engineering and engineering trades, aiming to inspire more Māori women to join these fields. Through in-depth interviews, three key phases of their lives are examined: upbringing, educational experiences, and professional encounters. The research identifies barriers and strategies these women employed, revealing themes such as identity development, stereotyping, cultural identity, determination, and support.  

PURPOSE OR GOAL
Diversity remains a persistent concern within traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering and trades. Literature underscores the invaluable contributions of a diverse workforce, including fresh perspectives, insights, and innovative problem-solving approaches. Efforts to enhance diversity in engineering education must address systemic barriers across all levels of education. The aim of this study is to give voice to Māori women in engineers and engineering trades. The study explores participants' career choices, childhood, schooling, tertiary education, and workplace experiences.

APPROACH OR METHODOLOGY/METHODS
The study is underpinned by a feminist poststructuralist conceptual framework, emphasizing that knowledge is constructed rather than discovered, and power relations are shaped within cultural and societal contexts. Data collection involved an initial short questionnaire and two semi-structured interviews. Qualitative inductive analysis was used. Early thematic coding occurred during the analysis of initial questionnaires to identify key themes for the interviews. Interview data were coded inductively by research assistants and cross-checked by the main researchers to find common themes. In a further analysis phase, interview transcripts were loaded into ChatGPT to identify key commonalities, which were compared with researchers’ codes to finalize the themes. These themes framed the discussion and provided a basis for understanding the lived experiences of Māori women in engineering and engineering trades.

ACTUAL OR ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES
The lives and experiences the five Māori women in this study illuminate the unique experiences and challenges faced by indigenous women pursuing careers in engineering and engineering trades. By amplifying their voices, this research highlights their perspectives, celebrates their agency and resilience, and showcases how they assert themselves, overcome challenges, and advocate for gender equality in their professions. Common themes such as identity development, others’ beliefs and attitudes, cultural identity, determination, and support and encouragement frame the discussion, assisting in demystifying societal realities and gaining insight into their social realities. This research aims to empower and make these women visible. The findings highlight the need for timely career guidance in schools, dismantling gender stereotypes early, and integrating Māori culture into workplaces to foster equity and inclusion.

CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS/SUMMARY
Collaborative efforts from educators, researchers, and policymakers are needed to address systemic barriers and create inclusive pathways for indigenous women and other underrepresented groups into engineering. Flexible support services tailored to the diverse needs are essential for facilitating success in these fields. The researchers suggest further research should focus on longitudinal studies tracking the career trajectories of minority groups, exploring how cultural and gender identities influence educational experiences, evaluating the effectiveness of existing support programmes, and examining the role of mentorship and support networks in empowering minority students to succeed in engineering and trades careers.

year: 2024