The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Does playing contact sports make you more likely to suffer long-term damage later in life? And does it matter? During the recent International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Prof. Ross Tucker witnessed two sides to a controversial story that has both legal and ethical implications. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first of a three-part series on rugby union, we discuss the women's game with passionate rugby journalist Jess Hayden. We delve into the rapid growth in participation, viewership and interest in the last five years, and discuss the unique medical and welfare challenges faced by women, and the research that needs to be done to reduce risks to players. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The question as to whether disabled athletes with prosthetic limbs can compete in able-bodied events has been steeped in controversy since the days of Oscar Pistorius in 2009. But since American Blake Leeper hit the headlines in 2019 the debate has been re-ignited with two groups of scientists on opposing sides. We speak to one of the world's foremost biomechanical experts - Dr Peter Weyand, Professor of applied physiology and biomechanics at Southern Methodist University in Dallas - to break down his side of an intriguing15-year-old saga.SHOW NOTESThis week’s caught my eye, on Triathlon’s inaction on shoe technology: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/news/world-triathlon-confirms-idens-imwc-shoes-not-illegal-no-rules-on-running-shoes/Some background on the Kenyan doping cases this year, including the “new drug” (old to cycling fans), triamcinolone: https://www.letsrun.com/news/2022/10/2021-boston-marathon-champ-diana-kipyokei-suspended-and-her-agent-doesnt-hold-back-diana-is-completely-guilty-i-am-sorry/Peter Weyand’s Locomotor lab YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/LocomotorLabSMUPeter Weyand’s most recent article on double amputees and sprint performance: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.220397The “compromise” paper by Weyand et al prior to the debate and split in the research team: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00174.2009Peter Weyand’s counterpoint response that concludes a 12s advantage to Pistorius: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/pdf/10.1152/japplphysiol.01238.2009aThe CAS Decision on the first Leeper appeal, including the remarkable claims about Leeper’s true ability (372 & 373): https://www.tas-cas.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Award__6807___for_publication_.pdfThe World Athletics Mechanical Aid Review Panel decision when Leeper appealed the first CAS decision: https://www.worldathletics.org/news/press-releases/world-athletics-panel-decision-application-from-blake-leeperCAS Summary of the second decision in the Leeper appeal: https://www.tas-cas.org/fileadmin/user_upload/CAS_Media_Release_7930.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few have studied protein in sports as much as Prof Stuart Phillips, from the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. Together with the team, Phillips shares some of the latest research on the value of protein in exercise sports, discuss whether protein supplementation has any real value in enhancing recovery and performance and what the best type of protein is to consume.SHOW NOTES:CAUGHT MY EYE SEGMENT:WADA bans tramadol, now that the proverbial horse has bolted (The horse is from Colombia, and rides a bike): https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/wada-outlaws-tramadol-use-2024-maintains-cannabis-ban-2022-09-23/#:~:text=SYDNEY%2C%20Sept%2023%20(Reuters),on%20cannabis%20after%20a%20review.Good piece by Matt Lawton on the boxing controversy, the fight that ended up not happening: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cadf7aae-44e9-11ed-8885-043c27446b97?shareToken=0fd65796afe945e5ad8a6e6c98d2c4f3Article on the doping suspension and investigation of a Portuguese pro team leading to numerous bans: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/seven-portugese-riders-banned-over-dopingA detailed article on the angling cheating scandal: https://www.yahoo.com/news/lead-weights-and-lie-detectors-the-scandal-that-rocked-a-cleveland-fishing-tournament-and-became-worldwide-news-033353103.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMnouSCoCuNO7biPeFoeAg4JzCiXcWAF2pp0quSL3c5pBqL2HG-R8-UB2ZoJ5LEuhkcvZTC-2jUHv3LRIRoqgS5hDosIKtpYqGG3hXj3aRedy08l82XfFNjDo3zi3gt8v73hjXjuAiY9IGDwv99bCPg3xzqa4VJ_b8zHMWDK6I3rMAIN INTERVIEWThe article mentioned by guest Stuart Phillips on protein supplementation requirements: https://www.clalit.co.il/he/lifestyle/sport/fitness/Documents/2004_ProteinRequirementsandSupplementationinStrengthSports.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the young talents of US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz and Tour of Spain champion Remco Evenepoel to the good and the bad of commentators, the team wrap up a week of sporting action plus delve into how sugars are processed by the body during exercise and how to best to make them work for you.SHOW NOTES:Marine Doping Controversy link to story on the New York Times.https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/30/us/navy-seal-training-death.html?unlocked_article_code=kiOrYVUmlzRdYjELh6prnMUVKRd2FVeZeOXb0NEm5THQ_FBpuuWKjDnBz-WafQLeOf1ALVzBSCrnGiIHsINBjfrO5ZRM5Bc12Lo5RkjYBoSM__xSlOImFPjkKpr25dq0dWUiLGucxRQD4Qwp2dZ1lyDPEsWGl8cS1KJ1eurUlIqEw-reYerQfvzUZL-oS1uRC53q5WBhbzsvWMqjLjZtaqVaL7DInOA722CpT6UyphjF5i5Vv9G4tQimDGSKfKPmoytPjEHKicR2n1e0MwZAOJk9fkiaMsra5Z1TtaCU_kus9WOkKOYA5VGjek1XIl0lFNOMpFlaDEG0mITzrQ&smid=share-urlBest To Follow On Cycling Analysishttps://twitter.com/ammattipyoraily?s=11&t=a7EZLuz7EjR6jo1Tj6mQZQhttps://twitter.com/naichacacycling?s=11&t=a7EZLuz7EjR6jo1Tj6mQZQhttps://twitter.com/cyclinggraphs?s=11&t=a7EZLuz7EjR6jo1Tj6mQZQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elite ultra runner Jenna Challenor made headlines during the recent 89km (56-mile) Comrades Marathon when she crawled across the finish line on all fours to finish fourth. Mike Finch talks to her about her Comrades experience, how she dealt with debilitating long Covid, training and pacing strategies and how to tough it out.SHOW NOTES: Jenna Challenor's dramatic Comrades finish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULZQiAZF03A Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team take a look at the world of endurance running after the recent Comrades Marathon and discuss why humans are so successful at long distance running. We discuss adaptations and physiology, how muscle is affected by long distance running and why long distance trail events are so different from long road events from a physiological perspective.SHOW NOTESCaught My Eye SegmentThe article on the ball controversy at the US Open: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/29/us-open-tennis-balls-row-iga-swiatekScience of Ultras SegmentLetsRun article on the Triple Crown of Ultra running, including Comrades and UTMB: https://www.letsrun.com/news/2019/06/the-greatest-ultramarathons-in-the-world-the-triple-crown-of-ultras-comrades-western-states-utmb/The study by Millet et al that was discussed on the show, showing how muscle function is affected by UTMB: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0017059A scientific review on physiology and pathophysiology of Ultra running: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.00634/fullA Guardian piece on men and women in Ultra marathons: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jan/03/female-ultra-athletes-leading-field-women-less-ego Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team speak to cardiopulmonary physiotherapist Samantha Holtzhausen about the role of effective breathing in life and exercise. Holtzhausen explains why good breathing can aid performance, reduce illness and even make you happier, and then gives some practical advice on how to improve your breathing.SHOW NOTES:Caught My Eye Topic:A paper that describes the second wind in patients with McArdle’s disease, who can’t break down glycogen: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24651984/#:~:text=Patients%20with%20McArdle's%20disease%20(McA,a%20few%20minutes%20of%20exercise.Another more recent study on McArdle Disease, including the case that was described on the show, whose HR and effort levels both drop when the oxidative fuel supply kick in: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/782745On Breathing For ExerciseWebsite on the concepts discussed on show: https://www.bradcliff.com/Samantha Holtshauzen on Instagram: @samanthaholtz, @nhhpulmonaryrehabHer practice on Facebook: NHH Pulmonary RehabilitationPractice website: www.nhhphysio.co.zaArticles on the breathing issues discussed:Breathing pattern disorders and physiotherapy: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265887552_Breathing_pattern_disorders_and_physiotherapy_inspiration_for_our_professionBreathing chemistry and carbon dioxide: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242546547_Better_Chemistry_Through_Breathing_The_Story_of_Carbon_Dioxide_and_How_It_Can_Go_WrongRespiratory health in susceptible athletes: https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2020/11/26/13993003.03722-2020Managing respiratory problems in athletic individuals: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/77/6/540 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From amateur to pro, allergies affect a relatively large proportion of athletes. But the latest treatments and protocols could end the suffering. The team talk to specialist allergologist Prof. Claudia Gray about the latest research and treatments, what allergies really are and the surprising prevalence of allergies among sports people.SHOW NOTES:Caught My Eye Segment on Nairo Quintana and Tramadol:The UCI Policy in which the Tramadol rule and procedures are explained: https://assets.ctfassets.net/761l7gh5x5an/4dfXPdgyPYHuFUwsEpXO5v/2611cc440358c188af2746d6195659f2/part-xiii---medical-rules---01.03.2020.pdfThe USADA article on tramadol, including their request to ban it and testimony from athletes: https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/tramadol-why-some-athletes-and-anti-doping-experts-want-it-banned/A paper describing tramadol use, including four studies on its effects: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8222773/#:~:text=Results%20of%20this%20study%20revealed,et%20al.%2C%202018b).Paper on elite young Italian cyclists in which they (wrongly) identify tramadol as doping: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24184855/Prof. Claudia Gray InterviewThe IOC systematic review on the prevalence of lower airway dysfunction: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/56/4/213A related article on the incidence of asthma in elite Swedish Athletes: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02770903.2020.1728769#:~:text=In%20the%20present%20study%2C%20the,%2Dyears)%20(11%E2%80%9313Dr Claudia Gray on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_claudia_gray/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does exercise affect heart rate (HR)? The team discuss everything from HR drift and fatigue to a special interview with Heart Rate Variability (HRV) expert Marco Altini. We break down why HRV may be the best way to measure physiological and psychological stress and why it's opening up a new way of heart rate monitoring.SHOW NOTES:Caught my eye:The UCI Policy on covid: https://assets.ctfassets.net/761l7gh5x5an/6J9stmEo2OIrC7tr8VqU2f/e471f21f58c91254b070daf24c3290cf/2022.06.27_COVID_Protocol_Road_ENG.pdfThe article by Alan Abrahamson on Shelby Houlihan and US attitudes to doping: https://www.3wiresports.com/articles/2022/7/29/americans-insist-they-care-about-doping-in-sports-and-then-theres-shelby-houlihanMathieu van der Poel on altitude and his TDF struggles: https://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/van-der-poel-suspects-altitude-training-to-blame-for-tour-slump/News of a change in the RFU’s policy on trans players: https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/rfu-council-votes-in-favour-of-change-to-gender-participation-policyMarco Altini interview on HRV:The four-part series by Marco on HRV, explaining what it is, how to measure it, and a lot of case studies:Part 1: https://medium.com/@marco_alt/the-ultimate-guide-to-heart-rate-variability-hrv-part-1-70a0a392fff4Part 2: https://medium.com/@marco_alt/the-ultimate-guide-to-heart-rate-variability-hrv-part-2-323a38213fbcPart 3: https://medium.com/@marco_alt/the-ultimate-guide-to-heart-rate-variability-hrv-part-3-5fe902f3d2b3Part 4: https://medium.com/@marco_alt/the-ultimate-guide-to-heart-rate-variability-hrv-part-4-909b52f71131The website of HRV4Training: https://www.hrv4training.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

09:13 - 2022 World Athletics Championships: From suspect timing systems to the accidental super shoe, the biannual celebration of track and field served up a feast of talking points including what the future of the sport may look like. 57:37 - Tour de France: The fans conundrum: Most exciting Tour in years or are we in the middle of a new performance-enhancing substance era? What we know.SHOW NOTESThe article that caught the eye of Patron Liam Fergus, describing Ryan Crouser’s diet: https://www.worldathletics.org/news/feature/ryan-crouser-usa-shot-put-perfectionThe study that found no relationship between fat-free mass and shot put performance, discussed in the Caught my Eye segment: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/46403565_Body_Composition_and_Performance_in_Shot_Put_Athletes_at_Preseason_and_at_CompetitionSean Ingle’s piece on the shoes worn by Nigeria’s 100m hurdles WR break Tobi Amusan: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jul/25/tobi-amusan-shatters-100m-hurdles-world-record-to-reignite-super-shoes-debateThe Letsrun.com compilation of data suggesting something was up with the timing system in Eugene: https://www.letsrun.com/news/2022/07/was-devon-allen-screwed-theres-at-least-a-99-9-chance-that-he-was/The 2009 Study suggesting a change in the reaction time allowed in sprint events: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278022260_IAAF_Sprint_Start_Research_Project_Is_the_100_ms_limit_still_validA piece looking at the contribution of doping, anti-doping and technology to the speed of professional cycling: https://cyclingtips.com/2022/06/why-has-worldtour-racing-gotten-so-fast-an-investigation/Thibault Pinot’s comments on the two speeds in the peloton: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/there-is-still-cycling-at-two-speeds-thibaut-pinot-speaks-out-on-cortisone-and-ketone-use-in-the-peloton-490284Joe Lindsey’s excellent article on Pogacar’s time loss to Vinegaard in the Tour, describing the CP model and the fueling issues that may have been responsible. https://www.bicycling.com/tour-de-france/a40632389/what-happened-to-tadej-pogacar/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From understanding heart rate zones to the best stance for recovery, the use of TUE's in sport after the Rafael Nadal-Thibaut Pinot controversy and how heat training affects haemoglobin production in training. Plus much more. We answer the most intriguing questions from our Patron supporters.Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thescienceofsportSHOW NOTES: The podcast we did on the DSDs  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caster-semenya-explaining-sex-vs-gender-in-sport/id1461719225?i=1000437011090A clear and concise explanation of the three-zone system of moderate, heavy and severe exercise to guide your zone training: https://drmarkburnley.wordpress.com/2020/08/31/exercise-intensity-domains-and-phase-transitions-the-power-duration-relationship/The article showing that hands-on-knees beats hands-on-head for heart rate recovery and breathing: https://journals.lww.com/acsm-tj/fulltext/2019/02150/effects_of_two_different_recovery_postures_during.1.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0i_syx_XpNN0jwsTHjFmwz1Kl9hSENWFYJJid0WRNbVci2WZ_3U9dh4mUThe article showing how training easy in the heat increases haemoglobin mass, even in elite cyclists: physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1113/EP088544?campaign=wolacceptedarticle British Fell runner survives a body temperature of 18.8C: itv.com/news/border/2022-06-24/man-found-clinically-dead-saved-after-leaving-blood-trails-in-snowArticle on the UCI change to, among other things, gear ratio rulings for youth cycling:  https://cyclingtips.com/2022/06/uci-scraps-the-junior-gear-restriction-relaxes-tt-position-rules/ The comments of Pinot and Martin about Nadal: https://road.cc/content/news/pinot-and-martin-question-nadal-injections-293447A paper by a sports ethics expert describing the TUE dilemma in sport: https://philpapers.org/rec/PIKTUE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Royal Marine, Green Beret and now amateur cyclist Richy Poynter transports us deep into the mindset and training of an elite soldier. From physical fitness to both emotional and mental challenges, Poynter offers a fascinating insight into what it takes to make it through and how some of the lessons he learnt as a soldier have made him a better sportsman.EFrsNTdBnBG44DDBKfnv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the extremes of cold water swimming to how the body loses heat and hyperthermia. The team takes a deep dive into the fascinating physiological effect of cold on the exercising body, how to deal with it and what you can expect when the temperatures dropShow notes and links:The study that measured how long it took for heart rate, daily activity and sleep to return to normal after Covid-19 infection by using people's fitbit dataThe Nature paper that finds increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease after covid-19 infectionAn article by Mike Tipton on cold water hypothermia and survival, published in The LancetThe paper on the skier who survived a temperature on 13.7 degrees, written by the treating physicianOne example of research that studies the cold-shock response and how regular cold water immersion reduces the intensity of the response Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team take on three different subjects in our new segment called 'Caught My Eye." We tackle the subject of how different rules and regulations in women's soccer can improve the quality of the game to the potential of African riders to start dominating world cycling and the relationship between sleep and concussion in impact sports.Show Notes:Sleep article https://meridian.allenpress.com/jat/article/doi/10.4085/1062-6050-0078.22/482396/Prospective-Implications-of-Insufficient-Sleep-forThe study on brain oxygenation in Kenyan runners that Ross was part of: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28321639/ A paper analysing the Kenyan running phenomenon that Ross published: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264745551_Analysis_of_the_Kenyan_Distance-Running_Phenomenon The study on scaling football in women based on physical differences: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00762/fullPeople To Follow Marco Altini on Twitter - @altini_marcoSian Allen on twitter - @DrSianAllen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team take a critical look at an interview with Simon Lockett, Global Category Director of Running Footwear at adidas. Simon and his team are involved in the overall strategy, product creation, and go-to-market approach for a number of franchises including ADIZERO racing footwear and the Duramo franchise. He works together with a team of expert product managers who work alongside design and development to produce the world’s fastest running shoes. But have adidas succeeded in taking on Nike and were they sent into panic mode when the US giant released the first super shoe back in 2016? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Excuses for doping are as varied as the drugs available on Amazon (yep, it's that easy!). But what does it take to be a doper? Are authorities winning the war and is American track superstar Shelby Houlihan really guilty of being a doper herself? The team unpack it all in this latest update on the war against performance-enhancing drugs.Show notes:Read more about the topics discussed in this podcast here:Ross' detailed technical analysis of the Shelby Houlihan caseThe Q&A that LetsRun.com does with Ross on the caseThe full CAS decision in the Shelby Houlihan caseA review of the risk of contamination of supplementsA second review on the risk of inadvertent doping through supplement use Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From top level cyclists to world-class runners and speedskaters, pro training regimes offer a fascinating look into what it takes to count yourself among the world's best. Recent research among top-level athletes is also leading us to question entrenched training methods as sports scientists continue to learn more about the way the body adapts and reacts to exercise.SHOW NOTES:The study of world class distance runners’ training - https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s40798-022-00438-7.pdfA study comparing polarized training to a high threshold pyramidal training model, as mentioned in the show: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jonathan-Esteve/publication/237096628_Does_Polarized_Training_Improve_Performance_in_Recreational_Runners/links/0a85e530cba391399a000000/Does-Polarized-Training-Improve-Performance-in-Recreational-Runners.pdfMarius Bakken’s website, which describes the Norweigan model: http://www.mariusbakken.com/the-norwegian-model.htmlThe training approach of Nils van der Poel: https://www.howtoskate.se/One of Stephen Seiler’s early descriptions of the polarized training of elite athletes: https://paulogentil.com/pdf/Quantifying%20training%20intensity%20distribution%20in%20elite%20endurance%20athletes%20-%20is%20there%20evidence%20for%20an%20optimal%20distribution.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this cycling special, we take a deep dive into the numbers that helped Mathieu van Poel win the Tour of Flanders, why new research on cadence has challenged decades-old beliefs and how sportspeople with heart problems may still be able to compete at the top level thanks to modern technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transgender athlete Lia Thomas recently won the 500-yard title at the US National College Swimming (NCAA) Championships triggering an uproar and suggesting that her participation may have wide-ranging implications for women's sport. At the recent MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston, Prof. Ross Tucker was invited as a guest to discuss the transgender issue in sport and discusses the issue here in the context of the Thomas affair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Viewership figures are down, fewer cities want to host them and their integrity is being seriously challenged. What does the future of the Winter and Summer Olympic Games look like? The team talk to the Chief Sports Reporter of the UK's The Guardian, Sean Ingle, and renowned author, journalist and columnist David Epstein to present the facts and the challenges facing the Games and potentially the solutions to help them survive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prof. Ross Tucker and sports journalist Mike Finch break down the various forms of energy the body uses, how they work, how we fuel them and when to use what. Plus learn to decipher the ingredients in energy supplements, understand why carbs are still king and how best to train your body to become an efficient endurance machine. A must-listen for any endurance athlete. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes world-class ice hockey players, cross-country skiers or biathletes? We ask two experts to help explain the special set of skills needed to compete at the top level, the challenges athletes face and the training they do to compete. If you've never understood anything about the Winter Olympics here's your chance to take a deep dive into three of the most fascinating disciplines.Guest Biographies:Tommy Lundberg is a consultant to the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation along with his job as a lecturer and researcher at the Division of Clinical Physiology at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Follow him on Twitter @TLexerciseKerry McGawley is a senior researcher and Associate Professor at Sweden's Winter Sports Research Centre. She is actively involved in performance development among Sweden's top winter sports athletes. Follow her on Twitter @KerryMcGawleySupport the Science of Sport podcast https://www.patreon.com/thescienceofsport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to endurance month! In this episode the team break down the mechanics of endurance, the five challenges that long-distance athletes face, how the body changes the longer we exercise and why humans are more adapted to going long than any other living creature on the planet. We also ask whether excessive exercise is always good for you and look back at the lessons learnt from endurance athletes of yesteryear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 4 of the Science of Sport Podcast! So what happens to our bodies when the temperatures go up? The team dig into the mechanics of exercising in hot conditions, how to cope with extremes, the differences are between heat stroke and heat exhaustion, when it's too hot to train and why sporting event organisers should all have a heat policy to safeguard participants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, Ross shares brief thoughts on the latest, inevitable and increasingly volatile controversy in the transgender athlete debate. Swimmer Lia Thomas has been shattering university records, setting the fastest times in the USA, and is well on the way to becoming the highest profile trans women athlete to date. Her times as Lia are within sight not only of legends of US women's swimming, but also very close to what she swam as Will Thomas, prior to a period of suppressing testosterone to become eligible for women's sport. This confirms what science has shown, that biological and performance advantages of males cannot be undone by a period of testosterone suppression. What next? Ross shares some insights, explaining how Thomas is the result of a system that has failed women from the top, how women are now being told to hold their thoughts, science be damned, and why the argument about winning and being unbeatable is spurious, and how Thomas refutes an old and incorrect rebuttal saying "if there is an advantage, where are all the medalists?". Also, a 2021 Christmas wish, and thanks for listening to the podcast in 2021. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, Ross sits down with Dr Emma Hilton, a developmental biologist who has outspokenly defended women's sport and explained the science and physiology of male vs female sporting performance differences. In a candid conversation, she shares insights ranging from political to philosophical, both personal and scientific. Why is the recent IOC Framework such a failure of leadership and setback for women? What do we make of trans men in men's sport? How should sports respond to sex reassignment during childhood? What are the most compelling arguments for and against inclusion, and how should fallacies like the length of Michael Phelps' arms steer our thinking about fairness in sport, and the need to protect the women's sporting category? All these questions, and more, answered in this wide ranging interview, which was initially broadcast live on Twitter Spaces on 25 November. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently announced controversial new transgender guidelines which could threaten the future of women's sport. But what does the evidence say and why did the IOC ignore the science? Mike Finch and Prof. Ross Tucker explain all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Responders and non-responders are easily identified but poorly understood. Elite coach and sports scientist John Kiely from the Institute of Coaching & Performance, University of Central Lancashire, discusses why our response to training is about more than just genetics, offers tips on how to change mindset and trust in the process and if neurobiology can unlock training benefits for all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coaching development specialist Stuart Armstrong, of Sport England, discusses the role of sport in childhood development with Prof. Ross Tucker. The two answer controversial questions from our Patreon supporters and delve into the murky world of early recruitment and why healthy sport has nothing to do with future champions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lachlan Morton is an Australian cyclist famous for taking on audacious endurance challenges, including his recent solo 5500km Alt. Tour de France. In this interview Morton talks about his philosophy, how he gets through the tough moments and how he and his EF Education-Nippo team come up with his crazy challenges. Funny and inspiring, Morton is a unique voice in the world of professional sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stuart Armstrong has made a career coaching sport and his role at Sport England is to help coach the coaches and make sport and exercise accessible to all. In this interview, Armstrong talks through the challenges of balancing the thirst for future champions and creating a healthy environment for kids and teenagers to thrive... no matter what their ability. It's a must-listen for parents, coaches and administrators alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the ongoing debate and discussion about the risk of injury in rugby, many people have suggested that cutting the number of substitutes is the easiest and most obvious "fix". The truth, however, is a little more complex than this, because there are grounds to suggest that doing this will backfire and make the situation worse, not better. That's why decision-makers in the sport have to prioritize evidence when making decisions. In this bonus episode, Ross shares the two models in play for the substitute-case, and explains how research is needed to identify which model holds sway, and what this means for player welfare decisions in the sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this follow-up podcast, sleep science specialist Dr Dale Rae returns to answer all your questions from polyphasic sleeping, eating right for your sleep type, finding your optimum sleep time and coping with frustrating 3am insomnia.Follow Sleep Science on Instagram on @sleepscience_ or visit their website on www.sleepscience.co.zaYou can also support the Science of Sport Podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/thescienceofsport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All Black legend Conrad Smith, from the International Rugby Players body, talks to Prof. Ross Tucker on World Rugby's newly-released guidelines for contact in rugby training, how it will hopefully impact player welfare and why the new guidelines are not as radical as they, at first, seem.The contact load guidelines we discuss can be found at this link: https://www.world.rugby/the-game/player-welfare/medical/contact-loadAnd the full guideline document (which we encourage you to read) available here: https://resources.world.rugby/worldrugby/document/2021/09/22/d2bd955b-1a87-438d-805b-398e3e099752/210806-Contact-Load-guidelines-final-for-website-.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK Sports Councils have released guidelines on transgender participation in sport, following an exhaustive and comprehensive review process. The two key points made are: 1) to confirm that the current policy that suppresses testosterone for twelve months is not fit for purpose, because advantages are retained even after testosterone is reduced, and 2) that "categorization by sex is lawful" (it also states that this categorization remains the most useful and functional division relative to sporting performance.The implications of those two statements alone are profound, and they effectively mandate the sports to make a choice between three options, also offered in the guidelines. In this bonus episode, Ross explains what they are, what this all means, and perhaps most importantly, discusses revelations from the report about fear and anxiety from those who don't believe in inclusion and fairness, and how they've been threatened into silence or compliance on this issue. That should be alarming, but the presence of this report should be encouraging. What happens next? Nobody knows, but this podcast has you covered for where we are now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American Neal Henderson is one of the most celebrated coaches in endurance sports - particularly triathlon and cycling. Having coached pros like cyclists Rohan Dennis and Evelyn Stevens to Hour records (and most recently bronze in the Olympic time trial for Dennis), Henderson has trained all levels from first-time finishers to national and World champions and several Olympians. He most recently travelled to the Tokyo Olympics for the Australian cycling team but has served on multiple coaching committees for both USA cycling and triathlon. He is currently the head of sport science at Wahoo with a strong interest in using science in his coaching methods. Ross caught up with him at his home in Boulder, Colorado. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From weight loss to fuelling for performance, the team demystify the world of sports nutrition with leading sports nutrition specialist Prof. Graeme Close. Close is a Professor in Human Physiology at Liverpool's John Moores University where he combines his academic research with nutrition and physiology consultancy to some of the worlds leading sporting individuals and organisations. As well as a masters degree in sports nutrition Close is currently the expert nutrition consultant to England Rugby, has been the lead nutritionist to Everton Football Club and works with some of the worlds leading golfers such as Jason Day, the British Number 1 tennis player Johanna Konta and with many Rugby League players. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Climbing makes its debut at the Tokyo Olympics and the format is both controversial and fascinating. Here's all you need to know about one of the four new sports being showcased in 2022 from UK-based climbing specialist Ollie Torr.Ollie is one of the founders of Lattice Training, and also works as a coach within the company. With an extensive list of qualifications and experience to his name, Ollie’s knowledge within the field of coaching, training and sports science is extensive. He has an undergrad degree in Sports Science (First Class Honours), a Masters degree in Strength and Conditioning (Distinction), holds a Personal Training Level 3 qualification and is a Mountain Training Development coach. Alongside that, he has worked as a Personal Trainer for a variety of athletes over many years, deciding to specialise as a climbing coach around 10 years ago. Ollie has coached numerous junior and senior athletes, including the GB National Youth Climbing Team.Ollie’s own climbing repertoire is varied and impressive. With 12 years of climbing under his belt, Ollie has climbed Fat Lip V13, Mecca Extension 8c, and has some memorable experiences on the North Face of the Eiger. One of his major goals is to climb some hard Alpine multi-pitch routes and Action Direct 9a at Frankenjura. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stuart McMillan is one of the world's most respected sprint coaches. Currently in his 25th year of professional coaching, McMillan has worked with professional and amateur athletes in a variety of sports - with the focus being on power and speed development. He is an accredited S&C and Sprints Coach and has personally coached over 70 Olympians at 7 Olympic Games; over 30 of whom have won Olympic medals. The team take an in-depth look at the science and technique of track sprinting, how the fast train, what motivates them and the psychology that helps them win at the top level. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team are joined by gymnastics coach, biomechanist and former competitor Dr Helen Bayne to talk through the scoring systems, debate the controversies and pick the favourites for this year's Tokyo Games. PLUS: Is Simone Biles really the greatest gymnast of all time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SOS Podcast co-host Prof. Ross Tucker took on the challenge of riding half the distance of each 2021 Tour de France stage to see how he would cope. This is what he discovered about himself, his body and his mind after over 60 hours of riding in three weeks. PLUS the team wrap up the 2021 Tour de France, look at the top performers and ask the questions on everyone's lips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slovenian Tadej Pogačar has dominated the 2021 Tour de France but questions about his performance remain given cycling's doping history. How much do we know? What can cycling do to become more transparent and is seeing really believing? The team also catch up with all the latest Olympic news including the recent State of Emergency announced in Tokyo, new confirmed doping violations and two teenage athletes who will be forced to change events after being confirmed as having a DSD condition.SHOW NOTES:For more in-depth cycling analysis follow https://twitter.com/ammattipyorailySUPPORT US ON PATREONhttps://www.patreon.com/thescienceofsport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2021 Tour de France has highlighted the spread of ages among the leading contenders from 41-year-old Alejandro Valverde to defending champion Tadej Pogacar: How normal is this and how do riders extend their careers? The team also investigate the crash-prone first week and look at whether there is any such thing as perfect cycling genetics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2021 Tour de France is set to be a battle of the all-rounders with less climbing and more time trialling: The team look at the form book and the course, discuss the different training strategies of the favourites and pick the contenders. PLUS... Olympic organisers set to allow non-cheering spectators while the controversy over New Zealand's transgender weightlifter, Laurel Hubbard, rages on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Danish football star Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field during a Euro 2020 clash it raised the question of sudden cardiac arrest in world-class sportsmen and women: But how often does it happen, who is at risk and what could have caused it? The team also discuss the positive dope test of American track star Shelby Houlihan and how super spikes may be distorting track records. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether it's endurance, strength or agility, defining 'fit' is a complex subject. The team talk through definitions, how fitness depends on your discipline or lifestyle, how to know if you're fit and when fitness goes too far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to fitness it's a case of use it... or lose it! But how fast do we lose fitness, how can we limit the damage when we take time off and is there such a thing as muscle memory?SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:Kramer et al 2017 - an amazing study where people were given bed rest for 60 days, and various physiological measures were assessed before and after. This study found that even 3 min of hopping six days a week cut these changes enormously: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-13659-8Chi et al 1983 - this is the study we discuss where 6 to 12 weeks off causes the oxidative enzymes to drop significantly, but they still remain well above the levels of never-trained people: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6829750/Maldonado-Martin 2017 - this is the study on elite cyclists who stopped for the 4 week off season, and VO2max, RBC, Skinfolds and peak power were among the variables measured: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27476326/Garcia-Palleres 2009 - the kayaking study, where some elite kayakers stopped training entirely, others did about 20% to 30% of their normal training and cut their losses in half: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19997013/Houmard et al 1990 - a study on runners where keeping the intensity of training the same allowed for certain performances to be defended even though volume was cut down significantly: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2318562/Madsen et al 1993 - another runner study, this one showing how high intensity training defends high intensity physiology, but the fat oxidation and endurance capacity drops off significantly: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/jappl.1993.75.4.1444Henwood et al 2008 - one of the two strength training studies we discuss, where detraining and then retraining is able to return strength to pre-detraining levels within about half the time it took to lose it: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18693231/Blocquiaux et al 2020 - the other strength study, which also found a drop in strength that could be regained in about half the time it took to lose it: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32017951/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sporting competitions has created a storm of controversy around human rights. The team get to grips with the facts around moves to prevent transgender athletes from competing in certain women's sports and why fairness, and even safety, are at stake. We also unpack recent comments made by American comedian and social commentator, Sarah Silverman, and explain why she got it so wrong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disordered eating is common among sportspeople, both amateur and professional. The team talk to dietician and psychologist, Kim Hofmann, about why most people experience it, how to identify bad habits and the secrets of a healthy - and sustainable - eating plan.Recommended reading:Geneen Roth, Breaking Free From Emotional EatingJan Chozen Bays, Mindful Eating: A Guide to Rediscovering a Healthy Joyful Relationship with FoodLinda Kaye, The Daily Dare for Eating Disorders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.