Key publications
Winsley RJ (2017). Overtraining syndrome. In Armstrong N, Van Mechelen W (Eds.) Children's Sport and Exercise Medicine, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 519-526.
Williams CA, Winsley RJ, Pinho G, de Ste Croix M, Lloyd RS, Oliver JL (2017). Prevalence of non-functional overreaching in elite male and female youth academy football players. Science and Medicine in Football, 1(3), 222-228.
Winsley RJ, Tong R (2014). Teaching and learning in the disciplines: Sports-related subjects. In Fry H, Ketteridge S, Marshall S (Eds.) A Handbook for Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, London: Routledge, 376-390.
Croft L, Gracia-Marco L, Hargadon J, Winsley R (2012). Should we be giving children choices about their health?. Education and Health, 30(4), 113-115.
Winsley R, Matos N (2011). Overtraining and elite young athletes.
Med Sport Sci,
56, 97-105.
Abstract:
Overtraining and elite young athletes.
In comparison to adults, our knowledge of the overtraining syndrome in elite young athletes is lacking. The evidence indicates an incidence rate of ∼20-30%, with a relatively higher occurrence seen in individual sport athletes, females and those competing at the highest representative levels. The most commonly reported symptoms are similar to those observed in over trained adult athletes: increased perception of effort during exercise, frequent upper respiratory tract infections, muscle soreness, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, mood disturbances, shortness of temper, decreased interest in training and competition, decreased self-confidence, inability to concentrate. The association between training load and overtraining is unclear, and underlines the importance of taking a holistic approach when trying to treat or prevent overtraining in the young athlete so that both training and non-training stressors are considered. of particular relevance to the issue of overtraining in the elite young athlete are the development of a unidimensional identity, the lack of autonomy, disempowerment, perfectionist traits, conditional love, and unrealistic expectations. Overtraining syndrome is a complex phenomenon with unique and multiple antecedents for each individual; therefore, an open-minded and comprehensive perspective is needed to successfully treat/prevent this in the young athlete.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Matos NF, Winsley RJ, Williams CA (2011). Prevalence of nonfunctional overreaching/overtraining in young English athletes.
Med Sci Sports Exerc,
43(7), 1287-1294.
Abstract:
Prevalence of nonfunctional overreaching/overtraining in young English athletes.
PURPOSE: Nonfunctional overreaching and overtraining (NFOR/OT) in adults can lead to significant decrements in performance, combined with physical and psychological health problems. Little is known about this condition in young athletes by comparison; thus, the aim of the study was to assess the incidence and symptomatology of NFOR/OT in young English athletes. METHODS: Three hundred seventy-six athletes (131 girls and 245 boys, age=15.1±2.0 yr) completed a 92-item survey about NFOR/OT. The sample included athletes competing at club to international standards across 19 different sports. Athletes were classified as NFOR/OT if they reported persistent daily fatigue and a significant decrement in performance that lasted for long periods of time (i.e. weeks to months). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov nonparametric tests. Significant predictors of NFOR/OT were identified using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: One hundred ten athletes (29%) reported having been NFOR/OT at least once. The incidence was significantly higher in individual sports (P
Abstract.
Author URL.
Publications by category
Journal articles
Williams CA, Winsley RJ, Pinho G, de Ste Croix M, Lloyd RS, Oliver JL (2017). Prevalence of non-functional overreaching in elite male and female youth academy football players. Science and Medicine in Football, 1(3), 222-228.
Winsley RJ, Gracia-Marco L, Croft L (2013). Should we be giving children choices about their health: Engaging University students in complex health questions?. Education and Health: a quarterly journal, 31(3), 91-94.
Croft L, Gracia-Marco L, Hargadon J, Winsley R (2012). Should we be giving children choices about their health?. Education and Health, 30(4), 113-115.
Winsley R, Matos N (2011). Overtraining and elite young athletes.
Med Sport Sci,
56, 97-105.
Abstract:
Overtraining and elite young athletes.
In comparison to adults, our knowledge of the overtraining syndrome in elite young athletes is lacking. The evidence indicates an incidence rate of ∼20-30%, with a relatively higher occurrence seen in individual sport athletes, females and those competing at the highest representative levels. The most commonly reported symptoms are similar to those observed in over trained adult athletes: increased perception of effort during exercise, frequent upper respiratory tract infections, muscle soreness, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, mood disturbances, shortness of temper, decreased interest in training and competition, decreased self-confidence, inability to concentrate. The association between training load and overtraining is unclear, and underlines the importance of taking a holistic approach when trying to treat or prevent overtraining in the young athlete so that both training and non-training stressors are considered. of particular relevance to the issue of overtraining in the elite young athlete are the development of a unidimensional identity, the lack of autonomy, disempowerment, perfectionist traits, conditional love, and unrealistic expectations. Overtraining syndrome is a complex phenomenon with unique and multiple antecedents for each individual; therefore, an open-minded and comprehensive perspective is needed to successfully treat/prevent this in the young athlete.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Matos NF, Winsley RJ, Williams CA (2011). Prevalence of nonfunctional overreaching/overtraining in young English athletes.
Med Sci Sports Exerc,
43(7), 1287-1294.
Abstract:
Prevalence of nonfunctional overreaching/overtraining in young English athletes.
PURPOSE: Nonfunctional overreaching and overtraining (NFOR/OT) in adults can lead to significant decrements in performance, combined with physical and psychological health problems. Little is known about this condition in young athletes by comparison; thus, the aim of the study was to assess the incidence and symptomatology of NFOR/OT in young English athletes. METHODS: Three hundred seventy-six athletes (131 girls and 245 boys, age=15.1±2.0 yr) completed a 92-item survey about NFOR/OT. The sample included athletes competing at club to international standards across 19 different sports. Athletes were classified as NFOR/OT if they reported persistent daily fatigue and a significant decrement in performance that lasted for long periods of time (i.e. weeks to months). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov nonparametric tests. Significant predictors of NFOR/OT were identified using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: One hundred ten athletes (29%) reported having been NFOR/OT at least once. The incidence was significantly higher in individual sports (P
Abstract.
Author URL.
Ramos-Ibanez N, Winsley RJ, Armstrong N (2009). Relationship Among Diet and Energy Expenditure and Intra-abdominal Adipose Tissue in Young Girls. Ann Nutr Metab(55), 529-530.
Winsley RJ, Fulford J, Roberts A, Welsman JR, Armstrong N (2009). Sex difference in Peak Oxygen Uptake in Prepubertal Children. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 12, 647-651.
Winsley R, Fulford J, Roberts A, Welsman J, Armstrong N (2009). Sex difference in Peak Oxygen Uptake in Prepubertal Children. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 12, 647-651.
Nelson MT, Biltz G, Winsley R, Armstrong N, Fawkner S, Bywater K, Dengel DR (2008). Reliability of Heart Rate Variability by Sample Entropy at Rest and During Light Exercise in Children.
MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE,
40(5), S282-S282.
Author URL.
Matos N, Winsley RJ (2007). Trainability of young athletes and overtraining.
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine,
6(3), 353-367.
Abstract:
Trainability of young athletes and overtraining
Exercise adaptations to strength, anaerobic and aerobic training have been extensively studied in adults, however, young people appear to respond differently to such exercise stimulus in comparison to adults. In addition, because overtraining in young athletes has received little attention, this important area is also discussed. Resistance training in children can be safe and effective. It has the potential to improve sport performance, enhance body composition and reduce the rate of sport incurred injury. Furthermore, with the appropriate stimulus, prepubertal and adolescent athletes can show significant increments in muscle strength (13 - 30%). Children can improve anaerobic power (3%-10% Mean Power and 4%-20% in Peak Power), although the mechanisms responsible for the improvements in children remain unclear. Children show a 'reduced' trainability of peak V̇O2 in comparison to adults. Nevertheless, their aerobic power is trainable, with improvements reported at approximately 5%. Moreover, improvements in other variables like exercise economy or lactate threshold may occur without significant changes in peak V̇O2 the limited evidence available indicates that overtraining is occurring in young athletes (30% prevalence), highlighting the importance of further research in to all the possible contributing factors - physiological, psychological and emotional - when investigating overtraining. ©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2007).
Abstract.
Winsley RJ, Armstrong N, Middlebrooke AR, Ramos-Ibanez N, Williams CA (2006). Aerobic fitness and visceral adipose tissue in children.
Acta Paediatr,
95(11), 1435-1438.
Abstract:
Aerobic fitness and visceral adipose tissue in children.
AIM: to determine the relationship between aerobic fitness (peak VO2) and the volume of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in children. METHODS: Participants were 30 males (13.7+/-0.5 y) and 22 females (13.5+/-0.5 y). Peak VO2 was determined using a continuous, incremental treadmill protocol to exhaustion. Abdominal VAT volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging using multiple slices from vertebral levels L1-L5. Subcutaneous body fat measure was calculated as the sum of seven skinfolds (sigma7SKF). RESULTS: Females had significantly (p < or = 0.05) more VAT than males (1035+/-717.3 vs 678.6+/-361.5 cm3); however, male peak VO2 was higher (215+/-34 vs 182+/-20 ml/kg(0.61)/min). VAT was significantly (p < or = 0.05) negatively correlated with peak VO2 in both males (r = - 0.43) and females (r = - 0.45). Subcutaneous body fatness was significantly correlated with VAT in both males (r = 0.74) and females (r = 0.72), and was the single strongest determinant of VAT. CONCLUSION: Aerobic fitness is significantly inversely related to VAT, but subcutaneous body fatness is the single strongest determinant of VAT in children aged 13-14 y.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Winsley RJ, Battersby GL, Cockle HC (2005). Heart rate variability assessment of overreaching in active and sedentary females. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 26(9), 768-773.
Winsley RJ, Fulford J, Macleod KM, Ramos-Ibanez N, Williams CAP, Armstrong N (2005). Prediction of Visceral Adipose Tissue
Using Air Displacement Plethysmography in Children. Obesity Research, 13(12), 2048-2051.
Winsley RJ, Fulford J, Macleod KM, Ramos-Ibanez N (2005). Prediction of visceral adipose tissue using Air Displacement Plethysmography in young people. Obesity Research, 13(11), 2048-2051.
Spamer EJ, Winsley RJ (2003). A comparative study of British and South African 12yr old rugby players, in relation to game-specific, physical, motor and anthropometric variables.
J HUM MOVEMENT STUD,
44(1), 37-45.
Abstract:
A comparative study of British and South African 12yr old rugby players, in relation to game-specific, physical, motor and anthropometric variables
Research on talent identification and development among young sportsmen and women is relatively limited. The greatest need is in team sports. Many studies have been carried out involving individual sports because it is easier to control the different variables (Salmela and Regnier, 1983). This is the reason that this study focuses on rugby, a well known team sport. The aim of the study is firstly to compare the game-specific, physical, motor and anthropometric variables of English and South African 12yr old rugby players and secondly, to compare these same variables between English 12yr old competitive and social rugby players. The comparison of the data between English and South African children (Pienaar and Spamer, 1998), indicated that the English children possessed a higher level of subcutaneous fat; a finding which is probably best explained by differences in lifestyle and socio-economic factors between the two countries. Their higher fat level may indeed explain the poorer performance of the English children during the physical and motor ability tests.
Abstract.
Spamer EJ, Winsley RJ (2003). A comparative study of British and South African 12yr old rugby players, in relation to game-specific, physical, motor and anthropometric variables.
Journal of Human Movement Studies,
44(1), 037-045.
Abstract:
A comparative study of British and South African 12yr old rugby players, in relation to game-specific, physical, motor and anthropometric variables
Research on talent identification and development among young sportsmen and women is relatively limited. The greatest need is in team sports. Many studies have been carried out involving individual sports because it is easier to control the different variables (Salmela and Régnier, 1983). This is the reason that this study focuses on rugby, a well known team sport. The aim of the study is firstly to compare the game-specific, physical, motor and anthropometric variables of English and South African 12yr old rugby players and secondly, to compare these same variables between English 12yr old competitive and social rugby players. The comparison of the data between English and South African children (Pienaar and Spamer, 1998), indicated that the English children possessed a higher level of subcutaneous fat; a finding which is probably best explained by differences in lifestyle and socio-economic factors between the two countries. Their higher fat level may indeed explain the poorer performance of the English children during the physical and motor ability tests.
Abstract.
Spamer, EJ, Winsley RJ (2003). Comparative characteristics of elite English and South African 18-year-old rugby players with reference to game-specific skills, physical abilities and anthropometric data. J HUM MOVEMENT STUD, 45, 187-196.
Winsley RJ, Armstrong N, Bywater K, Fawkner SG (2003). Reliability of heart rate variability measures at rest and during light exercise in children. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 37(6), 550-552.
Winsley RJ (2003). Suitability of the multistage fitness test to assess children’s aerobic fitness. European Journal of Physical Education, 8, 19-28.
Winsley RJ (2002). Acute and chronic effects of exercise on heart rate variability in adults and children: a review. Pediatric Exercise Science, 14(4), 328-344.
Welsman JR, Armstrong N, Kirby BJ, Winsley RJ, Parsons G, Sharpe P (1997). Exercise performance and magnetic resonance imaging-determined thigh muscle volume in children.
Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol,
76(1), 92-97.
Abstract:
Exercise performance and magnetic resonance imaging-determined thigh muscle volume in children.
This study examined the relationships between thigh muscle volume (TMV) and aerobic and anaerobic performance in children. A total of 32 children, 16 boys and 16 girls, aged 9.9 (0.3) years completed a treadmill running test to exhaustion for the determination of peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and a Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) for the determination of peak power (PP) and mean power (MP). The volume of the right thigh muscle was determined using magnetic resonance imaging. TMV was not significantly different in boys and girls [2.39 (0.29) l vs 2.18 (0.38) l, P > 0.05]. Peak VO2 and MP were significantly higher in boys than girls (P < 0.01) whether expressed in absolute, mass-related or allometrically scaled terms. Absolute PP was not significantly different in boys and girls but mass-related and allometrically scaled values were higher in boys (P < 0.01). TMV was correlated with absolute peak VO2, PP and MP in both sexes (r = 0.52-0.89, P < 0.01). In boys, mass-related PP was correlated with TMV (r = 0.53, P < 0.01), and in girls mass-related peak VO2 was correlated with TMV (r = -0.61, P < 0.01). However, in neither sex were allometrically scaled peak VO2, PP or MP correlated with TMV (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between boys and girls in terms of peak VO2, PP or MP when expressed in a ratio to TMV or allometrically scaled TMV. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that, when body size is appropriately accounted for using allometric scaling, TMV is unrelated to indices of aerobic and anaerobic power in 10-year-old children. Furthermore, there appear to be no qualitative differences in the muscle function of boys and girls in respect of aerobic and anaerobic function.
Abstract.
Author URL.
De Ste Croix M. B.A. Armstrong N, Welsman JR, Winsley RJ (1997). MUSCLE STRENGTH AND MRI DETERMINED THIGH MUSCLE VOLUME IN YOUNG GIRLS980. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 29(5).
Winsley RJ, Armstrong N, Welsman JR (1997). THIGH MUSCLE VOLUME AND CHILDREN'S PERFORMANCE ON THE WINGATE ANAEROBIC TEST1532. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 29(5).
Armstrong N, Welsman J, Winsley R (1996). Is peak VO2 a maximal index of children's aerobic fitness?.
Int J Sports Med,
17(5), 356-359.
Abstract:
Is peak VO2 a maximal index of children's aerobic fitness?
A levelling of oxygen uptake (VO2 plateau) at high exercise intensities is conventionally used as the criterion for establishing VO2max during progressive, incremental exercise testing. Only a minority of children, however, demonstrate a VO2 plateau during exercise to voluntary exhaustion. This study was therefore designed to investigate whether a VO2 plateau is required before peak VO2 can be considered a maximal index of children's aerobic fitness. Eighteen girls and 17 boys (age 9.9 +/- 0.4 yrs) carried out three treadmill tests to exhaustion one week apart. The first test comprised a discontinuous, incremental protocol to voluntary exhaustion. In test two each child warmed up and then ran to exhaustion at the same belt speed but on a gradient 2.5% greater than that which had produced an exhaustive effort on the first test. The third test was conducted similarly but the treadmill gradient was raised to 5% greater than that which had produced an exhaustive effort on the first test. Seven girls and 6 boys demonstrated a VO2 plateau (< or = 2 ml.kg-1.min-7) on the first test but no significant differences in either anthropometrical or peak physiological data were detected between those who demonstrated a plateau and those who did not. Mean peak VO2 values during tests two and three (supramaximal tests) did not increase significantly above that achieved on test one although indicators of an increased anaerobic contribution were significantly higher in both supramaximal tests. These findings indicate that peak VO2 in test one was a maximal value despite the absence of a VO2 plateau. The requirement of a VO2 plateau before peak VO2 can be regarded as a maximal index of young children's aerobic fitness is therefore untenable.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Armstrong N, Welsman JR, Winsley RJ (1995). IN PREPUBERTAL GIRLS CAN PEAK VO2 BE CONSIDERED a TRUE VO2 MAX DESPITE THE ABSENCE OF a VO2 PLATEAU?: 632. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 27(5).
Chapters
Winsley R, Williams C (2020). Non-functional overreaching and overtraining in young swimmers. In Dekerle J (Ed) High performance youth swimming, New York: Routledge.
Winsley RJ (2017). Overtraining syndrome. In Armstrong N, Van Mechelen W (Eds.) Children's Sport and Exercise Medicine, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 519-526.
Winsley RJ (2015). Why study sport & exercise sciences?. In Viadya K (Ed) Exercise and Sports for the Curious, Canberra: the Curious Academic Publishing, 25-35.
Winsley RJ, Tong R (2014). Teaching and learning in the disciplines: Sports-related subjects. In Fry H, Ketteridge S, Marshall S (Eds.) A Handbook for Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, London: Routledge, 376-390.
Winsley RJ, Matos N (2011). Overtraining and the elite young athlete. In Armstrong N, McManus AM (Eds.) The Elite Young Athlete, Basel: Karger: Medicine and Sports Science, 97-105.
Winsley RJ (2007). Chapter 7 Cardiovascular function. In (Ed) Paediatric Exercise Physiology, 139-160.
Winsley RJ (2006). Cardiovascular function. In Armstrong N (Ed) Paediatric Exercise Physiology, Oxford: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 139-160.
Winsley RJ, Armstrong N (2004). Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, Health and Young People. In Green, K, Hardman K (Eds.) Physical Education: Essential Issues, London: Sage, 65-77.
Winsley RJ, Armstrong N (2004). Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, Health and Young People. In Green K, Hardman K (Eds.) Physical Education Essential Issues, Sage, 65-77.
Publications by year
2020
Winsley R, Williams C (2020). Non-functional overreaching and overtraining in young swimmers. In Dekerle J (Ed) High performance youth swimming, New York: Routledge.
2017
Winsley RJ (2017). Overtraining syndrome. In Armstrong N, Van Mechelen W (Eds.) Children's Sport and Exercise Medicine, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 519-526.
Williams CA, Winsley RJ, Pinho G, de Ste Croix M, Lloyd RS, Oliver JL (2017). Prevalence of non-functional overreaching in elite male and female youth academy football players. Science and Medicine in Football, 1(3), 222-228.
2015
Winsley RJ (2015). Why study sport & exercise sciences?. In Viadya K (Ed) Exercise and Sports for the Curious, Canberra: the Curious Academic Publishing, 25-35.
2014
Winsley RJ, Tong R (2014). Teaching and learning in the disciplines: Sports-related subjects. In Fry H, Ketteridge S, Marshall S (Eds.) A Handbook for Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, London: Routledge, 376-390.
2013
Winsley RJ, Gracia-Marco L, Croft L (2013). Should we be giving children choices about their health: Engaging University students in complex health questions?. Education and Health: a quarterly journal, 31(3), 91-94.
2012
Croft L, Gracia-Marco L, Hargadon J, Winsley R (2012). Should we be giving children choices about their health?. Education and Health, 30(4), 113-115.
2011
Winsley R, Matos N (2011). Overtraining and elite young athletes.
Med Sport Sci,
56, 97-105.
Abstract:
Overtraining and elite young athletes.
In comparison to adults, our knowledge of the overtraining syndrome in elite young athletes is lacking. The evidence indicates an incidence rate of ∼20-30%, with a relatively higher occurrence seen in individual sport athletes, females and those competing at the highest representative levels. The most commonly reported symptoms are similar to those observed in over trained adult athletes: increased perception of effort during exercise, frequent upper respiratory tract infections, muscle soreness, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, mood disturbances, shortness of temper, decreased interest in training and competition, decreased self-confidence, inability to concentrate. The association between training load and overtraining is unclear, and underlines the importance of taking a holistic approach when trying to treat or prevent overtraining in the young athlete so that both training and non-training stressors are considered. of particular relevance to the issue of overtraining in the elite young athlete are the development of a unidimensional identity, the lack of autonomy, disempowerment, perfectionist traits, conditional love, and unrealistic expectations. Overtraining syndrome is a complex phenomenon with unique and multiple antecedents for each individual; therefore, an open-minded and comprehensive perspective is needed to successfully treat/prevent this in the young athlete.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Winsley RJ, Matos N (2011). Overtraining and the elite young athlete. In Armstrong N, McManus AM (Eds.) The Elite Young Athlete, Basel: Karger: Medicine and Sports Science, 97-105.
Matos NF, Winsley RJ, Williams CA (2011). Prevalence of nonfunctional overreaching/overtraining in young English athletes.
Med Sci Sports Exerc,
43(7), 1287-1294.
Abstract:
Prevalence of nonfunctional overreaching/overtraining in young English athletes.
PURPOSE: Nonfunctional overreaching and overtraining (NFOR/OT) in adults can lead to significant decrements in performance, combined with physical and psychological health problems. Little is known about this condition in young athletes by comparison; thus, the aim of the study was to assess the incidence and symptomatology of NFOR/OT in young English athletes. METHODS: Three hundred seventy-six athletes (131 girls and 245 boys, age=15.1±2.0 yr) completed a 92-item survey about NFOR/OT. The sample included athletes competing at club to international standards across 19 different sports. Athletes were classified as NFOR/OT if they reported persistent daily fatigue and a significant decrement in performance that lasted for long periods of time (i.e. weeks to months). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov nonparametric tests. Significant predictors of NFOR/OT were identified using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: One hundred ten athletes (29%) reported having been NFOR/OT at least once. The incidence was significantly higher in individual sports (P
Abstract.
Author URL.
2009
Ramos-Ibanez N, Winsley RJ, Armstrong N (2009). Relationship Among Diet and Energy Expenditure and Intra-abdominal Adipose Tissue in Young Girls. Ann Nutr Metab(55), 529-530.
Winsley RJ, Fulford J, Roberts A, Welsman JR, Armstrong N (2009). Sex difference in Peak Oxygen Uptake in Prepubertal Children. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 12, 647-651.
Winsley R, Fulford J, Roberts A, Welsman J, Armstrong N (2009). Sex difference in Peak Oxygen Uptake in Prepubertal Children. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 12, 647-651.
2008
Nelson MT, Biltz G, Winsley R, Armstrong N, Fawkner S, Bywater K, Dengel DR (2008). Reliability of Heart Rate Variability by Sample Entropy at Rest and During Light Exercise in Children.
MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE,
40(5), S282-S282.
Author URL.
2007
Winsley RJ (2007). Chapter 7 Cardiovascular function. In (Ed) Paediatric Exercise Physiology, 139-160.
Matos N, Winsley RJ (2007). Trainability of young athletes and overtraining.
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine,
6(3), 353-367.
Abstract:
Trainability of young athletes and overtraining
Exercise adaptations to strength, anaerobic and aerobic training have been extensively studied in adults, however, young people appear to respond differently to such exercise stimulus in comparison to adults. In addition, because overtraining in young athletes has received little attention, this important area is also discussed. Resistance training in children can be safe and effective. It has the potential to improve sport performance, enhance body composition and reduce the rate of sport incurred injury. Furthermore, with the appropriate stimulus, prepubertal and adolescent athletes can show significant increments in muscle strength (13 - 30%). Children can improve anaerobic power (3%-10% Mean Power and 4%-20% in Peak Power), although the mechanisms responsible for the improvements in children remain unclear. Children show a 'reduced' trainability of peak V̇O2 in comparison to adults. Nevertheless, their aerobic power is trainable, with improvements reported at approximately 5%. Moreover, improvements in other variables like exercise economy or lactate threshold may occur without significant changes in peak V̇O2 the limited evidence available indicates that overtraining is occurring in young athletes (30% prevalence), highlighting the importance of further research in to all the possible contributing factors - physiological, psychological and emotional - when investigating overtraining. ©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2007).
Abstract.
2006
Winsley RJ, Armstrong N, Middlebrooke AR, Ramos-Ibanez N, Williams CA (2006). Aerobic fitness and visceral adipose tissue in children.
Acta Paediatr,
95(11), 1435-1438.
Abstract:
Aerobic fitness and visceral adipose tissue in children.
AIM: to determine the relationship between aerobic fitness (peak VO2) and the volume of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in children. METHODS: Participants were 30 males (13.7+/-0.5 y) and 22 females (13.5+/-0.5 y). Peak VO2 was determined using a continuous, incremental treadmill protocol to exhaustion. Abdominal VAT volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging using multiple slices from vertebral levels L1-L5. Subcutaneous body fat measure was calculated as the sum of seven skinfolds (sigma7SKF). RESULTS: Females had significantly (p < or = 0.05) more VAT than males (1035+/-717.3 vs 678.6+/-361.5 cm3); however, male peak VO2 was higher (215+/-34 vs 182+/-20 ml/kg(0.61)/min). VAT was significantly (p < or = 0.05) negatively correlated with peak VO2 in both males (r = - 0.43) and females (r = - 0.45). Subcutaneous body fatness was significantly correlated with VAT in both males (r = 0.74) and females (r = 0.72), and was the single strongest determinant of VAT. CONCLUSION: Aerobic fitness is significantly inversely related to VAT, but subcutaneous body fatness is the single strongest determinant of VAT in children aged 13-14 y.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Winsley RJ (2006). Cardiovascular function. In Armstrong N (Ed) Paediatric Exercise Physiology, Oxford: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 139-160.
2005
Winsley RJ, Battersby GL, Cockle HC (2005). Heart rate variability assessment of overreaching in active and sedentary females. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 26(9), 768-773.
Winsley RJ, Fulford J, Macleod KM, Ramos-Ibanez N, Williams CAP, Armstrong N (2005). Prediction of Visceral Adipose Tissue
Using Air Displacement Plethysmography in Children. Obesity Research, 13(12), 2048-2051.
Winsley RJ, Fulford J, Macleod KM, Ramos-Ibanez N (2005). Prediction of visceral adipose tissue using Air Displacement Plethysmography in young people. Obesity Research, 13(11), 2048-2051.
2004
Winsley RJ, Armstrong N (2004). Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, Health and Young People. In Green, K, Hardman K (Eds.) Physical Education: Essential Issues, London: Sage, 65-77.
Winsley RJ, Armstrong N (2004). Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, Health and Young People. In Green K, Hardman K (Eds.) Physical Education Essential Issues, Sage, 65-77.
2003
Spamer EJ, Winsley RJ (2003). A comparative study of British and South African 12yr old rugby players, in relation to game-specific, physical, motor and anthropometric variables.
J HUM MOVEMENT STUD,
44(1), 37-45.
Abstract:
A comparative study of British and South African 12yr old rugby players, in relation to game-specific, physical, motor and anthropometric variables
Research on talent identification and development among young sportsmen and women is relatively limited. The greatest need is in team sports. Many studies have been carried out involving individual sports because it is easier to control the different variables (Salmela and Regnier, 1983). This is the reason that this study focuses on rugby, a well known team sport. The aim of the study is firstly to compare the game-specific, physical, motor and anthropometric variables of English and South African 12yr old rugby players and secondly, to compare these same variables between English 12yr old competitive and social rugby players. The comparison of the data between English and South African children (Pienaar and Spamer, 1998), indicated that the English children possessed a higher level of subcutaneous fat; a finding which is probably best explained by differences in lifestyle and socio-economic factors between the two countries. Their higher fat level may indeed explain the poorer performance of the English children during the physical and motor ability tests.
Abstract.
Spamer EJ, Winsley RJ (2003). A comparative study of British and South African 12yr old rugby players, in relation to game-specific, physical, motor and anthropometric variables.
Journal of Human Movement Studies,
44(1), 037-045.
Abstract:
A comparative study of British and South African 12yr old rugby players, in relation to game-specific, physical, motor and anthropometric variables
Research on talent identification and development among young sportsmen and women is relatively limited. The greatest need is in team sports. Many studies have been carried out involving individual sports because it is easier to control the different variables (Salmela and Régnier, 1983). This is the reason that this study focuses on rugby, a well known team sport. The aim of the study is firstly to compare the game-specific, physical, motor and anthropometric variables of English and South African 12yr old rugby players and secondly, to compare these same variables between English 12yr old competitive and social rugby players. The comparison of the data between English and South African children (Pienaar and Spamer, 1998), indicated that the English children possessed a higher level of subcutaneous fat; a finding which is probably best explained by differences in lifestyle and socio-economic factors between the two countries. Their higher fat level may indeed explain the poorer performance of the English children during the physical and motor ability tests.
Abstract.
Spamer, EJ, Winsley RJ (2003). Comparative characteristics of elite English and South African 18-year-old rugby players with reference to game-specific skills, physical abilities and anthropometric data. J HUM MOVEMENT STUD, 45, 187-196.
Winsley RJ, Armstrong N, Bywater K, Fawkner SG (2003). Reliability of heart rate variability measures at rest and during light exercise in children. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 37(6), 550-552.
Winsley RJ (2003). Suitability of the multistage fitness test to assess children’s aerobic fitness. European Journal of Physical Education, 8, 19-28.
2002
Winsley RJ (2002). Acute and chronic effects of exercise on heart rate variability in adults and children: a review. Pediatric Exercise Science, 14(4), 328-344.
1997
Welsman JR, Armstrong N, Kirby BJ, Winsley RJ, Parsons G, Sharpe P (1997). Exercise performance and magnetic resonance imaging-determined thigh muscle volume in children.
Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol,
76(1), 92-97.
Abstract:
Exercise performance and magnetic resonance imaging-determined thigh muscle volume in children.
This study examined the relationships between thigh muscle volume (TMV) and aerobic and anaerobic performance in children. A total of 32 children, 16 boys and 16 girls, aged 9.9 (0.3) years completed a treadmill running test to exhaustion for the determination of peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and a Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) for the determination of peak power (PP) and mean power (MP). The volume of the right thigh muscle was determined using magnetic resonance imaging. TMV was not significantly different in boys and girls [2.39 (0.29) l vs 2.18 (0.38) l, P > 0.05]. Peak VO2 and MP were significantly higher in boys than girls (P < 0.01) whether expressed in absolute, mass-related or allometrically scaled terms. Absolute PP was not significantly different in boys and girls but mass-related and allometrically scaled values were higher in boys (P < 0.01). TMV was correlated with absolute peak VO2, PP and MP in both sexes (r = 0.52-0.89, P < 0.01). In boys, mass-related PP was correlated with TMV (r = 0.53, P < 0.01), and in girls mass-related peak VO2 was correlated with TMV (r = -0.61, P < 0.01). However, in neither sex were allometrically scaled peak VO2, PP or MP correlated with TMV (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between boys and girls in terms of peak VO2, PP or MP when expressed in a ratio to TMV or allometrically scaled TMV. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that, when body size is appropriately accounted for using allometric scaling, TMV is unrelated to indices of aerobic and anaerobic power in 10-year-old children. Furthermore, there appear to be no qualitative differences in the muscle function of boys and girls in respect of aerobic and anaerobic function.
Abstract.
Author URL.
De Ste Croix M. B.A. Armstrong N, Welsman JR, Winsley RJ (1997). MUSCLE STRENGTH AND MRI DETERMINED THIGH MUSCLE VOLUME IN YOUNG GIRLS980. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 29(5).
Winsley RJ, Armstrong N, Welsman JR (1997). THIGH MUSCLE VOLUME AND CHILDREN'S PERFORMANCE ON THE WINGATE ANAEROBIC TEST1532. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 29(5).
1996
Armstrong N, Welsman J, Winsley R (1996). Is peak VO2 a maximal index of children's aerobic fitness?.
Int J Sports Med,
17(5), 356-359.
Abstract:
Is peak VO2 a maximal index of children's aerobic fitness?
A levelling of oxygen uptake (VO2 plateau) at high exercise intensities is conventionally used as the criterion for establishing VO2max during progressive, incremental exercise testing. Only a minority of children, however, demonstrate a VO2 plateau during exercise to voluntary exhaustion. This study was therefore designed to investigate whether a VO2 plateau is required before peak VO2 can be considered a maximal index of children's aerobic fitness. Eighteen girls and 17 boys (age 9.9 +/- 0.4 yrs) carried out three treadmill tests to exhaustion one week apart. The first test comprised a discontinuous, incremental protocol to voluntary exhaustion. In test two each child warmed up and then ran to exhaustion at the same belt speed but on a gradient 2.5% greater than that which had produced an exhaustive effort on the first test. The third test was conducted similarly but the treadmill gradient was raised to 5% greater than that which had produced an exhaustive effort on the first test. Seven girls and 6 boys demonstrated a VO2 plateau (< or = 2 ml.kg-1.min-7) on the first test but no significant differences in either anthropometrical or peak physiological data were detected between those who demonstrated a plateau and those who did not. Mean peak VO2 values during tests two and three (supramaximal tests) did not increase significantly above that achieved on test one although indicators of an increased anaerobic contribution were significantly higher in both supramaximal tests. These findings indicate that peak VO2 in test one was a maximal value despite the absence of a VO2 plateau. The requirement of a VO2 plateau before peak VO2 can be regarded as a maximal index of young children's aerobic fitness is therefore untenable.
Abstract.
Author URL.
1995
Armstrong N, Welsman JR, Winsley RJ (1995). IN PREPUBERTAL GIRLS CAN PEAK VO2 BE CONSIDERED a TRUE VO2 MAX DESPITE THE ABSENCE OF a VO2 PLATEAU?: 632. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 27(5).
