This week in the world of sports science, here’s what happened…
- Dane Miller’s VO₂ max video
- Weight-cutting in amateur boxing: Recent research findings
- Can coaches use their “coaching eye” to evaluate the maturation status of young athletes?
Dane Miller’s VO₂ max video
Dane Miller of Garage Strength recently released an insightful video addressing methods to enhance VO₂ max. In the video, Miller clearly explains the scientific research related to VO₂ max. He begins by emphasising the significance of haemoglobin, a protein utilised by red blood cells to transport oxygen, and its direct correlation to VO₂ max. In essence, a higher concentration of haemoglobin within red blood cells correlates with increased availability of oxygen for utilisation.
Miller subsequently examines how various illicit doping strategies modify haemoglobin levels and the underlying physiological mechanisms involved. Fortunately, doping is not a recommended solution; he instead proposes four reputable strategies for enhancing haemoglobin levels, which can, in turn, improve VO₂ max.
The four strategies identified by Miller consist of monitoring iron levels, engaging in high-altitude training, employing heat exposure, and prioritising quality sleep. First, he underscores the critical nature of iron levels, recommending regular blood tests to ensure that iron levels are adequate, as insufficient iron levels can lead to decreased haemoglobin levels. Second, Miller advocates for prolonged training at elevated altitudes, highlighting its benefits for endurance athletes. Third, he discusses the advantages of heat exposure, particularly through the use of saunas post-training, which can facilitate an increase in blood plasma volume and, subsequently, haemoglobin levels. Finally, Miller emphasises the essential role of quality sleep in the recovery process.
For those interested in improving their VO₂ max, the video by Miller serves as an excellent resource that comprehensively outlines the mechanisms and strategies involved. Additionally, for further information regarding VO₂ max, check out our blog VO₂ max.
Weight-cutting in amateur boxing: Recent research findings
A recent study has provided valuable insights into weight-cutting in amateur boxing. One of the strengths of this research is the substantial sample size, which included over 700 Chinese amateur boxers.
Unsurprisingly, the researchers discovered that a significant majority of boxers engaged in weight-cutting practices before competition. On average, these boxers lost approximately 6% of their body mass over roughly 15 days leading up to the event. The predominant methods for weight loss included increased exercise and training while wearing plastic suits.
A concerning finding from the study is that the boxers identified their coaches as the most influential figures regarding their weight loss practices, surpassing more qualified professionals such as medical doctors and nutritionists. Furthermore, it was revealed that it is not uncommon for junior boxers to lose upwards of 9% of their body mass before competitions.
While the study acknowledges that weight loss practices among Chinese amateur boxers may differ from those in other countries and sports, it remains troubling that the most qualified individuals for ensuring safe weight-cutting practices are often overlooked in favour of less qualified individuals.
If you want to learn about weight cutting in combat sports, including tips, dangers, and ways to minimise risks, check out our course (here) and our extensive collection of blogs on the topic.
- Weight cutting tips: Nutrition secrets you need to know
- The severely detrimental effects of making weight the wrong way
- Weight cutting in combat sports: What is it and how can you minimise the risks?
Can coaches use their “coaching eye” to evaluate the maturation status of young athletes?
The significance of maturation in youth sports and its implications for talent identification programs has been well established. However, in practice, many youth sports coaches rely on their subjective “coaching eye” and personal experience to determine whether athletes are early, on-time, or late maturers. A recent study conducted by the esteemed Irish lecturer and strength and conditioning coach Fionn Fitzgerald evaluated the accuracy of this so-called “coaching eye” in assessing maturity.
In this study, Fitzgerald and his colleagues employed the Khamis-Roche method to estimate the biological age of 247 male athletes aged 13 to 17 years. Subsequently, 18 sports coaches were tasked with providing their assessments of the players’ maturity timing, current ability, and long-term potential.
The findings indicated that coaches demonstrated limited accuracy in identifying early-maturing athletes, with only approximately one-third of early maturers being correctly recognised. Furthermore, coaches tended to overestimate the maturation timing of athletes categorised as on-time or late. Notably, there was a pronounced selection bias favouring early developers among the coaches.
This research underscores the necessity of utilising biological age estimation methods, such as the Khamis-Roche approach, instead of relying on the “coaching eye” for maturity assessments. If you want to learn more about the importance of maturation, we highly recommend checking out Fitzgerald’s excellent work and our blog How does age and maturation affect motor coordination and performance?
From us this week:
>> New course: Gut Health
>> New podcast: 15 Years, 650 Wickets, and One Iconic Headband – Jack Brooks Tells All
>> New infographic: What Influences Our Gut Microbiome
>> New article: Hydrotherapy
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