| Description |
Sport science is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to improving sports performance. As interdisciplinary hybrids, applied sport scientists use scientific inquiry to address challenges faced across the various disciplines within sports organizations. This dissertation presents three standalone studies (i.e., articles), which span performance, training, and rehabilitation. In the first study, peak power (PP) and critical power (CP) were used to predict repeated-sprint ability (RSA) during cycling among seven highlytrained male athletes. Using multiple regression, PP and CP accounted for ≥ 92% of the variance in RSA. PP highly correlated (i.e., r ≥ .90) with nonfatigued sprint performance, whereas CP highly correlated with fatigued sprint performance. Overall, the findings suggest that complementary interplay between PP and CP maximize RSA. The purpose of the second study was to determine if single-leg cycling training could improve highintensity running performance among team-sport athletes. Twenty-seven lacrosse players were assigned to a control (CON), single-leg cycling training (SLC), or running training (RUN) group. All groups participated in the same preseason practice and resistance training schedule for 3 weeks. Only SLC and RUN performed high-intensity interval training twice per week. Linear mixed models indicated significant improvements in repeated-sprint ability but not running endurance within CON. Improvements in repeated-sprint ability and running endurance within SLC were 0.57 and 1.97 times greater than CON, respectively. SLC and RUN had similar improvements, indicating that iv single-leg cycling training is an effective cross-training modality that can improve highintensity running performance. In the third study, compensatory patterns after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) were identified using submaximal cycling biomechanics. Before return to participation, 80% of the participants (n = 15) presented either interlimb or intralimb compensatory patterns, which were characterized by either whole-leg attenuation of power within the surgical limb and/or greater surgical side hip extension action which compensated for reduced surgical knee extension action. Exploratory analysis revealed potential side and sex-specific relationships. Overall, there is now proof-of-concept that submaximal cycling biomechanics can safely evaluate whole-leg dynamic function during early stages of ACLR rehabilitation. In conclusion, the variety of topics presented in this dissertation exemplify the interdisciplinary nature of applied sport science, while providing novel insights and applications for sports performance and rehabilitation. |
