The Real Science of Sport Podcast

Join the Real Science of Sport Supporters club, and get access to the sports science community where at least one person (usually many more) knows the answer to every question you can possibly ask! Plus, engage on news, training, diet, and other sports science related topics with fellow listeners! A small monthly pledge makes you a Supporter, and the Science of Sport Community awaits!Show notesToday on the Spotlight, we kick off with a chat about whether your running shoes are causing injuries (4:24). This, after a former elite runner has sued Nike for an injury she claims was the result of running in carbon fiber plated footwear. Ross and Gareth talk about the complexity of running injuries, why proving a single cause is a near-impossible task, but why the claim is not necessarily a total no-hoper, given what we know about injury and these particular shoes. We look back at some precedents, sort of, where shoe companies have settled after claims, but with some very important subtle differences.We then shift to Track and Field for a pair of stories (32:29). World Athletics crowned their Athletes of the Year this week, with Mondo Duplantis and Sydeny McLaughlin-Levrone taking the overall honours. We throw some praise Mondo's way, and not because he's virtually unbeatable and playing with the World Record. We also discuss Grand Slam Track, which is surely in its final days after the depth of its latest financial hole were announced, and Track and Field Athletics, whose supposed demise may have been greatly exaggerated (37:23)We finish with a couple of contact sports stories. Ross co-authored a paper he thinks could transform how Rugby Union handles contact training to minimize head impacts (47:40). And we spotlight listener Petulant Skeptic, whose insights on infections and hand-washing in hospitals shed light on Guardian caps and reducing concussion risk (58:39).Oh, And Finally, Ross has a tale about a mattress that will do things you simply won't believe. Or at least, you shouldn't!Links to some articlesFormer elite runner sues Nike after being injured in AlphaflysIt's not all frivolous - this paper suggests a possible injury riskInjuries are multifactorial and very complex as this Umbrella Review makes clearOne of the papers I published with Dr Nic Tam on barefoot running, showing that even 8 weeks of supervised progression didn't turn us all into smooth barefoot runners, and may thus increase injury risk for manyVibram settled - not for causing injury, but for false claimsReducing full contact training in Rugby barely reduces head impacts in elite men's players - the paper we discussedThe outstanding post by Petulant Skeptic on what infection and handwashing may tell us about Guardian caps Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts dive into the heated topic of whether cross-country running should be included in the Winter Olympics, discussing potential benefits and challenges. They also tackle the controversy surrounding a male competitor winning a women's strength event, highlighting implications for fairness in sports. Additionally, they evaluate the effectiveness of concussion-prevention gear in the NFL, while exploring the broader issues of safety in sports. They finish with insights on the evolution of Test cricket and the impact of luck on sporting outcomes.

Travis T. Tygart, the Chief Executive of USADA, is a prominent figure in the fight against doping in sports. He reveals the complexities of anti-doping efforts, sharing insights from high-profile cases like Lance Armstrong's. Tygart discusses the implications of the Rodchenkov Act and criticizes WADA's handling of doping cases globally. He emphasizes the need for greater transparency and reform in the anti-doping landscape while addressing the challenges of investigating doping offenses. His passion for protecting clean athletes shines through in this engaging conversation.

Explore the intriguing dynamics in sports science, where personal stories on pacing spark debate about belief versus knowledge. Delve into how academia can become adversarial and the risks associated with overriding physical limits. Learn why high carbohydrate intake is the key to improving running economy and unlocking performance, not merely delaying fuel depletion. The complexities of heat in endurance sports are also highlighted, along with practical strategies for managing challenges during competitions.

Get ready for some shocking track and field revelations! The women’s 100m will see all rounds on one day, raising eyebrows about athlete welfare. Meanwhile, triathlon faced chaos with miscounted laps, provoking a debate on rule integrity. Boxing is turning into a spectacle with the controversial Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul fight on the horizon. Plus, discover the surprising cardiovascular risks spectators face when emotionally invested in games. This week, sports management and science take center stage in fascinating ways!

The International Olympic Committee may soon implement policies to protect women's sports by limiting trans-identified males and athletes with DSDs from competing. A heated debate erupts between WADA and USADA regarding the controversial Enhanced Games, raising questions about the integrity of competition. Meanwhile, US sprinter Marvin Bracy-Williams faces a lengthy ban after cooperating in an investigation, hinting at deeper issues within anti-doping enforcement. Tune in for insights on complex challenges in sport, gender policy, and athlete integrity.

Explore the fascinating world of endurance as the hosts unravel its complex history and scientific debates. They dive into Tim Noakes' controversial theories, including the brain's role in regulating fatigue. Discover the significance of anticipatory regulation and how athletes experience perceived exertion. Ross shares insights from his research, including unique heat trials and the impact of pharmacology on performance. With captivating examples, they question our understanding of human limits and the potential to push beyond them.

Dive into an exhilarating recap of the New York City Marathon, where pacing strategies and thrilling finishes keep the excitement alive. Discover Joe Klecker's ambitious plan to consume 175 grams of carbs per hour and the unique insights on high-carb fueling. The discussion then shifts to WADA's potential ban on Ozempic, weighing its impact on performance and health risks. Finally, elite athlete Laura Hottenrott raises concerns over frequent blood testing in doping controls, sparking a thought-provoking debate on its implications.

The discussion kicks off with an analysis of various doping cases, including a complex ban for marathon runner Ruth Chepngetich. They dive into Imogen Simmonds' unique contamination defense involving her partner. The podcast also tackles the metabolic costs of exercise, debating whether it truly aids in weight loss, with conflicting studies on energy expenditure. Finally, the hosts explore innovative heat training techniques and weigh in on impressive athletic feats, like Kipchoge's sub-2 marathon versus Sorokin's 100-mile record.

This discussion dives into whether cardio training undermines strength gains and reveals the surprising minimal interference in most athletes. It also tackles the pressures on tennis players, evaluating claims about increased injuries due to busy schedules and equipment changes. A stark look at doping prevalence comes to light, with self-reported rates suggesting a troubling honesty among athletes. Lastly, the intriguing concept of a new performance metric, W', is explored, shedding light on how athletes can optimize their training strategies.