This study examined the impact of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness, wellbeing, and social activity, including social support, in Scottish older adults. A mixed methods online survey was used to examine these factors during social distancing mid-lockdown, July 2020. Participants were asked to state whether loneliness, wellbeing, social activity, and social support had changed since pre-social distancing, and to provide details of strategies used to keep socially active. A total of 1429 adults (84% aged 60+ years) living in Scotland took part. The majority reported that social distancing regulations made them experience more loneliness and less social contact and support. Loneliness during lockdown was higher than reported norms for this age group before the pandemic. A larger social network, more social contact, and better perceived social support seemed to be protective against loneliness and poor wellbeing. Positive coping strategies reported included increasing online social contact with both existing social networks and reconnecting with previous networks, as well as increasing contact with neighbours and people in the community. This underlines the importance of addressing loneliness and social support in older adults but particularly during situations where risk of isolation is high.

Although there is research providing physiologically-based guidance for the content of the taper, this study was the first to examine how coaches actually implement the taper. The purpose of this study was to examine the taper planning and implementation processes of successful Olympic coaches leading up to major competitions and how they learned about tapering. Seven track and field coaches participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their tapering processes. To be considered for inclusion, coaches were required to have coached one or more athletes to an Olympic or Paralympic medal. Through a process of axial and open coding interview transcripts were analysed and lower and higher order themes developed describing the coaches' tapering processes. Our findings indicate that the strategies employed to achieve the desired physiological adaptions of the taper were consistent with research (e.g., reduction in volume whilst maintaining intensity and frequency). However, our findings also suggest that tapering is far from a straight forward "textbook" process. The taper was not restricted to physiological outcomes with coaches considering athletes' psychological as well as physical state. Coaches also involved the athlete in the process, adapted the taper to the athlete, continually monitored its progress, and adapted it further as required.

Preconception physical activity is one of the main predictors of continued engagement in physical activity during and after pregnancy and subsequently, improves the health of women and their child.In the UK, guidance states that Primary Care health Professionals (PCPs) should assess and discuss the lifestyle of preconception women, in routine appointments, in order to address potentially modifiable risk factors. However, knowledge and provision of this guidance in the UK is unknown.It is not clear if individuals actively seek preconception guidance from PCPs, what guidance they request, and whether PCPs have the knowledge and skills to provide this support in line with current guidelines. This research aimed to explore current practice and the perspectives of PCPs in delivering physical activity guidance to preconception patients. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with PCPs (GPs and community pharmacists) in the UK. Data was analysed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). The key TDF domains which emerged from analysis were 1) Environmental context and resources, 2) Knowledge, 3) Social/professional role and identity, 4) Social influences, 5) Beliefs about capabilities, 6) Beliefs about consequences, 7) Reinforcement, and 8) Emotion. Our findings showed patients did not frequently present solely for preconception physical activity guidance, but occasionally enquired when consulting about another issue. PCPs lacked motivation to implement physical activity guidance due to the perception that their advice would have no impact on behaviour change. There were a number of perceived opportunities to implement preconception physical activity guidance in primary care including sign posting and referral to advice such as online resources. These findings illustrate the need for consistent and specific preconception lifestyle and PA guidance for PCPs, with an emphasis on behaviour change techniques and a patient http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ac-phm-vcy self-directed intervention, which PCPs can signpost women to may be most appropriate and feasible.

BACKGROUND: There is currently limited evidence available to support the use of the isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) within professional soccer. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between IMTP variables, with common markers of athletic performance capability. METHODS: Eleven professional development soccer players (age: 20 ± 2 years, stature: 1.82 ± 0.10 m, mass: 76.4 ± 12.8 kg) performed IMTP, 5 m and 10 m accelerations, maximal sprint speed (MSS), countermovement jump (CMJ), and the 505 change of direction test (COD).RESULTS: Relative and absolute Peak force (PF) and force at 50, 100, 150 and 200 ms values were measured during the IMTP. Relative F150, F200, PF displayed large to very large correlations with MSS (r = 0.51, r = 0.66, and r = 0.76 respectively), while absolute PF also displayed a large correlation with MSS (r = 0.57). Relative and absolute PF showed large correlations with CMJ height (r = 0.54 and r = 0.55 respectively). Relative F150 and F200 highlighted large correlations with COD ability (r = -0.68 and r = -0.60 respectively). Relative F200 and PF had a large negative correlation with 10m acceleration (r = -0.55 and r = -0.53 respectively).CONCLUSION: This study provides an important contribution to knowledge within the area of IMTP testing in professional soccer by evidencing the prominence of the isometric force generating capacity as an underpinning factor in relation to athletic capability.

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