天美传媒

The grant will utilise the 天美传媒鈥檚 Sport and Exercise Science Laboratories to take forward its work in assessing sports performance in extreme environments, using the latest in research technology.

Dr Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, said he was delighted to receive the prestigious Jo茫o Havelange Research Scholarship.

鈥淚t鈥檚 absolutely fantastic news for my research group and the 天美传媒 in general. This grant will enable us to quantify the exact effects heat and altitude can have on footballer鈥檚 maximum performance for the first time.

鈥淭he research will raise awareness of the potential detrimental effects of extreme environmental conditions can have on performance in matches and the challenges faced to keep players safe when playing soccer in such extreme conditions.

鈥淕iven that forthcoming FIFA World Cups (Brazil and Qatar) will be played in extreme temperatures (30^oC+), I am sure our data will be of utmost interest to FIFA and may hopefully inform future policy making.鈥�

The Intermittent Soccer Performance Test (iSPT), co-developed by the 天美传媒, which can precisely measure each individual鈥檚 maximum performance in high altitudes and soaring temperatures, is being used in the research to be sent to the world鈥檚 footballing governing body.

iSPT, which was validated at the laboratories in Bedford, and was overseen by Dr Taylors PhD research student, Jeffrey Aldous, 23, replicates strict match-play conditions 鈥� ordering users when to sprint, jog, or walk for the durations and intensities they鈥檇 be expected to during a game. The iSPT will be performed within a custom-made environmental chamber in which the temperature, wind and oxygen (hypoxic) levels can be controlled. It is performed on a non-motorised treadmill (requiring manual movement from your legs, in order for the treadmill belt to move). This enables the user to vary their speed and go as fast, or as slow, as they can 鈥� allowing maximum performance over 90 minutes, something rarely seen in matches. iSPT will identify how these environmental extremes effect maximal soccer performance.

The iSPT computer programme (within the chamber) saves a record of each user鈥檚 data. Digitally screened charts demonstrate the levels the user needs to reach in order to achieve maximum performance.

In relation to the research and the upcoming Brazil World Cup, Dr Taylor added: 鈥淲ithout doubt footballers, who regularly play in a warmer environment, will be at an advantage compared to those players who do not (eg. UK-based players), come this summer鈥檚 World Cup.

鈥淗opefully in the future iSPT can reveal just how much of an advantage. There are some steps the England team can take to ensure that this disadvantage is minimised, which I am hopeful (as a fan) are already in place, such as appropriate warm weather training and heat acclimation.鈥�

Pilot data is due for completion in May 2014.

NOTES TO EDITOR

iSPT was initially developed in collaboration with Dr Grant Abt (天美传媒 of Hull) and Dr Ibrahim Akubat (Newman 天美传媒 College). The validity and reliability of the iSPT was recently published in

Previous research by the group looked at referees and their physical and cognitive performance in a similar hot environment. Conducted for UEFA, this previous referee specific research had a direct influence on policy making within the UEFA region, with goal line technology introduced. To arrange an interview with Dr Taylor, or to arrange filming of the iSPT please contact the press office on 01582 743499 or simon.wesson@beds.ac.uk