Reykjavík University would like to welcome you to attend an Open Lecture by Professor Mark Russell (Leeds Trinity University, UK).

Prof. Russell is an active researcher and focuses his research on topics allied to performance nutrition and applied exercise physiology for team sport athletes. Prof. Russell has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, presented at international conferences and led multiple industry-funded contract research projects. Prof. Russell currently leads the Enhancing Human Performance research theme at Leeds Trinity University and has a special interest in team sport performance-enhancement strategies.

A number of intermittent team sports require that two consecutive periods of play (lasting for ~30-45 min) are separated by a 10-20 min half-time break. The half-time practices employed by team-sports players generally include returning to the changing rooms, temporarily relaxing from the cognitive and physical demands of the first half, rehydration and re-fuelling strategies, addressing injury or equipment concerns, and receiving tactical instruction and coach feedback. However, evidence exists to suggest that the initial period of the second half demonstrates different characteristics relative to other periods of match-play. Indeed, both physical (i.e. reductions in the amount of high-intensity running) and cognitive performance have been found to decline in the initial stages of subsequent exercise that follows half-time. Elevations in the number of points/goals scored at international tournaments may also exist between 45-60 min.

Recent studies highlight the possible role that changes in body temperature that occur over half-time have upon subsequent exercise responses. Also, the typically passive nature of current half-time practices have been associated with physiological changes that impair performance during the second half and challenge the efficacy of carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks to maintain blood glucose concentrations throughout the full duration of match-play. Half-time therefore provides sports scientists who are working within team sports with an opportunity to optimize second-half performance.

Professor Russell will present an overview of strategies thought to benefit team-sports athletes; specifically, the efficacy of heat maintenance strategies (including passive and active methods), and modified hydro-nutritional practices. A theoretical model of applying these strategies in a manner that compliments current practice is also offered.