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Blomqvist, Sven, UniversitetslektorORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0002-2995-4428
Publications (10 of 21) Show all publications
Qvarfordt, A., Svedsäter, G., Fagher, K., Bjerkefors, A. & Blomqvist, S. (2024). Para sport and anti-doping: a study of Swedish Para athletes' experiences and perceptions. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6, Article ID 1375359.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Para sport and anti-doping: a study of Swedish Para athletes' experiences and perceptions
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2024 (English)In: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, E-ISSN 2624-9367, Vol. 6, article id 1375359Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Introduction: A well-functioning anti-doping system relies on being perceived by athletes as effective, fair, and practically feasible to implement. While research has highlighted the views of Olympic athletes on anti-doping over the past decade, the experiences and perceptions of Para athletes have not been extensively explored. The purpose of this study was to examine Swedish elite Para athletes' experiences and perceptions of the policy and practice of the anti-doping system.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional approach was used, with a web survey elaborated from a survey with Olympic athletes adjusted for Para athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments. The sample consisted of 66 active Para athletes competing at national or international level (response rate 71%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and differences between subgroups were examined Fisher's exact test. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze open-ended questions.

Results: Most of the respondents expressed a positive outlook on the anti-doping system, advocating for comprehensive efforts. A significant portion (35%) had not received anti-doping education, with those who did reporting increased confidence in avoiding unintentional doping. Despite their elite status, half of the respondents had not undergone doping control. Mistrust regarding the system's effectiveness and fairness was identified, with over half of the participants emphasizing the need for new technical solutions to enhance procedures specifically tailored for Para athletes.

Discussion: The athletes in this study advocate for a Para sports-focused approach in the anti-doping system, emphasizing equal testing opportunities, procedural adjustments for independence and privacy, and increased access to education. The findings illuminate the unique conditions faced by athletes with impairments within the anti-doping system, offering valuable insights for policymaking in the development of anti-doping strategies tailored to Para athletes and their various impairments.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Frontiers, 2024
Keywords
Para athletes; Para sport; anti-doping; policy; survey
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-44161 (URN)10.3389/fspor.2024.1375359 (DOI)001216084400001 ()38725474 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85192985296 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2024-05-13 Created: 2024-05-13 Last updated: 2024-05-27Bibliographically approved
Johansson, M., Ervasti, P.-E. & Blomqvist, S. (2021). An analysis of acceleration, deceleration and high-intensity skating during elite bandy match-play: A case study. Sports, 9(11), Article ID 152.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>An analysis of acceleration, deceleration and high-intensity skating during elite bandy match-play: A case study
2021 (English)In: Sports, E-ISSN 2075-4663, Vol. 9, no 11, article id 152Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Profiles of physical workload in sports are useful to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury. The aim of the study was to investigate physical workload in 10 elite bandy players by describing acceleration, deceleration, and high-intensity skating during bandy match-play. During 13 home matches, 10 male elite bandy players wore a GPS unit to measure changes in the total distance, total distance skating in two speed zones, and total distance of acceleration and deceleration. A within-subject design was used to measure changes over time during match-play by comparing first and second halves as well as comparisons for consecutive 15 min intervals. No significant differences were observed for high-intensity or very high-intensity acceleration and deceleration for comparisons by halves or for 15-min intervals. For comparisons by halves, a significant time-dependent effect was observed on very fast skating (1337.6 m vs. 1160.9 m), sprint skating (300.0 m vs. 272.0 m), low-intensity acceleration (342.7 m vs. 333.0 m), and total distance covered (10,916.9 m vs. 10,450.3 m). These variables, along with low-intensity deceleration, were also significant for the 15 min interval comparisons. The results show that there is no time-dependent reduction in high-intensity acceleration and deceleration in elite bandy match-play. However, elite bandy players do not maintain the distance of high-intensity skating throughout a whole match.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
MDPI, 2021
Keywords
physical workload; time-dependent reduction; accumulated fatigue
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-37457 (URN)10.3390/sports9110152 (DOI)000724429500001 ()34822351 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85119367512 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2021-11-30 Created: 2021-11-30 Last updated: 2022-09-22Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist, S. & Ahlström, J. (2021). Coaching manual for training cross-country skiers with intellectual disability. Högskolan i Gävle; Parasport EU
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Coaching manual for training cross-country skiers with intellectual disability
2021 (English)Report (Other academic)
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Högskolan i Gävle; Parasport EU, 2021. p. 28
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-35758 (URN)
Available from: 2021-04-30 Created: 2021-04-30 Last updated: 2021-12-21Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist, S. & Ahlström, J. (2021). Coaching manual vid träning av längdskidåkning med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning. Högskolan i Gävle; Parasport EU
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Coaching manual vid träning av längdskidåkning med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning
2021 (Swedish)Report (Other academic)
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Högskolan i Gävle; Parasport EU, 2021
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-35759 (URN)
Available from: 2021-04-30 Created: 2021-04-30 Last updated: 2021-12-21Bibliographically approved
Persson, E., Andersson, M. & Blomqvist, S. (2021). Differences in Physical Demands Among Offensive and Defensive Players in Elite Men Bandy. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 92(4), 805-812
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Differences in Physical Demands Among Offensive and Defensive Players in Elite Men Bandy
2021 (English)In: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, ISSN 0270-1367, E-ISSN 2168-3824, Vol. 92, no 4, p. 805-812Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose: This study examined the physiological sport-specific demands (total distance, mean velocity, effective game time, and time in five velocity zones) in elite bandy players of offensive and defensive playing positions. Method: Data were collected with 10 Hz GPS-units in the Swedish Elite League during the season 2015/16. Ten male elite bandy players were examined during 13 matches. Data were analyzed with Independent Samples Test and with descriptive statistics. Result: Analysis showed that defensive positions covered a significantly longer (p < .001) total distance (23.2 ± 2.4 km vs 21.1 ± 3.5 km) compared to the offensive positions. Significantly higher (p < .001) mean velocity was found in offensive positions (17.8 ± 1.0 km/h vs 15.5 ± 1.6 km/h) in relation to defensive positions. In variable effective game time analysis exposed significant differences (p < .001) between offensive positions and defensive positions (90.4 ± 3.5 min vs 71.3 ± 11.9 min). Furthermore, in easy and moderate skating defensive positions spent significantly (p < .001) more time and in fast, very fast, and sprint skating offensive positions spent significantly (p < .001) more time in relation to each other. The descriptive analysis of positions indicates that libero, defender, and half have the longest game time, half skate the longest distance, and forward have the highest mean velocity during the game. Conclusion: From a practical perspective, the result can provide coaches knowledge when planning the setup in training drills. Thus, the training sessions could be more specific to the playing position, which could maximize the player's physiological outcome in order to optimize performance.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2021
Keywords
GPS, movement patterns, team sport
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Research subject
no Strategic Research Area (SFO)
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-33457 (URN)10.1080/02701367.2020.1788203 (DOI)000564026400001 ()32857941 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85089983350 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2020-09-04 Created: 2020-09-04 Last updated: 2021-12-17Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist, S., Seipel, S. & Engström, M. (2021). Using augmented reality technology for balance training in the older adults: a feasibility pilot study. Paper presented at England. BMC Geriatrics, 21, Article ID 144.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Using augmented reality technology for balance training in the older adults: a feasibility pilot study
2021 (English)In: BMC Geriatrics, E-ISSN 1471-2318, Vol. 21, article id 144Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: Impaired balance leading to falls is common in the older adults, and there is strong evidence that balance training reduces falls and increases independence. Reduced resources in health care will result in fewer people getting help with rehabilitation training. In this regard, the new technology augmented reality (AR) could be helpful. With AR, the older adults can receive help with instructions and get feedback on their progression in balance training. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of using AR-based visual-interactive tools in balance training of the older adults.; Methods: Seven older adults (66-88 years old) with impaired balance trained under supervision of a physiotherapist twice a week for six weeks using AR-based visual-interactive guidance, which was facilitated through a Microsoft HoloLens holographic display. Afterwards, participants and physiotherapists were interviewed about the new technology and their experience of the training. Also, fear of falling and balance ability were measured before and after training.; Results: Five participants experienced the new technology as positive in terms of increased motivation and feedback. Experiences were mixed regarding the physical and technical aspects of the HoloLens and the design of the HoloLens application. Participants also described issues that needed to be further improved, for example, the training program was difficult and monotonous. Further, the HoloLens hardware was felt to be heavy, the application's menu was difficult to control with different hand manoeuvres, and the calibration took a long time. Suggestions for improvements were described. Results of the balance tests and self-assessment instruments indicated no improvements in balance performance after AR training.; Conclusions: The study showed that training with the new technology is, to some extent, feasible for the older adults, but needs further development. Also, the technology seemed to stimulate increased motivation, which is a prerequisite for adherence to training. However, the new technology and training requires further development and testing in a larger context.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
BioMed Central, 2021
Keywords
Augmented reality, Fall, Postural stability, Training
National Category
Computer and Information Sciences Health Sciences
Research subject
Health-Promoting Work, Digital shapeshifting
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-35377 (URN)10.1186/s12877-021-02061-9 (DOI)000624485400003 ()33637043 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85101754170 (Scopus ID)
Conference
England
Available from: 2021-03-05 Created: 2021-03-05 Last updated: 2024-07-04Bibliographically approved
Burns, J. & Johnston, M. (2020). Handbok för bäst praxis vid träning av idrottare med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Handbok för bäst praxis vid träning av idrottare med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning
2020 (Swedish)Other (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
Abstract [sv]

Hur man använder denna bästa-praxishandbokInnehållet i handboken grundar sig på en övergripande och djupgående granskning av de resurser som för närvarande finns tillgängliga för den här särskilda formen av handledning. Efter att ha gjort omfattande sökningar på webb och i databaser, har över 100 resurser som bl.a. omfattar träningshandböcker, kurser (bl.a. e-lärande), läroböcker, artiklar, webbsidor och informationsbroschyrer kunnat lokaliseras. Var och en av dessa har granskats och information som kan vara till nytta när det gäller att träna idrottare med IF har använts. Vissa resurser har vi inte kunnat ta med eftersom de inte var skrivna på engelska, men de lades till i databasen. Vi har också intervjuat tränare och idrottare med kunskaper om olika idrottsgrenar för att utnyttja deras erfarenheter, exempel och resurser för att ytterligare utvidga dessa idéer om bästa praxis. Därefter har vi placerat dessa förslag i en teoretisk ram för att hjälpa tränarna att generalisera verksamheten i olika sammanhang. 

Målgruppen för denna handbok för bästa praxis är tränare som håller på med eller är intresserade av att handleda idrottare med IF – alltifrån gräsrötter till elitnivå. Den kan också komma väl till pass för gymnastiklärare, frivilliga som arbetar med personer med IF, arrangörer eller personer som ordnar med idrotts- och motionstillfällen. Informationen i handboken kan också vara till nytta för föräldrar eller vårdnadshavare till barn/unga personer med IF som vill engagera sig inom idrotten, både som rekreations- och som utvecklingsinriktad verksamhet.

Handboken fokuserar på flera huvudsakliga träningsområden för idrottare med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning.  

Publisher
p. 80
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-38503 (URN)
Available from: 2022-05-13 Created: 2022-05-13 Last updated: 2022-05-13Bibliographically approved
Connick, M. J., Beckman, E., Vanlandewijck, Y., Malone, L. A., Blomqvist, S. & Tweedy, S. M. (2018). Cluster analysis of novel isometric strength measures produces a valid and evidence-based classification structure for wheelchair track racing. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(17), 1123-1129, Article ID 097558.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Cluster analysis of novel isometric strength measures produces a valid and evidence-based classification structure for wheelchair track racing
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2018 (English)In: British Journal of Sports Medicine, ISSN 0306-3674, E-ISSN 1473-0480, Vol. 52, no 17, p. 1123-1129, article id 097558Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

BACKGROUND: The Para athletics wheelchair-racing classification system employs best practice to ensure that classes comprise athletes whose impairments cause a comparable degree of activity limitation. However, decision-making is largely subjective and scientific evidence which reduces this subjectivity is required.

AIM: To evaluate whether isometric strength tests were valid for the purposes of classifying wheelchair racers and whether cluster analysis of the strength measures produced a valid classification structure.

METHODS: Thirty-two international level, male wheelchair racers from classes T51-54 completed six isometric strength tests evaluating elbow extensors, shoulder flexors, trunk flexors and forearm pronators and two wheelchair performance tests-Top-Speed (0-15 m) and Top-Speed (absolute). Strength tests significantly correlated with wheelchair performance were included in a cluster analysis and the validity of the resulting clusters was assessed.

RESULTS: All six strength tests correlated with performance (r=0.54-0.88). Cluster analysis yielded four clusters with reasonable overall structure (mean silhouette coefficient=0.58) and large intercluster strength differences. Six athletes (19%) were allocated to clusters that did not align with their current class. While the mean wheelchair racing performance of the resulting clusters was unequivocally hierarchical, the mean performance of current classes was not, with no difference between current classes T53 and T54.

CONCLUSIONS: Cluster analysis of isometric strength tests produced classes comprising athletes who experienced a similar degree of activity limitation. The strength tests reported can provide the basis for a new, more transparent, less subjective wheelchair racing classification system, pending replication of these findings in a larger, representative sample. This paper also provides guidance for development of evidence-based systems in other Para sports.

Keywords
athletics, disability, elite performance, strength, wheelchair
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-25732 (URN)10.1136/bjsports-2017-097558 (DOI)000443598200010 ()29175826 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85044977061 (Scopus ID)
Note

Funding agencies:

International Paralympic Committee

Zayhed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs

Available from: 2017-12-05 Created: 2017-12-05 Last updated: 2019-12-06Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist, S., Ervasti, P.-E. & Elcadi, G. H. (2018). Evaluating physical workload by position during match in elite bandy. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(9), 2616-2622
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Evaluating physical workload by position during match in elite bandy
2018 (English)In: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, ISSN 1064-8011, E-ISSN 1533-4287, Vol. 32, no 9, p. 2616-2622Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

To improve current understandings of physical Workload (WL) in elite Bandy, ten bandy players were monitored for heart rate (HR) during thirteen matches over one championship season. Participants were divided into five subgroups according to playing position - libero, defender, halves, midfielder and forward. HR measurements were analyzed with two different methods to compute physical WL - (i) percentage of total time spent in different HR zones (HRres) and (ii) WL based on the Edwards method. Also determined was the time spent at HR levels above the lactate threshold (LT). A one-way ANOVA was used for analysis. For WL according to the Edwards method, significant differences (p=0.05) were shown between groups with defenders presenting the highest scores and forwards and liberos the lowest. A significant difference (p=0.05) was found between liberos and halves and the other positions as to how much time they spent in zone 70-80% of HRres. In 91-100% of HRres there was a distinct difference between defenders and the other positions and also forwards differed significantly from liberos, defenders and halves (p=0.05). The libero spent only one percent of the time over the LT, whereas the midfielder spent about 27% of the time over the LT. Overall, defenders showed the greatest WL during a match and liberos the lowest. The practical implications of these findings can help coaches and trainers design training methods specific to each position as well as individualized training sessions for each player in elite bandy.

National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-26388 (URN)10.1519/JSC.0000000000002551 (DOI)000454031400027 ()29489729 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85056289580 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2018-04-03 Created: 2018-04-03 Last updated: 2019-01-07Bibliographically approved
Blomqvist, S., Van Biesen, D. & Vanlandewijck, Y. (2018). Gear selection between techniques in freestyle cross-country skiing in athletes with intellectual impairment: A pilot study. International journal of sports science & coaching, 13(6), 1150-1155
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Gear selection between techniques in freestyle cross-country skiing in athletes with intellectual impairment: A pilot study
2018 (English)In: International journal of sports science & coaching, ISSN 1747-9541, E-ISSN 2048-397X, Vol. 13, no 6, p. 1150-1155Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Cross-country skiing is a fast-paced, a cognitively demanding, and a popular sport within international organizationsincluding athletes with intellectual impairment (II); however, research on how the level of II affects skiing performanceis limited. The aim of this exploratory study was to compare differences in the overall performance (segment time and racetime) and gear selection between a sample of cross-country skiers with II (n¼22) and a control group of skiers without II(n¼12), during a competitive 10 km freestyle race. The groups were matched on training background and skiing level basedon interviews with coaches and trainers. The independent samples t-test revealed a higher velocity in the first segment forthe control group (6.100.62 m/s) compared to the skiers with II (5.500.56 m/s; p<0.05), but no significant differencesin total race time between the groups. With respect to their ability to effectively select gears during the races, there was asignificant difference between the groups, where the pattern was that skiers with II used a lower gear compared to theskiers without II and that pattern became even more apparent towards the second half of the race. These findings supportthe assumption that impaired cognitive function may constrain the ability to optimally select the appropriate gear infunction of the characteristics of the skiing track, which is a key determinant of skiing performance.

Keywords
Classification, cognitive functioning, intellectual disability, Nordic skiing, Paralympics
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-28593 (URN)10.1177/1747954118798233 (DOI)000452267900036 ()2-s2.0-85057034077 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2018-11-22 Created: 2018-11-22 Last updated: 2019-01-07Bibliographically approved
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ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0002-2995-4428

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