Dr Heidi Compton

Dr Heidi Compton

Lecturer

School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy

Career Summary

Biography

Heidi is an ESSA accredited level 2 sports scientist, specialising in data and technology with the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science program. Previously, Heidi has worked within the NRL and AFL as an applied sport scientist, where her roles were rated to the collection, analysis, management and visualisation of data to club stakeholders. She received her PhD from La Trobe University in 2019, with her project focusing on the training monitoring practices employed within team sports. This project aimed to determine what tools were useful in applied settings, as well as methods to analyse and interpret such data. Heidi is involved in a range of research projects across various team sports generally focusing on optimising the physical preparation of athletes using the information we collect from wearables and has published extensive research in this area.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Newcastle

Keywords

  • Applied sport science
  • Data analysis
  • Sports performance
  • Sports technologies

Languages

  • English (Mother)

Fields of Research

Code Description Percentage
420799 Sports science and exercise not elsewhere classified 100

Professional Experience

UON Appointment

Title Organisation / Department
Lecturer University of Newcastle
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Australia

Professional appointment

Dates Title Organisation / Department
1/11/2019 - 5/1/2022 Head of sport science Gold Coast Suns Football Club
Australia
1/11/2018 - 1/11/2019 Sport Scientist Gold Coast Suns Football Club
Australia
1/7/2017 - 1/11/2018 Head of sport science Newcastle Knights Rugby League
Australia
31/10/2013 - 1/7/2017 Assistant sport scientist Newcastle Knights Rugby League
Australia

Invitations

Speaker

Year Title / Rationale
2022 Research to Practice 2022 - ESSA
2021 Women in High Performance Sport Seminar Series - Using R and Power BI in Sport
2021 ESSA Webinar - Making Sports Science Easier Using Data Analysis and Visualisation

Teaching

Code Course Role Duration
EXSS1050 Fundamentals of exercise and sport science practice
College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle
Course Coordinator 14/2/2022 - 14/7/2024
EXSS2090 Performance and data analysis for sport and exercise science
College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle
Course Coordinator 18/7/2022 - 14/11/2024
Edit

Publications

For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.


Conference (1 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
2018 Taylor L, Thornton H, Lumley N, Stevens C, 'Game-to-Game Increases in Core TemperatureDuring Rugby 7's World Series Tournaments', MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE, MN, Minneapolis (2018)
Co-authors Heidi Compton

Journal article (50 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
2024 Flannery L, Secomb JL, West MA, Compton HR, Dascombe BJ, 'The Strength and Power Profile of Junior and Senior Female Rugby League Athletes', JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH, 38, 2129-2135 (2024) [C1]
DOI 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004916
Co-authors Josh Secomb, Heidi Compton
2024 Secomb JL, Davidson DW, Compton HR, 'Relationships between sprint skating performance and insole plantar forces in national-level hockey athletes.', Gait Posture, 113 436-442 (2024) [C1]
DOI 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.07.297
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1
Co-authors Josh Secomb, Heidi Compton
2024 Naughton M, Salmon PM, Compton HR, McLean S, 'Challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence implementation within sports science and sports medicine teams', FRONTIERS IN SPORTS AND ACTIVE LIVING, 6 (2024)
DOI 10.3389/fspor.2024.1332427
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 3
Co-authors Mitch Naughton, Heidi Compton
2023 Delves RIM, Thornton HR, Hodges J, Cupples B, Ball K, Aughey R, Duthie GM, 'The introduction of the six-again rule has increased acceleration intensity across all positions in the National Rugby League competition', SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN FOOTBALL, 7, 47-56 (2023) [C1]
DOI 10.1080/24733938.2022.2051729
Citations Scopus - 5Web of Science - 4
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2023 Hopwood HJ, Bellinger PM, Compton HR, Bourne MN, Derave W, Lievens E, Kennedy B, Minahan CL, 'Match Running Performance in Australian Football Is Related to Muscle Fiber Typology', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0014
Citations Scopus - 3Web of Science - 2
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2023 McGuigan HE, Hassmen P, Rosic N, Thornton HR, Stevens CJ, 'Does education improve adherence to a training monitoring program in recreational athletes?', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCE & COACHING, 18, 101-113 (2023) [C1]
DOI 10.1177/17479541211070789
Citations Scopus - 6Web of Science - 6
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2023 Naughton M, Weaving D, Scott T, Compton H, 'Synthetic Data as a Strategy to Resolve Data Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns in the Sport Sciences: Practical Examples and an R Shiny Application', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 18, 1213-1218 (2023) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0007
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 1
Co-authors Mitch Naughton, Heidi Compton
2023 Minahan C, Thornton HR, Bellinger P, Ward J, Lovell D, Buxton S, Newans T, 'Behind enemy lines: Expressing locomotor movements of athletes in the National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) competition relative to opposition data', JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES [C1]
DOI 10.1080/02640414.2023.2296736
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2023 Hopwood HJ, Bellinger PM, Compton HR, Bourne MN, Minahan C, 'The Relevance of Muscle Fiber Type to Physical Characteristics and Performance in Team-Sport Athletes', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 18, 223-230 (2023) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0235
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 11
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2022 Duthie GM, Thomas EJ, Bahnisch J, Thornton HR, Ball K, 'Using Small-Sided Games in Field Hockey: Can They Be Used to Reach Match Intensity?', JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH, 36, 498-502 (2022) [C1]
DOI 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003445
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 9
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2022 Johnston RD, Thornton HR, Wade JA, Devlin P, Duthie GM, 'The Distribution of Match Activities Relative to the Maximal Mean Intensities in Professional Rugby League and Australian Football', JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH, 36, 1360-1366 (2022) [C1]
DOI 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003613
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 22
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2022 Thornton HR, Armstrong CR, Gamble T, Rigby A, Johnston RD, Duthie GM, 'Quantifying the Movement Characteristics of Australian Football League Women's Competition', JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH, 36, 3415-3421 (2022) [C1]
DOI 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003810
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 20
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2021 Duthie GM, Robertson S, Thornton HR, 'A GNSS-based method to define athlete manoeuvrability in field-based team sports', PLOS ONE, 16 (2021) [C1]
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0260363
Citations Scopus - 7Web of Science - 7
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2021 Fowler PM, Knez W, Thornton HR, Sargent C, Mendham AE, Crowcroft S, Miller J, Halson S, Duffield R, 'Sleep Hygiene and Light Exposure Can Improve Performance Following Long-Haul Air Travel', International journal of sports physiology and performance, 16, 517-526 (2021) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2019-0931
Citations Scopus - 6Web of Science - 6
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2020 Duthie GM, Thornton HR, Delaney JA, McMahon JT, Benton DT, 'RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE TESTING RESULTS AND PEAK RUNNING INTENSITY DURING PROFESSIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE MATCH PLAY', JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH, 34, 3506-3513 (2020) [C1]
DOI 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002273
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 16
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2020 O'Connor F, Thornton HR, Ritchie D, Anderson J, Bull L, Rigby A, Leonard Z, Stern S, Bartlett JD, 'Greater Association of Relative Thresholds Than Absolute Thresholds With Noncontact Lower-Body Injury in Professional Australian Rules Footballers: Implications for Sprint Monitoring', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 15, 204-212 (2020) [C1]

Sprint capacity is an important attribute for team-sport athletes, yet themost appropriate method to analyze it is unclear. Purpose: To examine the relationship between sprint wor... [more]

Sprint capacity is an important attribute for team-sport athletes, yet themost appropriate method to analyze it is unclear. Purpose: To examine the relationship between sprint workloads using relative versus absolute thresholds and lower-body soft-tissue and bone-stress injury incidence in professional Australian rules football. Methods: Fifty-three professional Australian rules football athletes' noncontact soft-tissue and bone-stress lower-body injuries (N = 62) were recorded, and sprint workloads were quantified over ~18 months using the global positioning system. Sprint volume (m) and exposures (n) were determined using 2 methods: Absolute (>24.9 km h-1) and relative (=75%,=80%,=85%,=90%,=95% of maximal velocity). Relationships between threshold methods and injury incidence were assessed using logistic generalized additive models. Incidence rate ratios and model performances' area under the curve were reported. Results: Mean (SD) maximal velocity for the group was 31.5 (1.4), range 28.6 to 34.9 km h-1. In comparing relative and absolute thresholds, 75% maximal velocity equated to ~1.5 km h-1 below the absolute speed threshold, while 80% and 85% maximal velocity were 0.1 and 1.7 km h-1 above the absolute speed threshold, respectively. Model area under the curve ranged from 0.48 to 0.61. Very low and very high cumulative sprint loads=80% across a 4-week period, when measured relatively, resulted in higher incidence rate ratios (2.54-3.29), than absolute thresholds (1.18-1.58). Discussion: Monitoring sprinting volume relative to an athlete'smaximal velocity should be incorporated into athlete monitoring systems. Specifically, quantifying the distance covered at >80% maximal velocity will ensure greater accuracy in determining sprint workloads and associated injury risk.

DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2019-0015
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 19
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2020 Thornton HR, Armstrong CR, Rigby A, Minahan CL, Johnston RD, Duthie GM, 'Preparing for an Australian Football League Women's League Season', FRONTIERS IN SPORTS AND ACTIVE LIVING, 2 (2020) [C1]
DOI 10.3389/fspor.2020.608939
Citations Web of Science - 12
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2019 Thornton HR, Delaney JA, Duthie GM, Dascombe BJ, 'Developing athlete monitoring systems in team sports: Data analysis and visualization', International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 14, 698-705 (2019) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2018-0169
Citations Scopus - 7Web of Science - 6
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2019 Delaney JA, Wileman TM, Perry NJ, Thornton HR, Moresi MP, Duthie GM, 'The Validity of a Global Navigation Satellite System for Quantifying Small-Area Team-Sport Movements', JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH, 33, 1463-1466 (2019)
DOI 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003157
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 20
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2019 Thornton HR, Nelson AR, Delaney JA, Serpiello FR, Duthie GM, 'Interunit Reliability and Effect of Data-Processing Methods of Global Positioning Systems', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 14, 432-438 (2019) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2018-0273
Citations Scopus - 9Web of Science - 85
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2019 Taylor L, Stevens CJ, Thornton HR, Poulos N, Chrismas BCR, 'Limiting the Rise in Core Temperature During a Rugby Sevens Warm-Up With an Ice Vest', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 14, 1212-1218 (2019) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2018-0821
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 12
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2019 Taylor L, Thornton HR, Lumley N, Stevens CJ, 'Alterations in core temperature during World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments in temperate and warm environments', EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE, 19, 432-441 (2019) [C1]
DOI 10.1080/17461391.2018.1527949
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 17
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2019 Taylor L, Stevens CJ, Thornton HR, Poulos N, Chrismas BCR, 'An Ice Vest Limits the Rise in Core Temperature During a Rugby Sevens Warm-up', Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 51, 136-136 (2019)
DOI 10.1249/01.mss.0000560908.29748.0e
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2019 Bartlett JD, Hatfield M, Parker BB, Roberts LA, Minahan C, Morton JP, Thornton HR, 'DXA-derived estimates of energy balance and its relationship with changes in body composition across a season in team sport athletes', EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE, 20, 859-867 (2019) [C1]
DOI 10.1080/17461391.2019.1669718
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 12
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2019 Thornton H, Delaney J, Bartlett J, Duthie G, 'No meaningful difference between absolute and relative speed thresholds when converted to a standard-ten score within a load monitoring system', Sports Performance and Science Reports, (2019)
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2019 Delaney J, McKay B, Thornton H, Murray A, Duthie G, Thornton H, 'Training efficiency and athlete wellness in collegiate female soccer', Sports Performance and Science Reports, 1 1-3 (2019)
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2019 Chrismas BCR, Taylor L, Thornton HR, Murray A, Stark G, 'External training loads and smartphone-derived heart rate variability indicate readiness to train in elite soccer', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS IN SPORT, 19 143-152 (2019) [C1]
DOI 10.1080/24748668.2019.1578097
Citations Scopus - 10Web of Science - 10
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2019 Thornton H, Smith M, Armstrong P, Delany J, Duthie G, Cunneen H, Borges N, 'Is implementing age and positional specific training drills necessary in elite youth rugby league?', Sports Performance and Science Reports (2019)
Co-authors Nattai Borges, Heidi Compton, Mitch Smith
2018 Duthie GM, Thornton HR, Delaney JA, Connolly DR, Serpiello FR, 'RUNNING INTENSITIES IN ELITE YOUTH SOCCER BY AGE AND POSITION', JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH, 32, 2918-2924 (2018) [C1]
DOI 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002728
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 18
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2018 Scott TJ, Thornton HR, Scott MTU, Dascombe BJ, Duthie GM, 'Differences Between Relative and Absolute Speed and Metabolic Thresholds in Rugby League', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 13, 298-304 (2018) [C1]

Purpose: To compare relative and absolute speed and metabolic thresholds for quantifying match output in elite rugby league. Methods: Twenty-six professional players competing in ... [more]

Purpose: To compare relative and absolute speed and metabolic thresholds for quantifying match output in elite rugby league. Methods: Twenty-six professional players competing in the National Rugby League were monitored with global positioning systems (GPS) across a rugby-league season. Absolute speed (moderate-intensity running [MIRTh > 3.6 m/s] and high-intensity running [HIRTh > 5.2 m/s]) and metabolic (>20 W/kg) thresholds were compared with individualized ventilatory (first [VT1IFT] and second [VT2IFT]) thresholds estimated from the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT), as well as the metabolic threshold associated with VT2IFT (HPmetVT2), to examine difference in match-play demands. Results: VT2IFT mean values represent 146%, 138%, 167%, and 144% increases in the HIR dose across adjustables, edge forwards, middle forwards, and outside backs, respectively. Distance covered above VT2IFT was almost certainly greater (ES range = 0.79-1.03) than absolute thresholds across all positions. Trivial to small differences were observed between VT1IFT and MIRTh, while small to moderate differences were reported between HPmetVT2 and HPmetTh. Conclusions: These results reveal that the speed at which players begin to run at higher intensities depends on individual capacities and attributes. As such, using absolute HIR speed thresholds underestimates the physical HIR load. Moreover, absolute MIR and high metabolic thresholds may over- or underestimate the work undertaken above these thresholds depending on the respective fitness of the individual. Therefore, using relative thresholds enables better prescription and monitoring of external training loads based on measured individual physical capacities.

DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2016-0645
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 22
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2018 Stevens CJ, Thornton HR, Fowler PM, Esh C, Taylor L, 'Long-Haul Northeast Travel Disrupts Sleep and Induces Perceived Fatigue in Endurance Athletes', FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY, 9 (2018) [C1]
DOI 10.3389/fphys.2018.01826
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 17
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2018 Delaney JA, Thornton HR, Rowell AE, Dascombe BJ, Aughey RJ, Duthie GM, 'Modelling the decrement in running intensity within professional soccer players', SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN FOOTBALL, 2, 86-92 (2018) [C1]

Knowledge of the most intense periods of competitive soccer may assist in the development of specific training methodologies. Objectives: To quantify the peak running intensity of... [more]

Knowledge of the most intense periods of competitive soccer may assist in the development of specific training methodologies. Objectives: To quantify the peak running intensity of professional soccer and to establish the rate of decline in this intensity as a function of time. Methods: Activity profiles were obtained from 24 players across 40 professional matches. Peak values were calculated for moving averages 1¿10 minutes in duration for relative distance (m·min-1), high-speed relative distance (HS m·min-1), average acceleration/deceleration (m·s2) and metabolic power (Pmet). To quantify the decrease in running intensity for longer moving average durations, each measure was evaluated relative to the moving average duration, as a power law relationship. Results: Peak relative distance and Pmet were lowest for central defenders (effect size [ES] = 0.79¿1.84), whilst acceleration/deceleration intensity was highest for wide defenders (ES = 0.67¿1.42). Differences in the rate of decline in running intensity between positions were considered trivial to small, indicating a similar rate of decline in running intensity across positions. Conclusions: Using power law, the peak running intensities of professional soccer can now be predicted as a function of time, providing coaches with a useful tool for the prescription and monitoring of specific training drills.

DOI 10.1080/24733938.2017.1383623
Citations Scopus - 8Web of Science - 75
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2018 Taylor L, Thornton H, Lumley N, Stevens C, 'Game-to-Game Increases in Core TemperatureDuring Rugby 7's World Series Tournaments', Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 50 339-339 (2018)
DOI 10.1249/01.mss.0000536197.08217.d2
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2018 Thornton HR, Miller J, Taylor L, Sargent C, Lastella M, Fowler PM, 'Impact of short- compared to long-haul international travel on the sleep and wellbeing of national wheelchair basketball athletes', JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES, 36, 1476-1484 (2018) [C1]
DOI 10.1080/02640414.2017.1398883
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 16
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2018 Caia J, Thornton HR, Kelly VG, Scott TJ, Halson SL, Cupples B, Driller MW, 'Does self-perceived sleep reflect sleep estimated via activity monitors in professional rugby league athletes?', JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES, 36, 1492-1496 (2018) [C1]
DOI 10.1080/02640414.2017.1398885
Citations Scopus - 5Web of Science - 45
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2018 Delaney JA, Cummins CJ, Thornton HR, Duthie GM, 'IMPORTANCE, RELIABILITY, AND USEFULNESS OF ACCELERATION MEASURES IN TEAM SPORTS', JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH, 32, 3485-3493 (2018) [C1]
DOI 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001849
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 103
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2018 Juhari F, Ritchie D, O'Connor F, Pitchford N, Weston M, Thornton HR, Bartlett JD, 'The Quantification of Within-Week Session Intensity, Duration, and Intensity Distribution Across a Season in Australian Football Using the Session Rating of Perceived Exertion Method', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 13, 940-946 (2018) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2017-0626
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 9
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2018 Delaney JA, Duthie GM, Thornton HR, Pyne DB, 'Quantifying the relationship between internal and external work in team sports: development of a novel training efficiency index', SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN FOOTBALL, 2, 149-156 (2018) [C1]
DOI 10.1080/24733938.2018.1432885
Citations Scopus - 3Web of Science - 31
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2018 Thornton HR, Delaney JA, Duthie GM, Dascombe BJ, 'Effects of Preseason Training on the Sleep Characteristics of Professional Rugby League Players.', International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 13, 176-182 (2018) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2017-0119
Citations Scopus - 3Web of Science - 3
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2017 Delaney JA, Thornton HR, Burgess DJ, Dascombe BJ, Duthie GM, 'Duration-specific running intensities of Australian Football match-play', JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT, 20, 689-694 (2017) [C1]

Objectives To establish the position and duration-specific running demands of Australian Football (AF) competition for the prescription and monitoring of specific training drills.... [more]

Objectives To establish the position and duration-specific running demands of Australian Football (AF) competition for the prescription and monitoring of specific training drills. Design An observational time-motion analysis was performed on 40 professional AF players during 30 games throughout the 2014¿15 competitive seasons. Methods Player movements were collected and peak values were calculated for moving averages of between 1¿10¿min in duration for relative distance (m¿min-1), high-speed relative distance (HS¿m¿min-1), average acceleration/deceleration (m¿s2) and metabolic power (Pmet). A mixed-model analysis was used to detect positional differences, and differences were described using a magnitude-based network. Results Relative distance was likely greater for midfielders (MID), and mobile forwards (MF) compared to tall backs (TB) across all moving average durations assessed, with MF peaking at 223¿±¿35¿m¿min-1 for a 1-min window. High-speed relative distance was at least likely to be greater for MF compared to all other positions, across all moving average durations (ES¿=¿0.27¿0.94). Acceleration/deceleration demands were similar across positions. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that the peak running intensities of AF are well above previously reported peak intensities when considering the distance-based running requirements of match-play. Whilst the acceleration-based metric was unable to detect large differences between positions, it is important to note their contribution to the overall competition demands. This study presents a useful framework for the prescription and monitoring of drills specific to AF competition requirements.

DOI 10.1016/j.jsams.2016.11.009
Citations Scopus - 6Web of Science - 60
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2017 Thornton HR, Delaney JA, Duthie GM, Dascombe BJ, 'Importance of Various Training-Load Measures in Injury Incidence of Professional Rugby League Athletes', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 12, 819-824 (2017) [C1]

Purpose: To investigate the ability of various internal and external training-load (TL) monitoring measures to predict injury incidence among positional groups in professional rug... [more]

Purpose: To investigate the ability of various internal and external training-load (TL) monitoring measures to predict injury incidence among positional groups in professional rugby league athletes. Methods: TL and injury data were collected across 3 seasons (2013¿2015) from 25 players competing in National Rugby League competition. Daily TL data were included in the analysis, including session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE-TL), total distance (TD), high-speed-running distance (>5 m/s), and high-metabolic-power distance (HPD; >20 W/kg). Rolling sums were calculated, nontraining days were removed, and athletes' corresponding injury status was marked as "available" or "unavailable." Linear (generalized estimating equations) and nonlinear (random forest; RF) statistical methods were adopted. Results: Injury risk factors varied according to positional group. For adjustables, the TL variables associated most highly with injury were 7-d TD and 7-d HPD, whereas for hit-up forwards they were sRPE-TL ratio and 14-d TD. For outside backs, 21- and 28-d sRPE-TL were identified, and for wide-running forwards, sRPE-TL ratio. The individual RF models showed that the importance of the TL variables in injury incidence varied between athletes. Conclusions: Differences in risk factors were recognized between positional groups and individual athletes, likely due to varied physiological capacities and physical demands. Furthermore, these results suggest that robust machine-learning techniques can appropriately monitor injury risk in professional team-sport athletes.

DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2016-0326
Citations Scopus - 4Web of Science - 39
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2017 Delaney JA, Thornton HR, Pryor JF, Stewart AM, Dascombe BJ, Duthie GM, 'Peak Running Intensity of International Rugby: Implications for Training Prescription', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 12, 1039-1045 (2017) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2016-0469
Citations Scopus - 6Web of Science - 48
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2017 Fowler PM, Miller J, Sargent C, Lastella M, Thornton H, Taylor L, 'Long Compared To Short Haul Travel Effects On Wheelchair Basketball Player'S Preparation For The World Championships', MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE, 49 317-317 (2017)
DOI 10.1249/01.mss.0000517735.20352.b6
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2017 Thornton HR, Duthie GM, Pitchford NW, Delaney JA, Benton DT, Dascombe BJ, 'Effects of a 2-Week High-Intensity Training Camp on Sleep Activity of Professional Rugby League Athletes', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 12, 928-933 (2017) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2016-0414
Citations Scopus - 5Web of Science - 51
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2016 Delaney JA, Duthie GM, Thornton HR, Scott TJ, Gay D, Dascombe BJ, 'Acceleration-Based Running Intensities of Professional Rugby League Match Play', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 11, 802-809 (2016) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2015-0424
Citations Scopus - 9Web of Science - 84
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2016 Thornton HR, Delaney JA, Duthie GM, Scott BR, Chivers WJ, Sanctuary CE, Dascombe BJ, 'Predicting Self-Reported Illness for Professional Team-Sport Athletes.', International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 11, 543-550 (2016) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2015-0330
Citations Scopus - 3Web of Science - 2
Co-authors Colin Sanctuary, William Chivers, Heidi Compton
2016 Scott BR, Duthie GM, Thornton HR, Dascombe BJ, 'Training Monitoring for Resistance Exercise: Theory and Applications', SPORTS MEDICINE, 46, 687-698 (2016) [C1]

Resistance exercise is difficult to quantify owing to its inherent complexity with numerous training variables contributing to the training dose (type of exercise, load lifted, tr... [more]

Resistance exercise is difficult to quantify owing to its inherent complexity with numerous training variables contributing to the training dose (type of exercise, load lifted, training volume, inter-set rest periods, and repetition velocity). In addition, the intensity of resistance training is often inadequately determined as the relative load lifted (% 1-repetition maximum), which does not account for the effects of inter-set recovery periods, repetition velocity, or the number of repetitions performed in each set at a given load. Methods to calculate the volume load associated with resistance training, as well as the perceived intensity of individual sets and entire training sessions have been shown to provide useful information regarding the actual training stimulus. In addition, questionnaires to subjectively assess how athletes are coping with the stressors of training and portable technologies to quantify performance variables such as concentric velocity may also be valuable. However, while several methods have been proposed to quantify resistance training, there is not yet a consensus regarding how these methods can be best implemented and integrated to complement each other. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide practical information for strength coaches to highlight effective methods to assess resistance training, and how they can be integrated into a comprehensive monitoring program.

DOI 10.1007/s40279-015-0454-0
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 155
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2016 Delaney JA, Thornton HR, Duthie GM, Dascombe BJ, 'Factors That Influence Running Intensity in Interchange Players in Professional Rugby League', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 11, 1047-1052 (2016) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2015-0559
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 22
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2016 Delaney JA, Thornton HR, Scott TJ, Ballard DA, Duthie GM, Wood LG, Dascombe BJ, 'Validity of Skinfold-Based Measures for Tracking Changes in Body Composition in Professional Rugby League Players', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 11, 261-266 (2016) [C1]

High levels of lean mass are important in collision-based sports for the development of strength and power, which may also assist during contact situations. While skinfold-based m... [more]

High levels of lean mass are important in collision-based sports for the development of strength and power, which may also assist during contact situations. While skinfold-based measures have been shown to be appropriate for cross-sectional assessments of body composition, their utility in tracking changes in lean mass is less clear. Purpose: To determine the most effective method of quantifying changes in lean mass in rugby league athletes. Methods: Body composition of 21 professional rugby league players was assessed on 2 or 3 occasions separated by = 6 wk, including bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), leanmass index (LMI), and a skinfold-based prediction equation (SkF). Dual-X-ray absorptiometry provided a criterion measure of fat-free mass (FFM). Correlation coefficients (r) and standard errors of the estimate (SEE) were used as measures of validity for the estimates. Results: All 3 practical estimates exhibited strong validity for cross-sectional assessments of FFM (r > .9, P < .001). The correlation between change scores was stronger for the LMI (r = .69, SEE 1.3 kg) and the SkF method (r = .66, SEE = 1.4 kg) than for BIA (r = .50, SEE = 1.6 kg). Conclusions: The LMI is probably as accurate in predicting changes in FFM as SkF and very likely to be more appropriate than BIA. The LMI offers an adequate, practical alternative for assessing in FFM among rugby league athletes.

DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2015-0244
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 21
Co-authors Heidi Compton, Lisa Wood
2015 Delaney JA, Scott TJ, Thornton HR, Bennett KJM, Gay D, Duthie GM, Dascombe BJ, 'Establishing duration-specific running intensities from match-play analysis in rugby league', International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 10, 725-731 (2015) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/ijspp.2015-0092
Citations Scopus - 7Web of Science - 6
Co-authors Heidi Compton
Show 47 more journal articles

Preprint (2 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
2025 Compton HR, Lovell R, Scott D, Clubb J, Shushan T, 'Benchmarking the Physical Performance Qualities in Women’s Football: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Across the Performance Scale' (2025)
DOI 10.31219/osf.io/th72c_v2
Co-authors Heidi Compton
2024 Compton HR, Lovell R, Scott D, Clubb J, Shushan T, 'Benchmarking the Physical Performance Qualities in Women's Football: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Across the Performance Scale (2024)
DOI 10.31219/osf.io/th72c
Co-authors Heidi Compton

Thesis / Dissertation (1 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
2019 Thornton H, Monitoring athlete responses in team-sports: methods and practical applications, La Trobe University (2019)
Co-authors Heidi Compton
Edit

Research Supervision

Number of supervisions

Completed5
Current3

Current Supervision

Commenced Level of Study Research Title Program Supervisor Type
2025 PhD The Validity and Application of Invisible Monitoring of Critical Power/Speed and W'/D' in Professional Soccer (Football) PhD (Exercise & Sport Science), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor
2021 PhD Linear Sprint Deceleration in Team Sport Athletes: Enhancing Analysis Methods and Understanding Kinetic Demands, Physical Capacities, and Acute Fatigue Effects PhD (Exercise & Sport Science), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor
2020 PhD Improving Female Rugby League Performance: Establishing Normative Data and Enhancing Physical Capacities PhD (Exercise & Sport Science), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor

Past Supervision

Year Level of Study Research Title Program Supervisor Type
2023 Honours The relationships between physical capacities and performance characteristics in football goalkeepers​ Sport and Recreation, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor
2023 Honours Scoring efficieny by shot region for a female semi-professional basketball team Sport and Recreation, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle Sole Supervisor
2023 Honours A cluster analysis of the running demands of different game scenarios in professional football Sport and Recreation, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor
2022 Honours Peak match intensities and the skill involvements that occur during women’s football match play Sport and Recreation, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle Sole Supervisor
2022 Honours A comparison of jump testing to determine readiness in​ academy youth footballers Sport and Recreation, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor
Edit

Research Collaborations

The map is a representation of a researchers co-authorship with collaborators across the globe. The map displays the number of publications against a country, where there is at least one co-author based in that country. Data is sourced from the University of Newcastle research publication management system (NURO) and may not fully represent the authors complete body of work.

Country Count of Publications
Australia 47
United Kingdom 13
Qatar 9
United States 3
Belgium 1
More...
Edit

Dr Heidi Compton

Position

Lecturer
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing

Contact Details

Email heidi.thornton@newcastle.edu.au
Link Twitter

Office

Room EXSB
Building EXSB204
Location Ourimbah
10 Chittaway Road
Ourimbah, NSW 2258
Australia
Edit