scholarly journals RETURN TO SPORT PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE TESTING IN CHILDREN - BUILDING POPULATION NORMS

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2325967119S0005
Author(s):  
Heather Myers ◽  
John Magill ◽  
Valentine Esposito ◽  
Michael Messer ◽  
Trevor Lentz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Neuromuscular Control ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Linear Predictor ◽  
Single Leg Squat

Purpose/Hypothesis: Return to sport (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in children is associated with a much higher risk (˜30%) of subsequent ACL injury than in adults. In adults, delaying RTS until objective physical performance test (PPT) criteria are met reduces re-injury rates. However, normative data on PPTs in children is missing, limiting their utility in this high-risk population. Designing age-specific pediatric guidelines for RTS is therefore a critical area of investigation. Number of Subjects: 63 Materials/Methods: We designed a prospective observational study of 130 healthy pediatric athletes (ages 6 - 18 years, 5 males and 5 females of each age). Each athlete underwent a series of 10 functional tests assessing balance (Y-Balance Test, stork test, stork test on Bosu ball), strength (single leg squat, single leg hop) and composite neuromuscular control (single leg squat on Bosu ball, clockwise and counterclockwise quadrant hop, 6 m timed hop and triple crossover hop). Demographic data including sex, chronologic age, Pubertal Maturity Observational Score (PMOS), height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Testing order was randomized to reduce confounding from fatigue. Our primary hypothesis was that PPT results would vary predictably with chronologic age. For each PPT, multivariable linear regression was performed including age, sex, PMOS, BMI and testing order as independent variables. Standard “growth curves” for each test were then built based on age and sex. Results: Sixty-three athletes (29 male, 34 female) have completed testing so far (48% enrollment). Mean age was 10.7 +/- 3.2 years (range 6 - 18). Mean PMOS was 3.2 +/- 3.1 (range 0 - 9). PMOS was strongly correlated with chronologic age (Pearson’s? = 0.83), therefore PMOS was excluded as a predictor variable in regression models to avoid multicollinearity. Chronologic age was an independent predictor of all PPT results (p < 0.05 in all cases). There was a learning effect for the Bosu Stork test, with athletes doing this test later in the sequence performing better (ß = 2.47, 95% CI 0.74 - 4.19, p = 0.006). Female sex was an independent predictor of a shorter triple crossover hop distance (ß = -74.1, 95% CI -106.9 to -41.2, p < 0.0001). Balance tests showed the least linear relationships with age. The stork test had a clear ceiling effect by age 10 in females and 13 in males. The Bosu Stork test showed wide variability at all ages. Conclusion: Chronologic age is a strong, typically linear predictor of commonly used PPTs in children. The PMOS did not add additional predictive value. Clinical Relevance: The normative data generated in this study help understand normal neuromuscular development, and provide a foundation for creating age-specific RTS scores.

scholarly journals DEVELOPMENT OF A CONCISE LOWER EXTREMITY PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE TEST SET FOR A RETURN TO SPORT DECISION MAKING IN PEDIATRIC POPULATIONS

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2325967119S0017
Author(s):  
Trevor Lentz ◽  
John Magill ◽  
Heather Myers ◽  
Valentine Esposito ◽  
Emily Reinke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Neuromuscular Control ◽  
Factor Loading ◽  
Hop Tests ◽  
Response Variance ◽  
Cumulative Response ◽  
Pediatric Populations ◽  
Highly Correlated

Purpose/Hypothesis: Common physical performance tests (PPTs) used in return to sport decision-making include the Y-Balance LQ, stork balance, stork balance on BOSU, single leg squat (SLS), SLS on BOSU, clockwise and counterclockwise quadrant single leg hop (SLH), forward SLH, timed SLH, and triple crossover SLH. While each test assesses distinct characteristics of performance, the10-item battery is not practical in clinical settings. The aims of this study are to 1) define which primary components of physical performance these 10 PPTs assess, and 2) derive a reduced item set of PPTs that efficiently and accurately measures performance on each component. Number of Subjects: 63 Materials/Methods: Healthy volunteers ages 6-17 [10.7 ±3.2 years; 33 females (54.1%)] performed10 PPTs in the same order with randomized starting test and limb. For analysis, we developed a composite score for each test by averaging trials. All Y-Balance, and hop tests were normalized to leg length. Item reduction was performed using principal components analysis (PCA). Kaiser Criterion (eigenvalue > 1) and scree plot visualization determined the optimal number of components to extract. Items with loadings > 0.55 were considered for the reduced item test. Cross-loaded items with < 0.25 absolute difference in loading between components were dropped. If two or more factors loading on the same component were highly correlated (r > 0.7), we dropped the item(s) with the lowest factor loading. The reduced item set was evaluated for internal consistency (Cronbach a) among the principal components, with a minimum criterion of 0.7 considered satisfactory. Results: PCA extracted 2 components with a cumulative response variance of 67.7%. Component 1 (neuromuscular control) included all balance, SLS and quadrant hop tests. The two quadrant hop tests were highly correlated (r=0.94) and had the second and third lowest factor loadings (<0.78) and were not considered for the reduced-item set. The SLS had the lowest factor loading (0.69) and was also not considered. The Stork, Stork BOSU, and SLS BOSU had similar factor loadings (0.79, 0.90, and 0.88, respectively) and did not meet criteria for removal (all < 0.61). Component 2 (Power), forward SLH (0.94) and crossover SLH (0.79), demonstrated moderate correlation (r=0.56). Timed SLH and Y-balance did not meet the loading criterion and were not considered. The final 5-item set had a cumulative response variance of 76.0%. The Cronbach a of the 3-item Component 1 (0.80), 2-item Component 2 (0.72) and overall 5-item set (0.70) were all satisfactory. Conclusion: Neuromuscular control and power are most appropriately assessed with stork, stork BOSU, SLS BOSU, forward SLH and triple crossover SLH tests. Of these, the Stork BOSU and forward SLH may be most capable of evaluating components measured by the 10 PPTs. Clinical Relevance: These findings provide clinicians with efficient options for measuring lower extremity performance for the purposes of return to sport decision making in pediatric populations.

scholarly journals Assessment of Athletic Development in Youth Players – Goal Setting with Normative Data from Basketball

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Schneider ◽  
Janina Fett ◽  
Hubert Remmert ◽  
Alexander Ferrauti
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Size Scale ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Norm Values ◽  
Testing Data ◽  
Athletic Development

INTRODUCTION The nationwide implementation of physical performance test batteries for youth squad players can be valuable for compiling individual physical performance profiles based on age- and gender-specific norm values. This approach is frequently used for optimizing training prescription and thus athletic development. The aim of this study was to introduce a distribution-based approach to derive an effect size scale for assessing athletic development from normative testing data in youth players, which can then be translated to setting performance goals for athletic development.METHODS Secondary analysis of norm values (mixed longitudinal and cross-sectional data [1]). In the age-groups under 12 to under 17, a maximum number of 1,172 and 846 tests were available for male and female basketball squad players, respectively. Biannual testing was conducted as part of a federal research project (20-m sprint, 20-m change of direction sprints with/without basketball, jump &amp; reach, standing long jump, chest pass, mid-range jump shot, multistage fitness test). An effect size scale was derived from norm values which were available as quintile scores (five categories). Trivial changes were defined as the age-related mean annual performance development which was estimated as the average age-group-to-age-group change for the quintiles. Threshold values for small, medium, and large changes were calculated as average changes that were required to increase performance classification by one, two or three categories, respectively. These thresholds were additionally compared to the default effect size scale commonly used for interpreting standardized mean differences (between-player standard deviation: small 0.2, medium 0.6, large 1.2 [2]).RESULTS For example, the age-related mean annual development in the jump &amp; reach for male players was 4 cm (trivial change). To reach one, two or three higher performance categories, jump height must improve by 8, 12 and 15 cm, respectively (i.e., small, medium, large). Compared with the default standardized effect size scale, these quintile-based thresholds were larger.CONCLUSION The quintile-based analysis presents a simple and practical approach to derive effect size thresholds based on norm values created from regular physical performance testing. These effect size scales can be easily visualized and communicated to players and coaches, as they are typically familiar with percentile-based performance classification of testing data. A limitation of this study was that only norm values in the form of quintile scores were used for analysis. Future research should attempt to model longitudinal datasets while accountingfor within- and between-player effects. Furthermore, the choice of appropriate and realistic percentilebased thresholds clearly remains up for debate and requires adequate analysis of original longitudinal data.REFERENCES 1. Stadtmann (2012) PhD thesis, Ruhr University Bochum. 2. Hopkins et al. (2009) MSSE,41,3-12.

scholarly journals Physical and functional performance assessment in pediatric oncology: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regine Söntgerath ◽  
Julia Däggelmann ◽  
Sabine V. Kesting ◽  
Corina S. Rueegg ◽  
Torge-Christian Wittke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Pediatric Cancer ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
And Function

Abstract Background Research indicates reduced physical performance from diagnosis into survivorship of pediatric cancer patients. However, there is no systematic information or guideline available on the methods to assess physical performance and function in this population. The purpose was to systematically compile and describe assessments of physical performance and function in patients and survivors of pediatric cancer, including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, speed, balance, flexibility, functional mobility, gait and motor performance test batteries. Methods We searched the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Database and performed abstract and full-text selection of 2619 articles according to the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews. Information on patients characteristics, assessments, information on validity and reliability, and relevant references was extracted. Results In summary, 63 different assessments were found in 149 studies including 11639 participants. Most studies evaluated cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength with the majority conducted off treatment. Some outcomes (e.g. speed) and diagnoses (e.g. neuroblastoma) were severely underrepresented. With the exception of gait, leukemia patients represented the largest group of individuals tested. Conclusions Insufficient data and patient heterogeneity complicate uniform recommendations for assessments. Our results support researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate assessment to meet their specific research questions or individual daily practice needs. Impact This systematic review includes 149 studies and provides a comprehensive summary of 63 assessments to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, speed, balance, flexibility, functional mobility, gait or motor performance test batteries in patients and survivors of pediatric cancer. We present the most studied fields within the pediatric cancer population, which are cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, off treatment phase, and leukemia patients. We propose research priorities by identification of subgroups in terms of cancer type, phase of treatment, and outcome of interest that are underrepresented in studies currently available.

Evaluation of Asphalt Mixture Performance Using Cracking and Durability Tests at a Full-Scale Pavement Facility

2021 ◽  
pp. 036119812110218
Author(s):  
Amir Golalipour ◽  
Varun Veginati ◽  
David J. Mensching
Keyword(s):  
Performance Test ◽  
Asphalt Mixture ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Optimization Procedure ◽  
Cyclic Fatigue ◽  
Intermediate Temperature ◽  
Index Test ◽  
Reclaimed Asphalt ◽  
Indirect Tensile

In the asphalt materials community, the most critical research need is centered around a paradigm shift in mixture design from the volumetric process of the previous 20-plus years to an optimization procedure based on laboratory-measured mechanical properties that should lead to an increase in long-term pavement performance. This study is focused on advancing the state of understanding with respect to the value of intermediate temperature cracking tests, which may be included in a balanced mix design. The materials included are plant-mixed, laboratory-compacted specimens reheated from the 2013 Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF) study on reclaimed asphalt pavement/reclaimed asphalt shingle (RAP/RAS) materials. Six commonly discussed intermediate temperature (cracking and durability) performance testing (i.e., Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester [AMPT] Cyclic Fatigue, Cantabro, Illinois Flexibility Index Test [I-FIT], Indirect Tensile Cracking [ITC, also known as IDEAL-CT], Indirect Tensile Nflex, and Texas Overlay Test) were selected for use in this study based on input from stakeholders. Test results were analyzed to compare differences between the cracking tests. In addition, statistical analyses were conducted to assess the separation among materials (lanes) for each performance test. Cyclic fatigue and IDEAL-CT tests showed the most promising results. The ranking from these two tests’ index parameters matched closely with ALF field performance. Furthermore, both showed reasonable variability of test data and they were successful in differentiating between different materials.

Performance Testing of Coal Fired Power Plants

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shane E. Powers ◽  
William C. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Plant Performance ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
Test Program

With the renewed interest in the construction of coal-fired power plants in the United States, there has also been an increased interest in the methodology used to calculate/determine the overall performance of a coal fired power plant. This methodology is detailed in the ASME PTC 46 (1996) Code, which provides an excellent framework for determining the power output and heat rate of coal fired power plants. Unfortunately, the power industry has been slow to adopt this methodology, in part because of the lack of some details in the Code regarding the planning needed to design a performance test program for the determination of coal fired power plant performance. This paper will expand on the ASME PTC 46 (1996) Code by discussing key concepts that need to be addressed when planning an overall plant performance test of a coal fired power plant. The most difficult aspect of calculating coal fired power plant performance is integrating the calculation of boiler performance with the calculation of turbine cycle performance and other balance of plant aspects. If proper planning of the performance test is not performed, the integration of boiler and turbine data will result in a test result that does not accurately reflect the true performance of the overall plant. This planning must start very early in the development of the test program, and be implemented in all stages of the test program design. This paper will address the necessary planning of the test program, including: • Determination of Actual Plant Performance. • Selection of a Test Goal. • Development of the Basic Correction Algorithm. • Designing a Plant Model. • Development of Correction Curves. • Operation of the Power Plant during the Test. All nomenclature in this paper utilizes the ASME PTC 46 definitions for the calculation and correction of plant performance.

A Comparative Study of Genetic Algorithms and Gradient Methods for RM12 Turbofan Engine Diagnostics and Performance Estimation

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomas Gro¨nstedt ◽  
Markus Wallin
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Gradient Methods ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Performance Estimation ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Turbofan Engine ◽  
Local Optima ◽  
Bypass Ratio

Recent work on gas turbine diagnostics based on optimisation techniques advocates two different approaches: 1) Stochastic optimisation, including Genetic Algorithm techniques, for its robustness when optimising objective functions with many local optima and 2) Gradient based methods mainly for their computational efficiency. For smooth and single optimum functions, gradient methods are known to provide superior numerical performance. This paper addresses the key issue for method selection, i.e. whether multiple local optima may occur when the optimisation approach is applied to real engine testing. Two performance test data sets for the RM12 low bypass ratio turbofan engine, powering the Swedish Fighter Gripen, have been analysed. One set of data was recorded during performance testing of a highly degraded engine. This engine has been subjected to Accelerated Mission Testing (AMT) cycles corresponding to more than 4000 hours of run time. The other data set was recorded for a development engine with less than 200 hours of operation. The search for multiple optima was performed starting from more than 100 extreme points. Not a single case of multi-modality was encountered, i.e. one unique solution for each of the two data sets was consistently obtained. The RM12 engine cycle is typical for a modern fighter engine, implying that the obtained results can be transferred to, at least, most low bypass ratio turbofan engines. The paper goes on to describe the numerical difficulties that had to be resolved to obtain efficient and robust performance by the gradient solvers. Ill conditioning and noise may, as illustrated on a model problem, introduce local optima without a correspondence in the gas turbine physics. Numerical methods exploiting the special problem structure represented by a non-linear least squares formulation is given special attention. Finally, a mixed norm allowing for both robustness and numerical efficiency is suggested.

scholarly journals Rapid Transition to Telehealth Group Exercise and Functional Assessments in Response to COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 233372142098031
Author(s):  
Stephen C. Jennings ◽  
Kenneth M. Manning ◽  
Janet Prvu Bettger ◽  
Katherine M. Hall ◽  
Megan Pearson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Group Exercise ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Functional Assessments ◽  
Wide Scale ◽  
Rapid Transition ◽  
Exercise Classes

Exercise is critical for health maintenance in late life. The COVID-19 shelter in place and social distancing orders resulted in wide-scale interruptions of exercise therapies, placing older adults at risk for the consequences of decreased mobilization. The purpose of this paper is to describe rapid transition of the Gerofit facility-based group exercise program to telehealth delivery. This Gerofit-to-Home (GTH) program continued with group-based synchronous exercise classes that ranged from 1 to 24 Veterans per class and 1 to 9 classes offered per week in the different locations. Three hundred and eight of 1149 (27%) Veterans active in the Gerofit facility-based programs made the transition to the telehealth delivered classes. Participants’ physical performance testing continued remotely as scheduled with comparisons between most recent facility-based and remote testing suggesting that participants retained physical function. Detailed protocols for remote physical performance testing and sample exercise routines are described. Translation to remote delivery of exercise programs for older adults could mitigate negative health effects.

scholarly journals The effects of a single session of lumbar spinal manipulative therapy in terms of physical performance test symmetry in asymptomatic athletes: a single-blinded, randomised controlled study.

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno A P Alvarenga ◽  
Ricardo Fujikawa ◽  
Filipa João ◽  
Jerusa P R Lara ◽  
António P Veloso
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Spinal Manipulative Therapy ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Manipulative Therapy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background and aimMusculoskeletal disorders in athletes, including spinal biomechanical dysfunctions, are believed to negatively influence symmetry. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is recognised as a safe and effective treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, but there is little evidence about whether it can be beneficial in symmetry. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the effects of lumbar SMT in symmetry.MethodsForty asymptomatic athletes participated in the study. The randomisation procedure was performed according to the following group allocation: group 1 (SMT) and group 2 (SHAM). Each participant completed a physical activity questionnaire, and also underwent clinical and physical evaluation for inclusion according to eligibility criteria. Statistical significance (P<0.05) between groups and types of therapy were calculated by physical performance tests symmetry (static position, squat and counter movement jump (CMJ), pre- and post-SMT and SHAM. There were 14 trials of three symmetry tests for each participant, for a total of 560 trials.ResultsLumbar SMT produced immediate effects in symmetry in the static position; however, the same effects were not found in squat and CMJ on symmetry 1. Therefore, our results showed a significant difference in pre- (mean 16.3%) and post-lumbar SMT (mean 3.7%) in static symmetry. However, symmetry 2 showed no statistical significant differences for any of the tests and intervention groups. No statistically significant effects in symmetry pre- to post-SHAM were found in any of the tests.ConclusionsStatistically significant differences were found in lumbar SMT, but only for static symmetry. These findings suggest that SMT was effective in producing immediate effects in symmetry in the static position, but none in dynamic tests. Future studies could address our study's limitations.Clinical trials register numberNCT03361592.

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