A Comparative Analysis Using Silhouette Extraction Methods for Dynamic Objects in Monocular Vision

Moving or dynamic object analysis continues to be an increasingly active research field in computer vision with many types of research investigating different methods for motion tracking, object recognition, pose estimation, or motion evaluation (e.g. in sports sciences). Many techniques are available to measure the forces and motion of the people, such as force plates to measure ground reaction forces for a jump or running sports. In training and commercial solution, the detailed motion of athlete's available motion capture devices based on optical markers on the athlete's body and multiple calibrated fixed cameras around the sides of the capture volume can be used. In some situations, it is not practical to attach any kind of marker or transducer to the athletes or the existing machinery are being used, while it is required by a pure vision-based approach to use the natural appearance of the person or object. When a sporting event is taking place, there are opportunities for computer vision to help the referee and other personnel involved in the sports to keep track of incidents occurring, which may provide full coverage and analysis in details of the event for sports viewers. The research aims at using computer vision methods, specially designed for monocular recording, for measuring sports activities, such as high jump, wide jump, or running. Just for indicating the complexity of the project: a single camera needs to understand the height at a particular distance using silhouette extraction. Moving object analysis benefits from silhouette extraction and this has been applied to many domains including sports activities. This paper comparatively discusses two significant techniques to extract silhouettes of a moving object (a jumping person) in monocular video data in different scenarios. The results show that the performance of silhouette extraction varies in dependency on the quality of used video data.

Comparative Study Regarding the Extracurricular Sports Activity among Primary and Middle Schoolers

The extracurricular sports activity among schooler children plays a significant role in the elimination of their sedentary behaviour. The purpose of this study was to analyse on a sample of 408 students aspects related to the following: the body mass index (BMI), the type of physical activities practiced, the parameters of the physical efforts made, the level of performance attained and the access to sports bases. The subjects within the research were divided into 4 groups: female primary schoolers (FP, n=126, 9.83 ±1.30 years old), male primary schoolers (MP, n=103, 10,04 ± 1.22 years old), female middle schoolers (FM, n=98, 12.40 ± 1.36 years old) and male middle schoolers (MM, n=81, 12.22 ± 1.33 years old). The subjects underwent anthropometric and interrogative analyses, through the survey method. By using the Anova One – Way (p˂0.05), we obtained significant differences of the BMI between FP- MM, MP–MM and FM–MM. The type of preferred sports activities differentiated MP – MM, the last group being centred on cyclical activities. The duration of the session presents significant differences between MP – FM. The weekly frequency and the annual durationof sports activity features a similar level. The volume of annual physical activities is differentiated between BP and FG. The performance level attained is different between MP – FM and MP – MM. Consequently, it may be stated that the preferences of schoolers regarding extracurricular sports activity are practiced with a frequency of 8 months per year, 3 times a week, each session lasting for 90 minutes, while their natureis cyclical at leisure level, too.

Magnetic resonance imaging of post traumatic knee: injury pattern analysis in sports activities

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries of knee are commonly encountered in sportsmen during sports activities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for evaluation of traumatic knee injuries and arthroscopic interventions. By knowing the pattern and burden of surgically significant injuries in sportsmen, the artificial intelligence (AI) software may be developed accordingly so that surgically significant injuries may be identified by the young radiologists. Methods: It was a retrospective study on MRI for knee injuries in sportsmen. The digital data from Radiology department at a zonal level hospital was analysed. The MRI findings were correlated with the arthroscopic records available. For surgically insignificant injuries, the literature was referred for the typical MRI findings of the injuries. Results: Of 272 cases of MRI knee, 74.3% cases were detected to have acute traumatic injuries. Among various types of injuries found in this study, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear (55.9%) was the commonest injury followed by medial meniscal tear (40%). 40 (19.8%) cases were found to have surgically significant MRI findings which were subsequently corroborated with knee arthroscopy.Conclusions: Since majority of soft tissue injuries of knee constitute ACL and meniscal tears, the industries involved in developing AI software for soft tissue injuries of knee, should primarily focus on identification of ACL and meniscal injuries. The AI software may also be helpful for the young radiologists in early training days in MRI for knee injuries and may also help in big scale research projects of post traumatic MRI knees.

Association of Pediatric Hearing Quality and Sports Participation: A Population-Based Study

Sports-related injuries, such as concussion, during childhood may result in considerable morbidity, including a range of negative developmental consequences. Auditory dysfunction is generally recognized to be a possible sequela of sports-related concussion; however, few epidemiologic studies have quantified the association between hearing quality and sports-related activity in the pediatric population. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the 2015-2016 cycle was utilized to determine the association of sports activities and hearing quality. Subjective abnormal hearing quality was more frequent among children who played football than those that did not (36.5% vs 26.8%; odds ratio, 1.56 [95% CI, 1.23-2.00]; P = .001). Other sports, such as basketball and soccer, did not have this association with hearing quality ( P = .496 and P = .852, respectively). Our findings suggest a notable association between practice of a potentially high concussion sport and hearing quality. Children practicing football are 1.56 times more likely to report abnormal hearing quality. Level of Evidence: 4.

Participation in Sports Activities before and after the Outbreak of COVID-19: Analysis of Data from the 2020 Korea National Sports Participation Survey

The present study aimed to describe the characteristics and rate of participation in sports activities, changes in sports, and the causes of these changes before and after the COVID-19 out-break in Korea using data from the 2020 Korea National Sports Participation Survey (KNSPS). Furthermore, evidence from this study could be used as basic data to maintain and promote sports activities given the current situation, in which the continued spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, is likely. The KNSPS is an annual survey of subjective health and fitness, sports activities and conditions, and participation in sports activities, conducted among a sample comprising the entire Korean population. The current study analyzed data for 9000 participants, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed to calculate the frequency of each item and sample weight. The rate of regular participation in sports activities at least once a week was found to be 60.10% in 2020, representing a decrease of 6.48% from the rate observed in 2019. Among the types of sports facilities frequently used within the residential area, the most common facilities were private sports facilities (22.97%), other sports facilities (20.60%), and public sports facilities (18.97%), although the utilization rate for other sports facilities increased after the COVID-19 outbreak. After the COVID-19 outbreak, 34.12% of men and 29.72% of women responded that there had been a change in their participation in regular sports activities. Both before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, walking was the most common activity, although the participation rate increased from 29.23% in 2019 to 35.70% in 2020. The rankings and participation rates for indoor sports activities (bodybuilding, swimming, etc.) tended to decrease, while those for outdoor sports activities (climbing, cycling, etc.) tended to increase. These changes may be explained in part by the increasing concern regarding infection with increasing age, except among teenagers, and by economic factors. While participation in physical activity provides numerous health benefits, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on regular participation in sports activities. The results of this survey suggest that government action is required to enhance participation in sports activities, even in the face of a pandemic.

Acceptance of Digital Sports: A Study Showing the Rising Acceptance of Digital Health Activities Due to the SARS-CoV-19 Pandemic

In pandemic times, the possibilities for conventional sports activities are severely limited; many sports facilities are closed or can only be used with restrictions. To counteract this lack of health activities and social exchange, people are increasingly adopting new digital sports solutions—a behavior change that had already started with the trend towards fitness apps and activity trackers. Existing research suggests that digital solutions increase the motivation to move and stay active. This work further investigates the potentials of digital sports incorporating the dimensions gender and preference for team sports versus individual sports. The study focuses on potential users, who were mostly younger professionals and academics. The results show that the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on sports activity, particularly on persons preferring team sports. To compensate, most participants use more digital sports than before, and there is a positive correlation between the time spent physically active during the pandemic and the increase in motivation through digital sports. Nevertheless, there is still considerable skepticism regarding the potential of digital sports solutions to increase the motivation to do sports, increase performance, or raise a sense of team spirit when done in groups.

The Effects of Physical Exercise on Saliva Composition. A Comprehensive Review

Saliva consists of organic and inorganic constituents. During exercise, analysis of the saliva can provide valuable information regarding training stress, adaptation and exercise performance. The objective of the present article was to review the effect of physical exercise on saliva composition. The shift in the composition of the saliva, during and after a workout, reflects the benefits of exercise, its potential risks and the capability of the saliva to serve as a health indicator. The type and the frequency of training, the physical condition and the athletes’ general health influence the hormones, immunoglobulins and saliva enzymes. The correlation between saliva and physical exercise has to be further investigated and the available knowledge to be applied for the benefit of the athletes during sports activities.

Danske seniorers (65+) motiver og barrierer for fysisk aktivitet

The proportion of older adults is increasing in Denmark. At the same time physical activity is becoming an increasingly popular arena to prevent illness, promote health and increase life quality. This case study examined older adults’ (65-75 y) motives and barriers for participation in organised physical activity. Using a single embedded case study, we collected data through semi structured interviews and observation. The theoretical framework is Ryan & Deci’s Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Results of this study indicate that informants had several intrinsic and extrinsic motives. Among the extrinsic motives were better health, absence of illness, a good retirement and complying with social norms. A number of integrated and structural motives also exist: positive experience with sports, appropriate challenges, social interaction, diverse sports activities and freedom of choice. The older adults described barriers such as: difficult to self-initiate participation in sports, health related issues and lacking experiences with sports. Furthermore, the study discusses behaviour change triggers to stimulate healthy behaviour in old age using a revised FBM-model. In addition, organised physical activity that promotes satisfaction of the psychological needs is essential for the adherence. Based on the results and discussion, implications for practice are provided through recommendations on physical activity for older adults, based on organisation, activities and recruitment. Results of this study indicate that informants had several intrinsic and extrinsic motives. Among the extrinsic motives were better health, absence of illness, a good retirement and complying with social norms. A number of integrated and structural motives also exist positive experience with sports, appropriate challenges, social interaction, diverse sports activities and freedom of choice. The older adults described barriers such as: difficult to self-initiate participation in sports, health related issues and lacking experiences with sports. Furthermore, the study discusses behaviour change triggers to stimulate healthy behaviour in old age using a revised FBM-model. In addition, organised physical activity that promotes satisfaction of the psychological needs is essential for the adherence. Based on the results and discussion, implications for practice are provided through recommendations on physical activity for older adults, based on organisation, activities and recruitment.

Poverty and Crime in Young People From Children Protection Centers

Young people who are in a situation of residential care are considered to be in a condition of multidimensional poverty. Research aims to achieve the following general objectives: first, to identify the level of delinquency of young people and its determining factors and, second, to propose strategies and programs. This research will follow a two-stage research process in which different research methods will be applied. Along with the main results, the authors point out that the most frequent crimes refer to these youngsters getting involved in gang fights; alcohol consumption; in attacking classmates, parents, and teachers; they steal money and or other objects from the collaborating family; they consume pornography and go out to discotheques, pubs, and nightclubs. In the educational field, although they are dedicated to their education, they obtain very low grades. They only participate moderately in sports activities and have very low participation in religious services; furthermore, the young men have a moderately high level of belief in the legal system.

Battery Efficiency in Outdoor Sports Environments for Mobile Pervasive Augmented Reality Systems

This work analyses energy expenditure in outdoor sport environments with augmented reality technology. Battery efficiency is becoming a relevant topic in the context of the varied outdoor end-user services, among other realms. It is a key to the acceptance and use of mobile technology. In outdoor environments, battery efficiency can be low, especially when information based on close-to-real-time requires internet access and the use of sensors. Such requirement is today evident with the growth of internet dependence and multiple sensors, which perform both actively and passively via fitness gadgets, smartphones, pervasive systems, and other personal mobile gadgets. In this context, it is relevant to understand how energy is spent with the accelerometer, global position system, and internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile data) providing smart data for outdoor sports activities. Through a prototype, an analysis is made based on the current battery autonomy, and an algorithm model for better battery efficiency is proposed.