Comparison of Dynamic Balance in Football Players with and without Genu Varum Using Star Excursion Balance Test

Background and Aims: Genu Varum is an angular deformity of the knee that is responsible for the alteration of the forces at the knee so that the line of force shifts farther medially from the knee joint centre intensifying the medial compartment load and creating a medial joint reaction force that is nearly three and a half times that of the lateral compartment. Football is a high intensity sport that places inordinate amounts of load and torque on the knee joint making it more susceptible to growth deformities in the developing age groups. Genu varum is a predisposing factor to lateral instability which affects dynamic balance. This study consists of a comparison in dynamic balance between professional football players, those without a knee deformity and those with genu varum deformity using the Star excursion balance test. Methodology: A comparative study was conducted among 40 elite level football players and they were divided into two groups one of which consisted football players without a knee deformity and the other group which comprised of football players with genu varum. Genu varum was calculated using the intercondylar distance measure. Star excursion balance test was used to assess dynamic balance of each individual and their average distances were calculated for each direction in the test. Results: The Reach Distances in the anterior direction showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between the control and Group Bs whereas significant differences (P<0.05) were obtained in the Posteromedial and Posterolateral directions. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in reach distances in the anterior direction but significant differences in the reach distances were observed in the posteromedial as well as the posterolateral direction suggesting that genu varum deformity does affect the dynamic balance in elite level football players. Key words: Genu Varum, Football Players, Dynamic Balance, Star excursion balance test.

Shark spiral intestines may operate as Tesla valves

Looking to nature for inspiration has led to many diverse technological advances. The spiral valve intestine of sharks has provided the opportunity to observe the efficiency of different valve systems. It is supposed that the spiral intestine present in sharks, skates and rays slows the transit rate of digesta through the gut and provides increased surface area for the absorption of nutrients. In this investigation, we use a novel technique—creating three-dimensional reconstructions from CT scans of spiral intestines—to describe the morphology of the spiral intestine of at least one species from 22 different shark families. We discuss the morphological data in an evolutionary, dietary and functional context. The evolutionary analyses suggest that the columnar morphology is the ancestral form of the spiral intestine. Dietary analyses reveal no correlation between diet type and spiral intestine morphology. Flow rate was slowed significantly more when the two funnel-shaped spiral intestines were subjected to flow in the posterior to anterior direction, indicating their success at producing unidirectional flow, similar to a Tesla valve. These data are available to generate additional three-dimensional morphometrics, create computational models of the intestine, as well as to further explore the function of the gastrointestinal tract of sharks in structural and physiological contexts.

Deciduous dentition and dental eruption sequence in Interatheriinae (Notoungulata, Interatheriidae): implications in the systematics of the group

Studies focused on deciduous dentition, ontogenetic series, and tooth eruption and replacement patterns in fossil mammals have lately increased due to the recognized taxonomic and phylogenetic weight of these aspects. A study of the deciduous and permanent dentition of Interatherium and Protypotherium (Interatheriinae) is presented, based mainly on unpublished materials. Deciduous cheek teeth are brachydont and placed covering the apex of the respective permanent tooth; in addition, some morphological and metrical differences are observed along the crown height. Five dental ontogenetic stages are distinguished among the juvenile specimens on the basis of the degree of wear, the replacement of the deciduous premolars, and the eruption of the molars. The crown height and the wear degree of different Interatheriinae taxa show: (1) eruption pattern of molars in an anterior–posterior direction (M/m1 to M/m3); (2) pattern of replacement of deciduous premolars and eruption of permanent premolars in a posterior–anterior direction (dP/dp4 to dP/dp2 and P/p4 to P/p2); and (3) eruption of M/m3 before the replacement of dP/dp4. Results allow evaluating the diagnostic dental characteristics used to describe some interatheriines, as well as reinterpreting some taxonomic assumptions: the holotype of Protypotherium diversidens Ameghino, 1891 is recognized as a juvenile of another species of the genus, and the species is not validated, considering it as Protypotherium sp.; the holotype of Eudiastatus lingulatus Ameghino, 1891 falls in the variability of Protypotherium, becoming P. lingulatus new combination, tentatively maintaining the species and implying the synonymy between Eudiastatus and Protypotherium; and the holotype of Eopachyrucos ranchoverdensis Reguero, Ubilla, and Perea, 2003 is reinterpreted as bearing deciduous premolars.

Respiratory kinematics and the regulation of subglottic pressure for phonation of pitch jumps – a dynamic MRI study

The respiratory system is a central part of voice production as it contributes to the generation of subglottic pressure, which has an impact on voice parameters including fundamental frequency and sound pressure level. Both parameters need to be adjusted precisely during complex phonation tasks such as singing. In particular, the underlying functions of the diaphragm and rib cage in relation to the phonation of pitch jumps are not yet understood in detail. This study aims to analyse respiratory movements during phonation of pitch jumps using dynamic MRI of the lungs. Dynamic images of the breathing apparatus of 7 professional singers were acquired in the supine position during phonation of upwards and downwards pitch jumps in a high, medium, and low range of the singer’s tessitura. Distances between characteristic anatomical landmarks in the lung were measured from the series of images obtained. During sustained phonation, the diaphragm elevates, and the rib cage is lowered in a monotonic manner. During downward pitch jumps the diaphragm suddenly changed its movement direction and presented with a short inspiratory activation which was predominant in the posterior part and was associated with a shift of the cupola in an anterior direction. The magnitude of this inspiratory movement was greater for jumps that started at higher compared to lower fundamental frequency. In contrast, expiratory movement of the rib cage and anterior diaphragm were simultaneous and continued constantly during the jump. The data underline the theory of a regulation of subglottic pressure via a sudden diaphragm contraction during phonation of pitch jumps downwards, while the rib cage is not involved in short term adaptations. This strengthens the idea of a differentiated control of rib cage and diaphragm as different functional units during singing phonation.

EFFECT OF DUAL TASK EXERCISES ON REACTION TIME IN SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYERS

Background: Reaction time is the time taken to respond to a stimulus. Reaction time is a pre-requisite of any sports player. A short reaction time is an indicative of swift movements and attentiveness on field of the player. A player on field should have the ability to multitask. This ability is strengthened using dual task exercises. Method: Participants- 27 school basketball players of 13-16 years were included in the study. Hand dominance was assessed using the handedness questionnaire and leg dominance was assessed by asking the participant to kick the ball. Reaction time was assessed using the reaction timer and dynamic balanced was assessed using the Y balance test. Both the parameters were recorded as a pretest and posttest after intervention of dual task exercises. As an intervention 3 dual task exercises throwing and catching a ball while walking, spot marching and jump up to reach targets and side marching and passing the ball were used. Each exercise was done for a period of 8-10 mins respectively. During this time their regular basketball practice and physical fitness exercises were continued in school respectively. Results: The data was analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. A significant change was found in the reaction time of basketball players with p Value obtained as 7.26E-06. The balance component showed a significant improvement as well. P Values obtained for Anterior direction is 0.048, for posteromedial direction is 0.053and for posterolateral direction is 0.014. Conclusion: Dual task exercises along with basketball training were effective in improving the reaction time and dynamic balance in basketball players. KEY WORDS: Reaction time, dual task exercises, Dynamic balance, Y balance test, School basketball players.

Structure, Intensity and Player Duels in Under-13 Football Training in Switzerland

We evaluated the structure (i.e., the different training parts), contents (i.e., the various activities used), intensity and occurrence of contact situations and headers during training sessions in under-13 football in Switzerland. A total of 242 players from 20 different teams on average aged 11.4 (SD 0.7) years participated. The participants were filmed during a typical training session while they were equipped with a heart rate sensor. The sessions were systematically recorded to allow for detailed analyses. Furthermore, a preliminary and explorative analysis of the influence of the level of play on these results was conducted. The overall findings indicated that training included 33.4% playing forms, 29.5% training forms, 28.4% inactivity time and 8.7% athletics. The highest heart rates were achieved in the playing forms (166 min−1, 83% HRmax) compared to the other two activities (training forms 154 min−1, 77% HRmax; athletics 150 min−1, 75% HRmax). Each player had 12.8 duels and 0.6 headers per training. Overall, most duels were conducted from the anterior direction. Playing forms induce higher cardio-circulatory load as well as a better learning environment. Potentially dangerous situations like contact with other players or headers occurred in a single player on average every six min during a training session.

Strategy for Application of Support Object for Fall Prevention in the Elderly Based on Balance Recovery Characteristics

This research proposes a strategy for applying support objects—equipment, tools, and even furniture/environment from which humans can receive reaction force through their hands—for fall prevention in the elderly. This paper presents an assessment example of support objects based on balance recovery characteristics and a discussion regarding their application according to the assessment results. The balance recovery characteristics depend on the direction in which reaction force can be obtained based on the shape of the support object and direction in which the force is easily exerted on the hand. Evaluation indices for assessing the height and shape of nonportable support objects and determining a position of the tip on the ground of a cane, a typical portable support object, in the anterior direction are briefly introduced based on the authors’ previous works. The strategy for the application of support objects utilizing the evaluation indices is proposed; better use of support objects, their locations, new-shaped ones, and support devices with a new design concept are discussed and introduced based on the values of the calculated indices according to the type/usage of the support objects.

Structure, intensity and player duels in under-13 football training in Switzerland

We evaluated the structure (i.e., the different training parts), contents (i.e., the various activities used), intensity and occurrence of contact situations and headers during training sessions in under-13 football in Switzerland. 242 players from 20 different teams on average aged 11.4 (SD 0.7) years participated. The participants were filmed during a typical training session while they were equipped with a heart rate sensor. The sessions were systematically recorded to allow for detailed analyses. Furthermore, a preliminary and explorative analysis of the influence of the level of play on these results was conducted. The overall findings indicated that training included 33.4% playing forms, 29.5% training forms, 28.4% inactivity time and 8.7% athletics. The highest heart rates were achieved in the playing forms (166 min-1, 83% HRmax) compared to the other two activities (training forms 154 min-1, 77% HRmax; athletics 150 min-1, 75% HRmax). Each player had 12.8 duels and 0.6 headers per training. Overall most duels were conducted from anterior direction. Playing forms induce higher cardio-circulatory load as well as a better learning environment. Potentially dangerous situations like contact with other players or headers occurred in a single player on average every 6 minutes during a training session.

Bilateral symmetrical anterior fracture dislocation of shoulder

<p>The incidence of simultaneous bilateral shoulder joint dislocation is rare and is almost always posterior usually caused by violent muscle contraction as in patients with seizure disorders or who experience electric shock or undergo electroconvulsive therapy. simultaneous bilateral fracture-dislocation is even rarer, with a few cases reported in the literature. We report an unusual case with dislocation of the both shoulder joints in anterior direction after a seizure episode, With symmetrical unifocal 2-part extraarticular vertical fracture of proximal end segment of humerus (11A3) both sides. Although there have been a few reports of bilateral symmetrical fracture dislocations of the shoulder in the past, an injury pattern resembling our case has, to the best of our knowledge, not been described in the literature so far. Our report describes regarding the mechanism of injury in a case of a bilateral symmetrical anterior fracture dislocation following a seizure episode that treated with open reduction internal fixation using proximal humerus internal locking system (PHILOS). At final follow-up, the patient had healed fractures, painless near normal range of motion.</p>

How anatomical is our tunnel? A three dimensional CT evaluation of femoral tunnel in anatomic anteromedial single bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> ACL reconstruction has become a common orthopaedic procedure. The anatomy and biomechanics of ACL have been one of the most researched and debated topics in the orthopaedic literature. This has implication on the surgical procedure too with shift from traditional transtibial to more anatomic anteromedial ACL reconstruction. Anteromedial technique results in more anatomic femoral tunnel with graft positioned at the native insertion site. The tunnel position is crucial for better outcome after ACL reconstruction. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the femoral tunnel position made by anatomic single bundle reconstruction with the help of three dimensional computer tomography.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A prospective case series involving thirty patients with ACL tear who underwent anteromedial single bundle ACL reconstruction. Computer tomography scans were performed on thirty knees that underwent single bundle anteromedial ACL reconstruction. Three dimensional models were created and the data was analyzed according to coordinate system method. Femoral tunnel position was measured in proximal to distal and posterior to anterior directions. This data was compared with the already published reference data on anatomical tunnel position.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Femoral tunnel centre on the medial wall of lateral femoral condyle was located at 35±9% in the posterior to anterior direction. In the proximal to distal direction, the tunnel was placed at 30±12%. Femoral tunnel was placed anteriorly as compared to anatomic anteromedial and posterolateral tunnel position. There was no significant difference in tunnel position in proximal to distal direction.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Femoral tunnel centre on the medial wall of lateral femoral condyle was located at 35±9% in the posterior to anterior direction. In the proximal to distal direction, the tunnel was placed at 30±12%. Femoral tunnel was placed anteriorly as compared to anatomic anteromedial and posterolateral tunnel position. There was no significant difference in tunnel position in proximal to distal direction.</p>