SlamTracker Accuracy under Static and Controlled Movement Conditions

Accelerometry is the de facto standard in objective physical activity monitoring. However traditional accelerometer units undergo proprietary pre-processing, resulting in the ‘black-box’ phenomenon, where researchers are unaware of the processes and filters used on their data. Raw accelerometers where all frequencies related to human movement are included in the signal, would facilitate novel analyses, such as frequency domain analysis and pattern recognition. The aim of this study was to quantify the mean, standard deviation and variance of the SlamTracker raw accelerometer at a range of speeds. Four tri-axial accelerometers underwent a one minute static condition test nine movement condition tests. Accelerometers were assessed for mean, standard deviation, sample variance and coefficient of variation throughout in all axes for all experimental conditions. The sample variance was <0.001g across all speeds and axes during the movement condition tests. In conclusion, the SlamTracker is shown to be an accurate and reliable device for measuring the raw accelerations of movement.

A Preliminary Case Analysis of the Post- Activation Potentiation Effects of Plyometrics on Sprint Performance in Women

This study provided a case analysis of the effects of plyometrics on post-activation potentiation (PAP) of 20-m (0-5, 0-10, 0-20 m intervals) sprint performance in strength-trained females. Three college-aged participants performed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) squat, which was used to set the load for a jump squat with 30% 1RM (JS30). Over three sessions, participants performed three PAP protocols: a control condition of 4 min rest (CC); 3 sets x 5 repetitions of the JS30; and 3 sets x 10 repetitions of the alternate leg bound (ALB). Peak and mean power were recorded during the JS30. Participants performed two baseline sprints prior to each condition, and then six sprints from immediately after for 16 min post. Results indicated that the JS30 and ALB could potentiate sprinting, although responses were highly individual. The two more powerful participants experienced more sprint enhancements across more time points than the less powerful participant. Any performance changes were in the range of 1-4%, which is typical of PAP research. It cannot, however, be confirmed whether the JS30 and ALB were superior to the CC. Nonetheless, the data suggest the JS30 and ALB could potentiate sprinting in females. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Does Stature or Wingspan Length Have a Positive Effect on Competitor Rankings or Attainment of World Title Bouts in International and Elite Mixed Martial Arts?

In this study the stature, wingspan and stature-to-wingspan ratio (S:W) was recorded for N = 474 elite and international mixed martial arts (MMA) competitors who appeared in televised bouts over the course of one calendar year. Each weight division was split into three or four ranking groups (RG) depending on division size, as well as into groups depending on if the competitors had won or competed for a world title (El) or had done neither (In). One-way ANOVA (≤0.05) found that shorter competitors are ranked higher in flyweight and in the middle in women’s strawweight. Independent t-tests (≤0.05) found that shorter competitors also have more chance of winning or competing for a world title in featherweight and flyweight. Independent t-tests (≤0.05) also found a significant difference between males and female for S:W. There was a weak, negative correlation and a moderate, negative correlation between stature and rank in lightweight and light heavyweight respectively and a moderate, negative correlation between S:W and rank in featherweight. There were no other significant differences found. Overall, whilst MMA competitors have a S:W of 1:1.024, due to the paucity of significant differences found, it was determined that anthropometrical measurements cannot be used to predict success in elite and international mixed martial arts.

I’m super-setting my life! An ethnographic comparative analysis of the growth of the gym market

The fitness industry has undergone an explosive growth in recent decades. Some reasons for this are related to the increase in leisure time in the developed world and the importance attached nowadays to having a young-looking fat-free body. This article, based on ethnographic data from Santiago, Chile and Amsterdam, the Netherlands, seeks to add nuanced and complementary explanations to those reasons already mentioned. For example, the importance of moral, personal, social and identity significances that have also contributed to this rise are explained. I complement this with comparative information that emphasizes and clarifies the cultural factors influencing the culture of gyms.

Maximal Isometric Handgrip Strength (HGS) in Greek Elite Male Judo and Karate Athletes

The specificity of the technical performance in judo and karate demands from athletes to perform fast and powerful actions at a high level, therefore, much importance is given to the development and supporting motor system, in particular, HGS function. Research aim was to determine the characteristic of maximal isometric HGS in Greek elite male judo and karate kumite athletes that may be important for competitive success in the aspect of age and BMI and identify any differences between these two compact sports. The studies were carried out in the competitive period of 2015 training cycles. The subjects were male judokas with mean weight 84.24 ± 12.38 kg and karateka’s 76.63 ± 10.46 kg. Average BMI (kg/m2) for judokas 25.67± 3.60 and karateka’s 23.03 ± 1.75. Research results showed that the HGS in dominant and nondominant hand in karateka’s was 68.28 ± 7.3 kg and 63.28 ± 7.5 kg and in judokas 73.72 ± 7.85 kg and 71.34 ± 8.10 kg. karateka’s had significant less stronger HGS compered to Judokas in dominant and nondominant hand, t32= -2.089 and p<0.05 and t32= -3.016 and p<0.05. Karateka’s had significant higher differences between the two hands 4.94 ± 2.15 kg compered to judokas 2.38 ± 1.84 kg, t32= 3.722 and p<0.05. The two groups had significant difference in BMI, t32= -2,771 and p<0.05. Pearson correlation showed a significant correlation between HGS and BMI, r=0.563 and p<0.05. In conclusion judo and karate have different requirements and training methods due to the objectives and generally the technical training nature with judokas appearing stronger in the HGS compere to karateka’s.

Investigating the Teaching Styles of Tennis Coaches Using The Spectrum

It is unknown what teaching styles (range of pedagogies) coaches are employing during coaching sessions and whether these teaching styles are associated with recommended pedagogical principles advocated by sport and coaching scholars. It is unknown whether twenty years of coach education has shifted coaching practice as the insights into the pedagogical diversity and preference of teaching styles that underpin and inform the coaches’ decisions to employ particular teaching strategies during coaching sessions are undetermined. This paper addresses these unknowns in the field of tennis coaching in Australia by reporting the findings of a study that address the lack of information on the teaching styles employed by tennis coaches by asking the following research question: What teaching styles are junior coaches in Australia actually using during coaching sessions? This study used The Spectrum (Mosston & Ashworth, 2008) of teaching styles as a tool to assess the observed teaching styles of twelve junior coaches. Contrary to the educational convictions of Australian sport coach education materials the results from this study indicated that the coaches in this study potentially did not offer players developmental opportunities beyond a limited range (i.e., motor skill development in the physical learning domain) due to a narrow pedagogical mix in their coaching.

A Kinematic Analysis of Fundamental Movement Skills

Fundamental movement skills are considered the basic building blocks for movement and provide the foundation for specialized and sport-specific movement skills required for participation in a variety of physical activities. However, kinematic analyses of fundamental movement has not been performed. The aims of this study were to, (1) characterise the relationship between facets of fundamental movement and, (2) characterise the relationship between overall integrated acceleration and three-dimensional kinematic variables whilst performing fundamental movement skills. Eleven participants (10±0.8y, 1.41±0.07m, 33.4±8.6kg, body mass index; 16.4±3.1 kg·m2) took part in this study, had anthropometric variables recorded and performed a series of fundamental movement tasks, whilst wearing a tri-axial accelerometer and were recorded using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Maximum shoulder external rotation (°) and maximum shoulder internal rotation velocity (°.s−1) (r=0.86, p<0.001), mediolateral centre of mass range (cm) and centre of mass coefficient of variation (%) (r=0.83, p<0.001), maximum stride angle (°) in the jog and walk (r=0.74, p=0.01) and maximum sprint stride angle and maximum shoulder internal rotation velocity (°.s−1) (r=0.67, p<0.02) were significantly correlated. Maximum sprint stride angle (hip: r=0.96, p<0.001, ankle: r=0.97, p<0.001) and maximum internal rotation velocity (ankle: r=0.6, p=0.05) were significantly correlated to overall integrated acceleration. Overall integrated acceleration was comparable between participants (CV: 10.5), whereas three-dimensional variables varied by up to 65%. Although overall integrated acceleration was comparable between participants, three-dimensional variables were much more varied. Indicating that although overall activity may be correspondent, the characteristics of a child’s movement may be highly varied.

Retrospective evaluation of high school primary physical activities and adulthood physical activity need satisfaction

Presumably, individuals are taught skills throughout their primary education that are required to live a healthy lifestyle throughout the lifespan. The primary purpose of this study was to assess adult psychological need satisfaction in relation to high school participation. Participation included university employees and students of two mid-sized universities and members of a state health organization. Participants (n = 512) completed the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise (PNSE) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The current study found modest associations between measured motivation constructs on physical activity levels. Standardized coefficients report competence and autonomy had a significant effect on physical activity in predicting adult physical activity levels. Results of this study provide insight into the determinants underlying the development of physical activity tendencies in adults and suggest high school physical education and sport participation have an equal influence on adult physical activity levels.

Determinants of Participation in Sport and Physical Activity for Students with Disabilities According to Teachers and School-based Practitioners Specialized in Recreational and Competitive Physical Activity

Because youth with disabilities participate less in physical activity than young people without disabilities and that schools play an important role in adopting a healthy lifestyle, it is important to deepen our understanding of the elements that foster participation of young people with disabilities in physical activity. The objective of this research is twofold: 1) establish the determinants of participation of youth with disabilities in physical education according to practitioners and 2) document the effects of an initiation and competition program for youth with disabilities on their physical activity. The collection of data using semi-structured interviews was conducted in two phases. The first, among teachers and school-based practitioners (n = 18), aimed to understand their experiences relating to the adoption of healthy lifestyles among their students with disabilities. As for the second, practitioners (n = 12) were interviewed during organized adapted sporting events. Analysis of the interviews shows two categories of determinants, namely determinants relating to school (winning conditions of the environment, the importance of extracurricular activities, and obstacles) as well as determinants relating to the professional competence of teachers (the role of teachers, collaboration between professionals, the benefits of sport and physical activity and obstacles encountered).

Effects of a School-Based Relaxation Intervention on Recovery in Young Elite Athletes in High School

This study reports the effects of a recovery intervention in young elite athletes in high school. The scissors model (Kellmann & Kallus, 2001) was used as a theoretical foundation for the intervention. An intervention group (n = 40) participated in 12 weekly intervention sessions, while the control group (n = 58) did not. A Danish version of the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes measured recovery levels in the participants, at baseline and at the end of intervention. Qualitative interviews were conducted with four of the participants. Quantitative results did not show an improvement in recovery and stress levels. Qualitative results showed that the intervention had an effect on the participants, and also revealed areas, in which the intervention could be improved. Suggestions for future interventions are given.