Performance Impact of Different Lower-Limb Setup Positions in the Backstroke Swimming Start

The performance impact of different knee extension angles in the setup position for a backstroke start was evaluated using an instrumented starting surface. Ten backstroke swimmers completed maximum-effort starts in each of two setup positions: one with the knees flexed, and one with the knees extended. The start handles and touchpad were instrumented with tri-axial force plates. Activity of major hip and knee extensors was measured using surface electromyography. Body position was recorded throughout the start using two high-speed cameras. There was no difference in time to 10 m between the two conditions, indicating there is likely no advantage in universally recommending one setup position over the other. However, starts performed from a setup position with greater knee extension had a greater head entry distance, while starts from a setup position with less knee extension had a greater takeoff velocity; both of these variables are related to better start performance. Coaches should assess athletes to determine which position will result in better performance on an individual basis

P18. Backstroke Start Performance: The Impact of Using the Omega Backstroke Ledge

Background: FINA recently approved use of the “backstroke ledge” (Omega OBL2) to improve backstroke start performance in competition, but its performance has not been thoroughly evaluated. The purpose of this study was to compare starts performed on a flat wall to those performed with the OBL2, and to identify factors that contribute to better start performance. Methods: Ten elite backstroke swimmers performed three flat-wall and three OBL2 starts. Horizontal impulse, vertical impulse, takeoff velocity and takeoff angle were calculated from the force plate data. Entry distance, time to 10 m and start of hip and knee extension were recorded using digital video cameras. Results: We determined that starts performed with the OBL2 had a faster time to 10 m, less variability in vertical impulse and greater entry distance. Time to 10 m and head entry distance had a significant negative correlation. Starts with the OBL2 also had a trend toward lower resultant takeoff velocity, lower horizontal impulse and greater COM takeoff angle. Discussion and Conclusions: The OBL2 appears to provide a performance advantage by allowing an increased head entry distance, rather than larger impulse on the wall. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the factors that contribute to improved performance when using the OBL2. Coaches may consider head entry distance as a training target. Athletes should use the OBL2 in training and competition to ensure optimal start performance. Interdisciplinary Reflection: Concepts from physical and biological sciences are combined to explain the factors which affect backstroke start performance

Dialogue journal writing: a tool for critical reflection in the adult ESL learner

This study attempted to determine whether or not dialogue journal writing encouraged critical reflection in the adult ESL (English as a Second Language) learner. According to research in adult education and anecdotal evidence, the process ofdialogue journal writing can facilitate critical reflection in the adult learner. However, little research has been conducted to examine whether or not journal writing can facilitate critical reflection in the second language learner. As a result, ten low-intermediate level adult ESL students from Brock University's Intensive English Language Programme participated in a dialogue journal writing programme in their writing class. The participants wrote journal entries over a 10-week period, and were interviewed once throughout the process to determine their perceptions ofthe journal writing experience. They also were observed by the researcher throughout the journal writing sessions to establish whether any behaviours or intrusions might affect the participants' writing processes. After the content ofthe journals and the interviews, and the observations made by the researcher were analysed, it was confirmed that, for these participants, dialogue journal writing did not necessarily encourage critical reflection. Moreover, the participants' perceptions ofjournal writing were that it helped them to practise the syntax, vocabulary, and rhetorical patterns ofEnglish; nevertheless, it did not foster critical reflection or thinking

Alien Registration- Barkwell, Clarice (Madison, Somerset County)

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Alien Registration- Barkwell, Henry H. (Madison, Somerset County)

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Luke's place: An innovative program for assisting abused mothers post-separation

As awareness of men’s violence against women has increased, there have been many positive changes in community responses to the violence. Shelters and other services have been developed to meet the emergency needs of abused women and their children. Grassroots feminist organizing focused on the safety and empowerment of survivors has played a key role in these changes. While criminal law and justice practices have changed to better address violence and abuse, the family court has yet to adequately incorporate the lessons learned from three decades of research on woman abuse..

Alien Registration- Barkwell, Henry H. (Madison, Somerset County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/6766/thumbnail.jp

Alien Registration- Barkwell, Clarice (Madison, Somerset County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/6765/thumbnail.jp