'There is no heritage in Qatar': Orientalism, colonialism and other problematic histories

This article discusses the construction of Qatari heritage in the context of pre-conceived ideas of ‘cultural heritage’ predominant in the global and regional spheres that operate in this country. It considers the location of Qatar within Middle Eastern heritage discourses and debates, and identifies productive similarities as well as unique avenues for further discussion. The authors identify the challenge of formulating methodologies that are able to recognize, accommodate, encompass and reflect local heritage dialogues and practices that exist in Qatar, which may aid in further researching the wider Arabian Peninsula, its histories and heritages

SURFACE MARKERS VERSUS CLUSTERS FOR DETERMINING LOWER LIMB JOINT KINEMATICS IN SPRINT RUNNING

The purpose of this study was to compare lower limb joint angle time histories using surface markers and segmental clusters. An athlete completed three single leg standing trials whilst moving the joints of the free leg from maximum flexion to maximum extension followed by seven maximal sprint runs. Trials were tracked by a three-dimensional CODA system. For standing trials, mean timing differences were greatest in maximum extension at the ankle and hip (0.01 s). Angle differences ranged from 2° (knee flexion) to 11° (ankle extension). Timing differences in sprinting were greatest in extension (hip 0.03 s) with joint angle differences in maximum flexion and extension 7 & 9° (ankle), 3 & 6° (knee) and 23 & 4° (hip) respectively. When comparing results from surface markers and clusters, a good level of agreement was found in the continuous knee flexion-extension profile, and the discrete timings for all joints

Differences in approach run kinematics: successful vs. unsuccessful jumps in the pole vault

This study investigated biomechanical differences between successful and unsuccessful jumps during a pole vault competition. Two hundred and seven pairs of successful and unsuccessful jumps at the same height were analysed. Participants included male and female athletes of three different age groups with bar height clearances ranging from 2.81 to 5.91 m. Run-up parameters were collected using an Optojump Next system and a Stalker Pro II radar gun. A 2D kinematical analysis was conducted to obtain selected parameters of the take-off. Only trivial and small differences were found between successful and unsuccessful jumps. The speed at last touchdown showed a significant small difference between successful and unsuccessful jumps, as the greater speed at takeoff (+0.15 m/s) was observed at successful jumps compared to unsuccessful jumps. Furthermore, female athletes showed a significant small difference in horizontal hand–foot distance between successful jumps and unsuccessful jumps (+0.05 m and +0.06 m at pole plant and take-off, respectively). The results suggest that pole vaulters should produce a fast run-up and avoid a decrease in speed before take-off. Small adjustments in the take-off posture might increase the transfer of energy from the athlete to the pole and thus an improvement concerning the height of bar clearance

Biomechanical evolution of the Tkachev on uneven bars in female gymnastics

The development of joint kinematics and kinetics is fundamental to the successful performance of complex flight skills in gymnastics bar routines. Biomechanical understanding of these skills can provide coaches and scientists with key information to make training safe and effective. The Tkachev is a complex and popular gymnastics skill with many different variations. Recently, a new version has been performed, which has become popular with elite female performers. This study examined the key biomechanical characteristics of this skill and contrasted these to the earlier versions reported. Elite female gymnasts (n = 5) were recorded and manually digitised using twin video cameras (50 Hz) at the 2007 World Gymnastics Championships. Three-dimensional (3D) DLT was used to reconstruct the real world coordinates. Individualised inertia characteristics were calculated and used to determine mass centre kinematics. Inverse dynamics analysis was used to calculate joint kinetics at the hips and shoulders from the known values at the toes. The results of this study showed an increased flight time and rotational capacity during the aerial phase for the toe-on Tkachev, as well as a more simple movement pattern and joint kinetic demand with single power impulses at the hips and shoulders compared with previous versions. The key finding of this study was that the toe-on version appeared to be less physically demanding than that the inward and outward techniques, and provide the opportunity to perform more complex aerial phase body positions. These results can help coaches to physically prepare their gymnasts and biomechanists in terms of understanding the demands of these skills

The application of precisely controlled functional electrical stimulation to the shoulder, elbow and wrist for upper limb stroke rehabilitation: a feasibility study.

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) during repetitive practice of everyday tasks can facilitate recovery of upper limb function following stroke. Reduction in impairment is strongly associated with how closely FES assists performance, with advanced iterative learning control (ILC) technology providing precise upper-limb assistance. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of extending ILC technology to control FES of three muscle groups in the upper limb to facilitate functional motor recovery post-stroke

Asymmetry analysis of the arm segments during forward handspring on floor

Asymmetry in gymnastics underpins successful performance and may also have implications as an injury mechanism; therefore, understanding of this concept could be useful for coaches and clinicians. The aim of this study was to examine kinematic and external kinetic asymmetry of the arm segments during the contact phase of a fundamental skill, the forward handspring on floor. Using a repeated single subject design six female National elite gymnasts (age: 19 ± 1.5 years, mass: 58.64 ± 3.72 kg, height: 1.62 ± 0.41 m), each performed 15 forward handsprings, synchronised 3D kinematic and kinetic data were collected. Asymmetry between the lead and non-lead side arms was quantified during each trial. Significant kinetic asymmetry was observed for all gymnasts (p < 0.005) with the direction of the asymmetry being related to the lead leg. All gymnasts displayed kinetic asymmetry for ground reaction force. Kinematic asymmetry was present for more gymnasts at the shoulder than the distal joints. These findings provide useful information for coaching gymnastics skills, which may subjectively appear to be symmetrical. The observed asymmetry has both performance and injury implications

International Society of Biomechanics in Sport October Newsletter 2015

IN THIS ISSUE: Message from the President, ISBS 2015 Post Conference Report, Student Mini Research Grant Reports, ISBS Awards 2015, Call for ISBS Awards 2016, Report of Student Mentoring Program, Short Communications, ISBS Sponsors, Introducing Biomch-V, C-Motion Group Meetin

Upper limb and eye movement coordination during reaching tasks in people with stroke

Purpose: To enhance understanding of the relationship between upper limb and eye movements during reaching tasks in people with stroke. Methods: Eye movements were recorded from 10 control participants and 8 chronic stroke participants during a visual orienting task (Experiment 1) and a series of reaching tasks (Experiment 2). Stroke participants completed the reaching tasks using (i) their less impaired upper limb, (ii) their more impaired upper limb without support, and (iii) their more impaired upper limb, with support (SaeboMAS gravitational support and/or electrical stimulation). Participants were tested individually and completed both experiments in the same session. Results: Oculomotor control and the coordination between the upper limb and the oculomotor system were found to be intact in stroke participants when no limb movements were required, or when the less impaired upper limb was used. However, when the more impaired upper limb was used, success and accuracy in reaching decreased and patterns of eye movements changed, with an observed increase in eye movements to the limb itself. With upper limb support, patterns of hand-eye coordination were found to more closely resemble those of the control group. Conclusion: Deficits in upper limb motor systems result in changes in patterns of eye movement behavior during reaching tasks. These changes in eye movement behavior can be modulated by providing upper limb support. -Implications for Rehabilitation -Deficits in upper limb motor systems can result in changes in patterns of eye movement behavior during reaching tasks. -Upper limb support can reduce deficits in hand-eye coordination. -Stroke rehabilitation outcomes should consider motor and oculomotor performance

Cellular Active N-Hydroxyurea FEN1 Inhibitors Block Substrate Entry to the Active Site

The structure-specific nuclease human flap endonuclease-1 (hFEN1) plays a key role in DNA replication and repair and may be of interest as an oncology target. We present the first crystal structure of inhibitor-bound hFEN1 and show a cyclic N-hydroxyurea bound in the active site coordinated to two magnesium ions. Three such compounds had similar IC50 values but differed subtly in mode of action. One had comparable affinity for protein and protein– substrate complex and prevented reaction by binding to active site catalytic metal ions, blocking the unpairing of substrate DNA necessary for reaction. Other compounds were more competitive with substrate. Cellular thermal shift data showed engagement of both inhibitor types with hFEN1 in cells with activation of the DNA damage response evident upon treatment. However, cellular EC50s were significantly higher than in vitro inhibition constants and the implications of this for exploitation of hFEN1 as a drug target are discussed