Review of Yannis Skalidakis', Η ελεύθερη Ελλάδα: Η εξουσία του ΕΑΜ στα χρόνια της κατοχής (1943-1944) [Free Greece: The power of EAM in the occupation years, 1943–44]

Yannis Skalidakis. Η ελεύθερη Ελλάδα: Η εξουσία του ΕΑΜ στο χρόνια της κατοχής (1943-1944) [Free Greece: The power of EAM in the occupation years, 1943–44]. Athens: Asini, 2014. 416 pp

Review of Yannis Skalidakis', Η ελεύθερη Ελλάδα: Η εξουσία του ΕΑΜ στα χρόνια της κατοχής (1943-1944) [Free Greece: The power of EAM in the occupation years, 1943–44]

Yannis Skalidakis. Η ελεύθερη Ελλάδα: Η εξουσία του ΕΑΜ στο χρόνια της κατοχής (1943-1944) [Free Greece: The power of EAM in the occupation years, 1943–44]. Athens: Asini, 2014. 416 pp

Modifications to the net knee moments lead to the greatest improvements in accelerative sprinting performance: a predictive simulation study

The current body of sprinting biomechanics literature together with the front-side mechanics coaching framework provide various technique recommendations for improving performance. However, few studies have attempted to systematically explore technique modifications from a performance enhancement perspective. The aims of this investigation were therefore to explore how hypothetical technique modifications affect accelerative sprinting performance and assess whether the hypothetical modifications support the front-side mechanics coaching framework. A three-dimensional musculoskeletal model scaled to an international male sprinter was used in combination with direct collocation optimal control to perform (data-tracking and predictive) simulations of the preliminary steps of accelerative sprinting. The predictive simulations differed in the net joint moments that were left ‘free’ to change. It was found that the ‘knee-free’ and ‘knee-hip-free’ simulations resulted in the greatest performance improvements (13.8% and 21.9%, respectively), due to a greater knee flexor moment around touchdown (e.g., 141.2 vs. 70.5 Nm) and a delayed and greater knee extensor moment during stance (e.g., 188.5 vs. 137.5 Nm). Lastly, the predictive simulations which led to the greatest improvements were also found to not exhibit clear and noticeable front-side mechanics technique, thus the underpinning principles of the coaching framework may not be the only key aspect governing accelerative sprinting.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Data-tracking and predictive simulations of sprint running

The sprint running literature contains recommendations for how athletes should consider modifying their technique, yet, very few studies have documented their affect on performance. We used a musculoskeletal modelling and simulation approach to initially perform a data-tracking simulation to evaluate the outputs against experimental data. A predictive simulation with limited constraints was then performed to assess the influence of technique modications on performance. The data-tracking simulation tracked the experimental data well, particularly the ground reaction forces (largest RMSE = 0.04 BW). The predictive simulation resulted in the model covering 2.79 m in 0.325 s through an increase in step frequency, and this was a time duration improvement of 6.9% in comparison to the athlete’s own performance. In this preliminary work we have managed to track experimental sprint running data, and provided a promising basis to further explore hypothetical modifications in technique.Postprint (published version

DATA-TRACKING AND PREDICTIVE SIMULATIONS OF SPRINT RUNNING

The sprint running literature contains recommendations for how athletes should consider modifying their technique, yet, very few studies have documented their affect on performance. We used a musculoskeletal modelling and simulation approach to initially perform a data-tracking simulation to evaluate the outputs against experimental data. A predictive simulation with limited constraints was then performed to assess the influence of technique modications on performance. The data-tracking simulation tracked the experimental data well, particularly the ground reaction forces (largest RMSE = 0.04 BW). The predictive simulation resulted in the model covering 2.79 m in 0.325 s through an increase in step frequency, and this was a time duration improvement of 6.9% in comparison to the athlete’s own performance. In this preliminary work we have managed to track experimental sprint running data, and provided a promising basis to further explore hypothetical modifications in technique

Estimation of kinematics and ground reaction forces during sprint running

Postprint (published version

Reliability and validity of depth camera 3D scanning to determine thigh volume

Gross thigh volume is a key anthropometric variable to predict sport performance and health. Currently, it is either estimated by using the frustum method, which is prone to high inter-and intra-observer error, or using medical imaging, which is expensive and time consuming. Depth camera 3D-imaging systems offer a cheap alternative to measure thigh volume but no between-session reliability or comparison to medical imaging has been made. This experiment established between-session reliability and examined agreement with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Forty-eight male cyclists had their thigh volume measured by the depth camera system on two occasions to establish between-session reliability. A subset of 32 participants also had lower body MRIs, through which agreement between the depth camera system and MRI was established. The results showed low between-session variability (CV = 1.7%; Absolute Typical Error = 112 cm3) when measuring thigh volume using the depth camera system. The depth camera systematically measured gross thigh volume 32.6cm3 lower than MRI. These results suggest that depth camera 3D-imaging systems are reliable tools for measuring thigh volume and show good agreement with MRI scanners, providing a cheap and time-saving alternative to medical imaging analysis

Acute effects of night-time noise exposure on blood pressure in populations living near airports

AIMS: Within the framework of the HYENA (hypertension and exposure to noise near airports) project we investigated the effect of short-term changes of transportation or indoor noise levels on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) during night-time sleep in 140 subjects living near four major European airports. METHODS AND RESULTS: Non-invasive ambulatory BP measurements at 15 min intervals were performed. Noise was measured during the night sleeping period and recorded digitally for the identification of the source of a noise event. Exposure variables included equivalent noise level over 1 and 15 min and presence/absence of event (with LAmax > 35 dB) before each BP measurement. Random effects models for repeated measurements were applied. An increase in BP (6.2 mmHg (0.63-12) for systolic and 7.4 mmHg (3.1, 12) for diastolic) was observed over 15 min intervals in which an aircraft event occurred. A non-significant increase in HR was also observed (by 5.4 b.p.m.). Less consistent effects were observed on HR. When the actual maximum noise level of an event was assessed there were no systematic differences in the effects according to the noise source. CONCLUSION: Effects of noise exposure on elevated subsequent BP measurements were clearly shown. The effect size of the noise level appears to be independent of the noise source