Energy Flow Analysis to Investigate Youth Pitching Velocity and Efficiency

Purpose The purposes of this study were 1) to investigate the transfer of energy through the kinetic chain by youth baseball pitchers during the pitching motion and 2) to provide insight into how the total magnitude of energy flow and its linear and rotational components relate to both velocity and joint torque per unit increment of pitch velocity (joint load efficiency). Methods Twenty-four youth baseball pitchers participated in this study. Data collection occurred in an indoor research laboratory equipped with a 14-camera infrared motion capture system and an instrumented pitcher’s mound with embedded force plates. Energy flow was calculated by integrating power transfer into and out of each segment. The magnitudes of key instances of energy flow were compared to pitch velocity and velocity-normalized joint torques using simple linear regressions. Results All of the energy flow variables calculated had a significant correlation to pitch velocity. Energy flow into the arm from the trunk had the strongest correlation to velocity of any variable investigated (r = 0.900, P = 0.000). The total magnitude of energy flow into the trunk had a significant correlation to increased horizontal shoulder adduction efficiency and shoulder internal rotation efficiency. The magnitude of energy flow into the trunk by only joint forces had a significant correlation to increased horizontal shoulder adduction efficiency, shoulder internal rotation efficiency, and elbow varus efficiency. Conclusions Energy flow analysis is an effective tool providing quantitative assessment of the kinetic chain to gain a deeper understanding of how energy moves through an athlete, and how specific pitching mechanics impact this movement. The results of this study support the importance of generating energy flow throughout the body to produce high velocities and energy flow through the trunk to increase pitch efficiency

Display blindness? Looking again at the visibility of situated displays using eye tracking

Observational studies of situated displays have suggested that they are rarely looked at, and when they are it is typically only for a short period of time. Using a mobile eye tracker during a realistic shopping task in a shopping center, we show that people look at displays more than would be predicted from these observational studies, but still only short glances and often from quite far away. We characterize the patterns of eye-movements that precede looking at a display and discuss some of the design implications for the design of situated display technologies that are deployed in public space

The Discover In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (Discover IHCA) Study: An Investigation of Hospital Practices After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

IMPORTANCE: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a significant public health burden. Rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) have been improving, but the best way to care for patients after the initial resuscitation remains poorly understood, and improvements in survival to discharge are stagnant. Existing North American cardiac arrest databases lack comprehensive data on the post-resuscitation period, and we do not know current post-IHCA practice patterns. To address this gap, we developed the Discover In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (Discover IHCA) study, which will thoroughly evaluate current post-IHCA care practices across a diverse cohort. OBJECTIVES: Our study collects granular data on post-IHCA treatment practices, focusing on temperature control and prognostication, with the objective of describing variation in current post-IHCA practice. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a multicenter, prospectively collected, observational cohort study of patients who have suffered IHCA and have been successfully resuscitated (achieved ROSC). There are 24 enrolling hospital systems (23 in the United States) with 69 individual enrolling hospitals (39 in the United States). We developed a standardized data dictionary, and data collection began in October 2023, with a projected 1000 total enrollments. Discover IHCA is endorsed by the Society of Critical Care Medicine. INTERVENTIONS, OUTCOMES, AND ANALYSIS: The study collects data on patient characteristics including pre-arrest frailty, arrest characteristics, and detailed information on post-arrest practices and outcomes. Data collection on post-IHCA practice was structured around current American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council guidelines. Among other data elements, the study captures post-arrest temperature control interventions and post-arrest prognostication methods. Analysis will evaluate variations in practice and their association with mortality and neurologic function. CONCLUSIONS: We expect this study, Discover IHCA, to identify variability in practice and outcomes following IHCA, and be a vital resource for future investigations into best-practice for managing patients after IHCA