BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSES OF SNOWBOARD JUMP LANDINGS

Snowboard jump landings represent an important topic of study within the area of sports biomechanics. This is due to the high risk nature of this activity and the potential to modify this risk through equipment design and skill development. This paper presents a summary of a comprehensive series of experiments designed to quantify landing biomechanics and the influence of external factors on the measures taken. Data were collected on-snow from participants performing straight aerials over table top snow jumps. Ground reaction force as well as joint kinematics and kinetics were found to be sensitive to boot wear, binding angle and jump dimension changes. The data collected form a base on which equipment design and injury prevention strategies may be developed

Evaluation of short-term effects of three passive aquatic interventions on chronic non-specific low back pain: Study protocol for a randomized cross-over clinical trial

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is among the most common physical ailments and its chronic manifestation is a leading cause for disability worldwide. LBP is not attributable to a known diagnosis in 85% of the cases and therefore called chronic non-specific LBP (cnLBP). Passive immersion in warm water is commonly claimed to reduce muscular tension and pain, but not yet sufficiently investigated with regard to cnLBP. The current study compares three passive aquatic interventions regarding their effects on cnLBP: floating (resting in a supine immersed position on flotation devices), WATSU (a passive hands-on treatment, in which a practitioner stands in warm water, gently moving and massaging the client), and a Spa session. Methods: In this randomized cross-over clinical trial, all 24 adult participants with cnLBP will undergo the three interventions in balanced order with a washout-period of at least two weeks in between. Assessments will take place at baseline and follow-up of study and immediately before and after each intervention. Assessments cover the primary outcome self-reported current pain (Visual Analog Scale, range: 0-100 mm), other self-report questionnaires (addressing, e.g., personality traits or -states), and physiological parameters (e.g., measurement of spinal range of motion). Discussion: The study adds estimates of intervention-specific effect-sizes of widespread passive aquatic interventions to cnLBP. The study also points to potential underlying pain-reducing mechanisms. Trial registration: The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Canton Bern (ProjectID: 2018-00461). Trial registration is intended at ClinicalTrials.gov. Keywords: Flotation; Hydrotherapy; Relaxation; Spa therapy; Thermoneutral; WATSU; Warm water

THREE-DIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF ON WATER ROWING TECHNIQUE: A METHODOLOGICAL STUDY

The analysis of rowing technique in training or competitive environments has been a challenge to biomechanists for some time now. Typically, two-dimensional assessments are carried out with fixed cameras mounted on-land next to a rowing course (Hay 1993) or by handheld cameras from an accompanying boat. Three-dimensional technique analysis were only presented for athletes rowing on an ergometer in a laboratory environment (Hofmijster et al. 2007). The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a system for three-dimensional kinematic analyses of on water rowing

Applications, indications, and effects of passive hydrotherapy WATSU (WaterShiatsu)—A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: WATSU (portmanteau word: water and shiatsu) is a form of passive hydrotherapy in chest-deep thermoneutral water (35°C = 95°F = 308.15 K). It combines elements of myofascial stretching, joint mobilization, massage, and shiatsu and is reported to be used to address physical and mental issues. The objective of this systematic review (PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42016029347) and the meta-analyses was to assess the applications, indications, and the effects of WATSU to form a basis for further studies. METHODS: A search for "WATSU OR watershiatsu OR (water AND shiatsu)" was conducted without any restrictions in 32 databases. Peer reviewed original articles addressing WATSU as a stand-alone hydrotherapy were assessed for risk of bias. Quantitative data of effects on pain, physical function, and mental issues were processed in random model meta-analyses with subgroup analyses by study design. Effect sizes were expressed as Hedges's g (± 95% confidence intervals). RESULTS: Of 1,906 unique citations, 27 articles regardless of study design were assessed for risk of bias. WATSU has been applied to individuals of all ages. Indications covered acute (e.g. pregnancy related low back pain) and chronic conditions (e.g. cerebral palsy) with beneficial effects of WATSU regarding e.g. relaxation or sleep quality. Meta-analyses suggest beneficial effect sizes of WATSU on pain (overall Hedges's g = -0.71, 95% CI = -0.91 to -0.51), physical function (overall Hedges's g = -0.76, 95% CI = -1.08 to -0.44), and mental issues (overall Hedges's g = -0.68, 95% CI = -1.02 to -0.35). CONCLUSION: Various applications, indications and beneficial effects of WATSU were identified. The grade of this evidence is estimated to be low to moderate at the best. To strengthen the findings of this study, high-quality RCTs are needed. PMID: 32168328 PMCID: PMC7069616 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.022970

Three-dimensional assessment of on water rowing technique:a methodological study

The analysis of rowing technique in training or competitive environments has been a challenge to biomechanists for some time now. Typically, two-dimensional assessments are carried out with fixed cameras mounted on-land next to a rowing course (Hay 1993) or by handheld cameras from an accompanying boat. Three-dimensional technique analysis were only presented for athletes rowing on an ergometer in a laboratory environment (Hofmijster et al. 2007). The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a system for three-dimensional kinematic analyses of on water rowing