Examination of Eco-Behavioral Assessments Designed for Understanding Complex Behaviors and Environments.

Second-generation intervention research requires methods for overcoming challenges to understanding complex learning ecologies and interactions of students. Eco-behavioral assessments (EBAs) are one solution to past intervention research challenges. EBAs record the effects of ecological variables in students’ behavior and daily interactions. The utility of EBAs in second-generation research has increased substantially. Numerous EBAs now exist for use with all ages of learners and provide a valid, reliable, and cost effective method for intervention research. This paper examines 18 EBAs as well as software systems designed to support and enhance the use of EBAs. The examination serves as a comprehensive resource to better understand how EBAs can be used in answering complex questions about students’ learning and for advancing second-generation research

The relationship between spatial transformations and iconic gestures

Current theories of gesture production all suggest that spatial working memory is a critical component of iconic gesture production. However, none of the models has a selection mechanism for what aspect of spatial working memory is gestured. We explored how expert and journeyman scientists gestured while discussing their work. Participants were most likely to make iconic gestures about change over time (spatial transformations), less likely to gesture about spatial relations and locations (geometric relations), and far less likely to gesture about the magnitude of spatial entities. We also found that experts were especially likely to have a high degree of association between iconic gestures and spatial transformations. These results show that different features of spatial language are gestured about at different rates. We suggest that current gesture production models need to be expanded to include selection mechanisms to account for these differences. © 2006, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc

Single-Leg Vertical Hop Test Detects Greater Limb Asymmetries Than Horizontal Hop Tests After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in NCAA Division 1 Collegiate Athletes

# Background Knee function deficits may persist after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Return to sport (RTS) testing batteries assess recovery after ACLR and can guide RTS progression, but the ideal test components are debatable. The single leg vertical hop for height (SLVH) test using a commercially available jump mat may provide a valuable assessment of knee function. # Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the limb symmetry index (LSI) of SLVH to horizontal hop testing in a cohort of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 collegiate athletes after ACLR. The hypothesis was the SLVH would elicit significantly lower LSI than horizontal hop tests. # Study design Cross-Sectional Study # Methods Eighteen National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 collegiate athletes (7 males, 11 females) at 7.33 ± 2.05 months after ACLR were included in this retrospective study. LSI was calculated for single hop for distance (SHD), triple hop for distance (THD), cross-over hop for distance (CHD), timed 6-meter hop (T6H), and SLVH. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to identify differences in LSI for each test. Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient was calculated to examine the relationship between LSIs for each test. # Results The LSI for SLVH (84.48% ± 11.41%) was significantly lower than LSI for SHD (95.48 ± 8.02%, p = 0.003), THD (94.40 ± 3.70%, p = 0.002), CHD (95.85 ± 7.00, p = 0.007), and T6H (97.69 ± 6.60%, p = 0.001). The correlation of LSI between SLVH and the horizontal hop tests was weak and non-significant for SHD (r~s~ = 0.166, p = 0.509), CHD (r~s~ = 0.199, p = 0.428), and T6H (r~s~ = 0.211, p = 0.401) and moderate and non-significant for THD (r~s~ = 0.405, p = 0.096). # Conclusions Individuals after ACLR had lower LSI on the SLVH than on horizontal hop tests and weak to moderate correlations between the tests suggest SLVH detects performance deficits not identified by the horizontal hop tests. # Level of evidence

Single-Leg Vertical Hop Test Detects Greater Limb Asymmetries Than Horizontal Hop Tests After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in NCAA Division 1 Collegiate Athletes

Background Knee function deficits may persist after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Return to sport (RTS) testing batteries assess recovery after ACLR and can guide RTS progression, but the ideal test components are debatable. The single leg vertical hop for height (SLVH) test using a commercially available jump mat may provide a valuable assessment of knee function. Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the limb symmetry index (LSI) of SLVH to horizontal hop testing in a cohort of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 collegiate athletes after ACLR. The hypothesis was the SLVH would elicit significantly lower LSI than horizontal hop tests. Study design Cross-Sectional Study Methods Eighteen National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 collegiate athletes (7 males, 11 females) at 7.33 ± 2.05 months after ACLR were included in this retrospective study. LSI was calculated for single hop for distance (SHD), triple hop for distance (THD), cross-over hop for distance (CHD), timed 6-meter hop (T6H), and SLVH. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to identify differences in LSI for each test. Spearman’s Rho correlation coefficient was calculated to examine the relationship between LSIs for each test. Results The LSI for SLVH (84.48% ± 11.41%) was significantly lower than LSI for SHD (95.48 ± 8.02%, p = 0.003), THD (94.40 ± 3.70%, p = 0.002), CHD (95.85 ± 7.00, p = 0.007), and T6H (97.69 ± 6.60%, p = 0.001). The correlation of LSI between SLVH and the horizontal hop tests was weak and non-significant for SHD (rs = 0.166, p = 0.509), CHD (rs = 0.199, p = 0.428), and T6H (rs = 0.211, p = 0.401) and moderate and non-significant for THD (rs = 0.405, p = 0.096). Conclusions Individuals after ACLR had lower LSI on the SLVH than on horizontal hop tests and weak to moderate correlations between the tests suggest SLVH detects performance deficits not identified by the horizontal hop tests. Level of evidence 3 </jats:sec