KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF GOLF PUTTING FOR EXPERT AND NOVICE GOLFERS

The aim of this study was to identify some of the kinematic parameters used by expert golfers ( 6 handicap) to optimise putting efficiency and accuracy, and differentiate the putting techniques of elite and novice golfers. A 2D video analysis (50 Hz) was used to establish whether any differences existed for selected kinematic parameters of an 8 ft (2.46m) golf putt between expert (n = 8) and novice golfers (n = 8). Statistical analysis showed that 9 parameters from the 26 measured proved to be significantly different at the alpha level P < 0.05 between the expert and novice groups. This study assumed that expert golfers were more competent putters than novice golfers. Whilst this appears to be a reasonable claim it may not always be the case. Further improvements to the study could be to incorporate a scoring system to monitor the outcome of individual trials

Anthropometric and Leg Power Factors Affect Offensive Kinetic Patterns in Fencing

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(4): 919-931, 2021. This study aimed to identify potential factors that may influence specific fencing offensive kinetic patterns in a large group of well-trained fencers having different ages, gender level, and training specialization. One-hundred-thirty fencers (males: n = 72) and (females: n = 58), participating in three different fencing weapons (epee, foil, and sabre), having considerable experience of national and international competitions. All members of seven national fencing teams were measured for basic anthropometric parameters, leg power performance and velocity values for three specific kinetic offensive patterns during an International Fencing camp. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed a significant velocity multivariate effect in age competitive categories (Wilks Λ = 0.129, F = 2.112, p \u3c0.01, n2 = 0.060) gender (Wilks Λ = 0.103, F = 3.743, p \u3c 0.05, n2 = 0.103), competition levels (Wilks Λ = 0.863, F = 5.198, p \u3c0.01, n2 = 0.137) and discipline practiced (Wilks Λ = 0.239, F = 4.305, p \u3c 0.001, n2 = 0.119) respectively. Significant correlations were observed between lunge and step lunge velocity and long jump (LJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), and reaction strength index (RSI). Age, gender, level of participants, and the choice of the weapon practiced, influenced fencing performance. Different leg power abilities could be decisive factors in training schedules design and monitoring training adaptations

FORCE-VELOCITY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPRINTING AND JUMPING TESTING PROCEDURES

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the mechanical characteristics of the horizontal and vertical Force-velocity (F-v) profile as well as the performance variables of the sprinting and jumping testing procedures. Twenty high-level sprinters performed two maximal sprints and squat jumps against multiple external loads. Our main findings revealed very large correlations for maximal mechanical power output (Pmax) (r=0.72), as well as for performance variables between the sprinting and jumping tasks (r=-0.81) and large correlations for maximal velocity (V0) (r=0.66). The maximal force (F0) and the slope of the F-v relationship (F-v slope) were not significantly correlated between both tasks. These results suggest that both testing procedures should be performed in order to gain a deeper insight into the maximal mechanical properties and function of the lower-body muscles in high-level sprinters

DIFFERENCES IN MAXIMAL STRENGTH CAPACITY BETWEEN ISOMETRIC SQUAT AND MID-THIGH PULL TESTS IN ELITE TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES.

The aim of this study was to compare the vertical peak force (PF) generated during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and isometric squat (ISqT) performed at the same knee and hip angles. Fourteen elite track and field athletes performed 3 maximal efforts of isometric IMTP and ISqT tests. The vertical PF was measured by a force platform (Kistler 9290CD, AG Winterthur, Switzerland). Our findings revealed significant higher PF and relative PF during ISqT than IMTP (Mean difference: 953 ± 224 N, p \u3c 0.001, d = 1.62 and 14.6 ± 2.4 N.kg-1, p \u3c 0.001, d = 3.8, respectively). The results of this study suggest that ISqT may be more appropriate testing procedure for identifying athletes’ maximum isometric strength capacities in elite track and field athletes

TIME TO EXHAUSTION AT 90 AND 100% VO2MAX AND PHYSIOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF 3 KM PERFORMANCE IN ELITE CYCLISTS

The minimal power that elicits VO2max and the time to exhaustion (tlimit) at this workload appear to determine cyclists’ endurance capabilities, analyze performance and help coaches to design training. Data in the literature are limited so as to elucidate this. The aim of this study was to investigate the tlimit at the power output, which corresponds to 90 (tlimit 90) and 100% VO2max (tlimit 100) in elite endurance cyclists. The contribution of tlimit in 3 km indoor individual time trial was also studied. Subjects were eleven elite male road cyclists (age 17.7 0.5 years, body mass 66.8 4.9 kg, body height 176.3 7.4 cm, VO2max 69.77 2.58 ml.kg-1.min-1). Power output at 90 and 100% VO2max was determined by continuous incremental testing. This protocol had steps of 2 min and increments of 30 W. The exhaustive trials tlimit 90 or tlimit 100 were performed in random order at least five days apart. Five days after the last exhaustive trial, cyclists performed an individual 3 km time trial on an indoor wooden track. Mean sd, tlimit 90 and tlimit 100 were 16:27.73 07:46.6 and 4:48.6 00:53.2 min:sec. Time to exhaustion at tlimit 90 and tlimit 100 ranged between 07:00-30:15 and 03:10-06:00 min:sec, respectively. Tlimit 100, tlimit 90 and VO2max (ml.min-1) did not correlate with 3 km cycling performance (r = 0.08, 0.16 and –0.59, p > 0.05). Tlimit 90 was inversely related (r = –0.49, p = 0.1) with VO2max (ml.min-1). Only power output which corresponded to ventilatory threshold and VO2max correlated significantly with 3 km performance (r = –0.83 and –0.80, p < 0.01). The results of this study indicate that: a) if cyclists’ training intensity is based on %VO2max, individual determination of the tlimit at the %VO2max has to be considered due to a wide range of tlimit to exhaustion; b) 3 km performance directly depends on the power that corresponds with ventilatory threshold and VO2max. Article visualizations

Effect of combined uphill-downhill sprint training on kinematics and maximum running speed in experienced sprinters

This study examined the effects of sprint running training on sloping surfaces (3°) in experienced sprinters using selected kinematic variables. Twelve experienced sprinters were randomly allocated to two training groups (combined uphill–downhill and horizontal). Pre- and post-training tests were performed to examine the effects of six weeks of training on maximum running speed, step rate, step length, step time, contact time, braking and propulsive phase of contact time, flight time and selected postural characteristics during a step cycle in the final steps of a 35m sprint test. In the combined uphill–downhill training group, maximum running speed was substantially greater (from 9.08 ± 0.90 m s-1 to 9.51 ± 0.62 m s-1; p <0.05) after training by 4.8%; step rate, contact time, step time and concentric phase was not modified. There were no significant changes in maximal speed or sprint kinematics in the horizontal training group. Overall, the posture characteristics did not change with training. The combined uphill–downhill training method was substantially more effective in improving the maximum running speed in experienced sprinters than a traditional horizontal training method