Reviewing an Original Research Manuscript for the International Journal of Exercise Science: A Guide for Students and Professionals

Considerations for the review process of manuscripts submitted to the International Journal of Exercise Science are presented. Initial steps to evaluation include reading the abstract to determine your ability as a reviewer, becoming familiar with the journal requirements, and formulating an initial impression of the manuscript. At this point an assessment is made to determine how the reviewer should treat the manuscript. If it is determined that the manuscript is acceptable with minor revisions, or may be acceptable with major changes, a full review should be performed. A full review of the manuscript requires a thorough examination of the major headings including the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. The written review is composed of two parts, a section with the decision that is composed of comments only for the editor, and a section that provides feedback to the authors. Specific comments to the authors should include an honest critique that aids in improving the manuscript

THE THROWING PERFORMANCE AND TRUNK KINEMATICS OF QUARTERBACKS DURING A FOOTBALL THROW WHILE WEARING RIB

The purpose of this study was to determine if hard and soft rib protector garments have an effect on trunk kinematics and throw performance (accuracy and speed) of experienced quarterbacks during an overhand football pass. Eight quarterbacks completed 10 throws during each of three rib protector conditions (no rib, soft, hard). Protector conditions were compared using non-inferiority testing. None of the rib protectors displayed performance or kinematics conclusively inferior to the control condition. However, the CIs of the rib protectors for two variables overlapped the noninferiority margin. In addition, among individual participants, mixed results were demonstrated. Overall, for performance and kinematics, we recommend the soft rib protector, as it did not negatively affect any throw performance variables analyzed

A BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF THE TAKE-OFF PHASE IN BELOW-KNEE AMPUTEE HIGH JUMP

An analysis of below-knee amputee take-off technique was performed on two athletes competing in the high jump finals of the 2004 Paralympic Games. Two digital video cameras were used to film the event with the data later digitised and reconstructed using standard 3-0 OLT procedures. Some similarities with non-amputee high jump technique were noted in that centre of mass height was low at touch-down (TO), there was a similar reported magnitude of negative vertical velocity at TO, and most of the vertical velocity generated occurred in the first half of the take-off phase. However, both below-knee amputee athletes exhibited a slower horizontal approach velocity, a lower positive vertical take-off velocity, a more upright leg position at touch-down and a greater range of motion of the hip throughout the take-off phase compared to what is known about non-amputee high jump technique. These differences may be associated with taking off from the prosthetic limb on the last stride of approach. Understanding why these differences occur has implications for coaching and improving technique

CURVE SPRINTING KINEMATICS EXHIBITED BY ATHLETES USING A SINGLE, TRANS-TIBIAL PROSTHESIS

The purpose of our study was to determine whether kinematics exhibited during the curve section of a 200 m sprint are influenced by ‘limb type’ (prosthetic vs nonprosthetic limb) or ‘prosthetic limb side’ (‘inside’ compared to the ‘outside’ of the curve). Two video cameras (60 Hz) were used to capture 13 male athletes using a single, trans-tibial prosthesis during an international, 200 m T-44 competition. From mixed-model ANOVA (p < .05), prosthetic and nonprosthetic limb kinematics were different, but differences were dependent on the prosthetic limb side. The inside versus outside prosthetic limb may be affected more due to the rotational influences that affect the inside and outside foot differently. Therefore, athletes whose prosthetic limb was on the inside may be at a disadvantage compared to those with an outside prosthetic limb

THE EFFECTS OF CLEAT LOCATION ON MUSCLE RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES OF CYCLING

Foot placement may play an important role in muscle recruitment patterns and affect cycling performance. The purpose of this study was to determine if magnitude of activation increased in more proximal muscles when a more posterior compared to standard cleat location is used. Surface electromyography (8 muscles) and kinematics were collected from 11 experienced cyclists pedalling at 80 rpm rate during standard and posterior cleat location conditions. Root mean square (RMS) EMG were analyzed using paired t-tests. Peak RMS magnitude and crank angle of peak RMS were affected by cleat conditions. Posterior cleat locations alter the magnitude and muscular recruitment strategies of seated cycling when compared to neutral cleat placement

UPPER TRUNK-PELVIS AXIAL ROTATION COORDINATION DURING TREADMILL RUNNING

The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of running speed on upper trunk-pelvis coordination of axial rotation during running. A 7-camera Vicon system (120 Hz) was used to capture motions of 20 participants running on a treadmill at three speeds. Upper trunk and pelvis segmental angles were calculated and used in cross-correlation analysis and vector coding methodology to quantify upper trunk-pelvis phase lag and coordination patterns, respectively. Multilevel modeling was used to test running speed effect on those variables. Upper trunk motion preceded pelvic motion and the phase lag increased with running speed. Running speed could also contribute to changes in coordination pattern. Knowledge of upper trunk-pelvis coordination may potentially change our understanding of the roles of axial motions during running

FUNCTION AND STRENGTH OF PHYSICALLY ACTIVE INDIVIDUALS WITH A UNILATERAL, SINGLE-AXIS KNEE REPLACEMENT

INTRODUCTION: Only recently could total knee replacement (TKR) individuals participate in many activities that place high stress on the knee region, e.g., golf. To enhance physical functioning, TKR components must be able to provide optimal leverage for the quadriceps to generate extensor torque, a-p stability when the cruciate ligaments are sacrificed, and varusvalgus stability via adequate medial and lateral collateral tension throughout the (Range of Motion) ROM. The use of a single flexion/extension (F/E) axis TKR design rather than a multiaxial TKR design has been theorized to accomplish these goals. Therefore, for this work in progress, it was of interest to determine for physically active individuals if the strength and function of the limb with a unilateral, single-axis TKR would be different to that of the intact limb

Patellar tendon straps decrease pre-landing quadriceps activation in males with patellar tendinopathy

Objective: To determine if patellar tendon straps altered quadriceps’ muscle activity during a drop-jump landing in males with and without patellar tendinopathy. Design: Case-control. Settings: Biomechanics Research Laboratory. Participants: Twenty recreationally-active males participated: ten (age=21.3±2.4 years, height=182.8±5.3cm, mass=81.7±8.6kg) with patellar tendinopathy; ten (age=22.0±1.6 years, height=185.7±4.5 cm, mass=82.2±9.8kg) were healthy with no history of tendinopathy. Main Outcome Measures: Electromyography (EMG) data for the vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles were collected. Five 2-legged 40cm drop-jumps were performed wearing a patellar tendon strap and 5 with no-strap in a counterbalanced order. Root-mean square EMG (REMG) values of the VM, RF, and VL were averaged for a pre-landing and post-landing interval. Multiple mixed-model two-way ANOVAs were performed to determine the effect of tendinopathy and strapping condition on REMG values for each muscle. Results: For the pre-landing interval, all participants displayed lesser VL EMG activation (0.44±0.19%, 0.53±0.27%, respectively; p=.007, d=0.39) in the no-strap compared with the strap condition. Conclusions: When wearing a strap, all participants demonstrated lower VL activation prior to landing which may be helpful in reducing tensile stress at the tendon. These effects may be clinically important in modulating pain in those with patellar tendinopathy

Patellar Tendon Straps Decrease Pain and May Alter Lower Extremity Kinetics in Those With Patellar Tendinopathy During Jump Landing

Patellar tendinopathy is often managed with a patellar tendon strap, however, their effectiveness is unsubstantiated. The purpose of this study was to determine if straps altered pain or lower extremity kinetics of individuals with patellar tendinopathy during landing. Thirty participants with patellar tendinopathy and 30 controls completed drop jumps with and without patellar tendon straps. Wearing the strap, tendinopathy participants demonstrated significantly decreased pain and reduced knee adductor moment; all participants displayed significantly decreased anterior ground reaction force while wearing a strap. Patellar tendon strapping may reduce pain due to alterations in direction and magnitude of loading

Review of Physical Activity Benefits and Potential Considerations for Individuals with Surgical Fusion of Spine for Scoliosis

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(2): 166-177, 2017 Evidence-based recommendations for physical activity following spinal fusion surgeries for idiopathic scoliosis are limited, specifically in the adolescent population. Individuals with scoliosis treated operatively or non-operatively have been reported to participate in less than 1-3 days/week of even mildly strenuous physical exercises. Over 40% of individuals with scoliosis returned to sports at a level lower than pre-operative participation levels or did not return at all post spinal fusion. It is particularly important for human movement specialists, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers and kinesiologists to assist these individuals effectively transition to and maintain engagement in physical activity. This review provides a snapshot of common considerations and potential factors influencing individuals with spinal-fusion for scoliosis to participate in safe physical activity