Identification of the biomechanical performance determining factors of the 5 iron golf swing when hitting for maximum distance

Golf is a very popular sport with approximately 289,120 people playing golf in Ireland(European Golf Association, 2008). The amount of scientific research that has been conducted into the biomechanics of the golfer and club is limited, with the majority of the research focusing on the golf drive. The purpose of this study was to identify the biomechanical performance determining factors of the 5-iron golf swing when hitting for maximum distance. Golfer joint kinematics, club swing characteristics and weight transfer data were obtained from thirty male golfers. This data was collected using a twelve camera (250 Hz) motion analysis system (Vicon, Oxford Metrics, UK), Pro V Swing Analyser (Golftek, USA) and a pressure plate (100 Hz) (RSscan Lab Ltd., UK). Participants were divided into two groups, based on their ball launch speed (high vs. low). Those in the high ball speed group were deemed to be the more skillful group. Statistical analysis was used to identify the variables which differed significantly between the two groups, and could therefore be classified as the performance determining factors. Eight key events were identified during the swing for analysis (take away, mid backswing, late backswing, top of backswing, early downswing, mid downswing, ball contact and mid follow through). Significant differences were found between the two groups for club speed, club impact point, the majority of the measured joint angles and angular velocities (X Factor, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip and knee) and weight transfer at a number of the key events. Two mechanisms are proposed to explain the greater generation of ball speed in the high ball speed group and these are discussed in relation to the results for the individual joint kinematics

A virtual coaching environment for improving golf swing technique

As a proficient golf swing is a key element of success in golf, many golfers make significant effort improving their stroke mechanics. In order to help enhance golfing performance, it is important to identify the performance determining factors within the full golf swing. In addition, explicit instructions on specific features in stroke technique requiring alterations must be imparted to the player in an unambiguous and intuitive manner. However, these two objectives are difficult to achieve due to the subjective nature of traditional coaching techniques and the predominantly implicit knowledge players have of their movements. In this work, we have developed a set of visualisation and analysis tools for use in a virtual golf coaching environment. In this virtual coaching studio, the analysis tools allow for specific areas require improvement in a player's 3D stroke dynamics to be isolated. An interactive 3D virtual coaching environment then allows detailed and unambiguous coaching information to be visually imparted back to the player via the use of two virtual human avatars; the first mimics the movements performed by the player; the second takes the role of a virtual coach, performing ideal stroke movement dynamics. The potential of the coaching tool is highlighted in its use by sports science researchers in the evaluation of competing approaches for calculating the X-Factor, a significant performance determining factor for hitting distance in a golf swing

Conservation of vervets, Africa’s most ubiquitous primates

When conservation concerns are multiple but budgets finite, conservation priority setting is often linked to the threat status of a species. Here, I aim to make a case for proactive conservation of common species. Vervets are ecologically flexible, widespread, relatively abundant monkeys with few major threats. Data were obtained through systematic literature reviews (habitat use, crop-raiding), analysis of CITES trade records (international trade, trophy hunting), websites and internet posts (trophy hunting) and direct observations at the Vervet Monkey Foundation (VMF) in South Africa (rescue centre intake). Vervets occupy mangroves in Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Senegal, and, to a lesser extent, Tanzania and Kenya. A potential habitat shift extension has been observed in Côte d’Ivoire where vervets were observed outside their previously described range. Vervets dominate the CITES-reported international trade in individual primates of African origin, accounting for 35% of captive-bred trade and 51% of wild-caught. Although hunting only accounts for 3% of wild-caught trade, it has been increasing, particularly over the last decade. Baboons and vervets dominated with 100 hunting establishments in 9 countries offering vervets. They are the cheapest primate to hunt and are often ‘opportunistic’ kills offered free of charge. Farmers rank vervets as problem animals with reported damage ranging from 2-20% of crops; the most common crops grown were also the most common crops raided by vervets. Intake in the VMF amount to almost 200 vervets over a decade, some injured (vehicle collision, shooting), most orphan infants. Combined these results imply that, while vervets are common and adaptable, they face a plethora of anthropogenic risks because of their ability to exploit human-altered environments. It suggests we need to pay more attention to common species, their extraction, and, perhaps most importantly, try to address human-monkey conflict and the associated perceptions and obstacles to conserving common species

Analysis of the joint kinematics of the 5 iron golf swing

The purpose of this study was to identify the performance determining factors of the 5-iron golf swing. Joint kinematics were obtained from thirty male golfers using a twelve camera motion analysis system. Participants were divided into two groups, based on their ball launch speed (high vs. low). Those in the high ball speed group were deemed to be the more skillful group. Statistical analysis was used to identify the variables which differed significantly between the two groups, and could therefore be classified as the performance determining factors. The following factors were important to performance success: (i) the ability of the golfer to maintain a large X Factor angle and generate large X Factor angular velocity throughout the downswing, (ii) maintain the left arm as straight as possible throughout the swing, (iii) utilise greater movement of the hips in the direction of the target and a greater extension of the right hip during the downswing and (iv) greater flexion of both shoulders and less left shoulder internal rotation during the backswing

Using body language indicators for assessing the effects of soundscape quality on individuals

“Sounding Brighton” is a collaborative project exploring practical approaches towards better soundscapes focusing on soundscape issues related to health, quality of life and restorative functions of the environment. The project is part of a citywide engagement process working to provide opportunities to demonstrate how an applied soundscape approach might: tackle conventional noise problems, contribute to local planning and improve the environment in areas including urban green spaces, the built environment and traffic noise. So far, a soundscape map of the city has been developed, and a public outreach exhibition and conferences have taken place. One preliminary, experimental soundscape intervention in night noise has been analysed. This paper reports on further work to develop a better understanding of the effects of soundscapes on individual and community responses to soundscape through the use of body language indicators. Two-minute excerpts of aversive and preferred music were presented to 11 healthy volunteers in a motion-capture laboratory setting. Their responses were quantified computationally using motion-capture-derived parameters for position, absolute movement speed, and stillness. The prevalence of stillness of the head height (based on a 2 cm cut-off during 2-second sectors) was significantly lower when volunteers were exposed to unpleasant music compared to preferred music. This experiment provides proof in principle that changes in soundscape can be associated with subsequent, objective and statistically significant changes in body language that can be detected computationally

Effectiveness of therapeutic footwear for children: A systematic review

Background It is estimated that 2% of the global childhood population is living with some form of mobility impairment. Although footwear interventions are proposed to aid ambulation, there appears to be a paucity in the understanding of the effects of therapeutic footwear. This review aims to explore the effectiveness of footwear as an intervention for mobility impairment in children. Methods A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, SPORTdiscus and Scopus databases were performed. Studies which focused on children with some form of mobility impairment, age of 9 months to 18 years, therapeutic footwear that allowed walking, and outcome measures that had explored biomechanical or skeletal geometry or psychosocial aspects were included in this review. Modified Downs and Black quality assessment index of randomised and non-randomised studies were used to assess the methodologies of included papers. Results Out of 5003 articles sourced, 13 met the inclusion criteria for this review. These were grouped into two titled “corrective and “functional” based on the types of footwear used for intervention. Studies within the corrective footwear group included participants aged 11 months to 5 years with moderate congenital talipes equino varus or mobile pes planus. While using skeletal geometry as an outcome, there was a limited fair quality (level II) evidence that corrective footwear has no significant effect on the development of pes planus but may assist in the reduction of deformity in congenital talipes equino varus. The functional footwear group included participants aged 3 to 17 years, predominantly with mobile pes planus or cerebral palsy. Based on biomechanical measures as an outcome, there was a limited fair quality (level III) evidence that functional footwear alters biomechanical parameters in mobile pes planus (spatiotemporal) and cerebral palsy (spatiotemporal, kinematic). Although psychosocial outcomes were considered within two studies, the analysis was limited. Conclusion Only a limited number of studies have explored the effects of therapeutic footwear and only in a narrow range of mobility impairments. Further high-quality research is required to improve the evidence base for the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear. This should include a wide range of mobility impairments and should focus both on physical and psychosocial outcomes

Multi-segment kinematic model to assess three-dimensional movement of the spine and back during gait.

BACKGROUND Relatively little is known about spine during gait compared to movement analysis of the lower extremities. The trunk is often regarded and analysed as a single rigid segment and there is a paucity of information on inter-segmental movement within the spine and its relationship to pelvis and lower limbs. OBJECTIVES To develop and validate a new multi-segment kinematic model to assess regional three-dimensional movement of the lumbar, lower thoracic and upper thoracic spine during gait. STUDY DESIGN Observational study. METHODS The study was conducted in two parts: (1) to provide validation measures on the kinematic model built in commercially available software and (2) to apply the marker configuration to the spine at T3, T8 and L3 during gait analysis on 10 healthy male volunteers. RESULTS Proposed model revealed excellent concurrent validation measures between an applied input angle to the recorded output angle from the kinematic model. A high reliability was observed during gait analysis, both during a single session and between sessions for all participants. CONCLUSION The thoracic region of the spine should not be modelled as a single rigid segment and the proposed three-dimensional cluster is reliable and repeatable to assess the inter-segmental movement of the spine. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Reliable kinematic data can be collected using the three-dimensional cluster technique, thus, allowing researchers to accurately distinguish between movement patterns of healthy individuals to those with a clinical condition, and provide confidence in data acquisition during the monitoring process of an implemented rehabilitation intervention programme

What does not happen: quantifying embodied engagement using NIMI and self-adaptors

Previous research into the quantification of embodied intellectual and emotional engagement using non-verbal movement parameters has not yielded consistent results across different studies. Our research introduces NIMI (Non-Instrumental Movement Inhibition) as an alternative parameter. We propose that the absence of certain types of possible movements can be a more holistic proxy for cognitive engagement with media (in seated persons) than searching for the presence of other movements. Rather than analyzing total movement as an indicator of engagement, our research team distinguishes between instrumental movements (i.e. physical movement serving a direct purpose in the given situation) and non-instrumental movements, and investigates them in the context of the narrative rhythm of the stimulus. We demonstrate that NIMI occurs by showing viewers’ movement levels entrained (i.e. synchronised) to the repeating narrative rhythm of a timed computer-presented quiz. Finally, we discuss the role of objective metrics of engagement in future context-aware analysis of human behaviour in audience research, interactive media and responsive system and interface design

April 17, 1981

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia

The relationship between adipose mass and bone density in an over-weight/obese population: a systematic review protocol.

This review aims to look at the relationship between adipose mass and bone density in an overweight/obese population. The available evidence does appear to support evidence of a positive relationship between adipose mass and bone density when considered from a population level. There are however factors associated with an overweight or obese state, that have been shown to be detrimental to bone health, e.g. an increased state of oxidative stress, and physical inactivity. It is possible therefore, that the relationship between adipose and bone mass, which appears positive when considered from a population perspective, may in fact not be when considered from the upper end of the adiposity continuum