Toward Flexibility in Sensor Placement for Motion Capture Systems: A Signal Processing Approach

Cannot archive published version. Post-Print only. http://www.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/issn/1530-437X/ Author contacted 21/02/14

A systematic review of resting left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and adaptation in elite weightlifters.

BACKGROUND: This review aims to establish what effect weightlifting has on the systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricular (LV). SOURCES OF DATA: PubMed; ISI Web of Knowledge; Cochrane Library and Ovid Medline were searched in February 2012 to find literature on the effect of weightlifting on the LV cardiac function. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: Stroke volume, posterior wall thickness and ventricular filling time and rate were seen to increase. A decrease in the resting heart rate was seen. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Blood pressure and LV morphological changes were equivocal. GROWING POINTS: Weightlifting causes recognizable functional change to the LV, some of these changes may confer benefits such as improvements in the systolic function. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Discrepancies exist with regard to regional LV morphological change, as the evidence suggests the LV does not adapt in a homogenous manner. Attempts should be made to separate performance-enhancing drug users from those who compete drug free

Intended Hydration Strategies and Knowledge of Exercise-Associated Hyponatraemia in Marathon Runners: A Questionnaire-Based Study

CONTEXT:  Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is a potentially fatal condition that can be prevented by avoiding excessive fluid intake. Running has become more popular in recent years, so it is important to assess the safety of runners' hydration strategies. OBJECTIVE:  (1) To explore the intended hydration strategies of a sample of marathon runners before the 2014 London Marathon, (2) to examine their sources of information and knowledge about fluid intake and their understanding of EAH, and (3) to compare these findings with the results of a similar study carried out before the 2010 London Marathon. DESIGN:  Cross-sectional study. SETTING:  The 2014 London Marathon. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS:  A total of 298 runners (148 males, 150 females), 0.83% of all race finishers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):  Planned frequency, type, and volume of hydration; sources of information about appropriate drinking; and understanding of hyponatremia were explored. Comparisons were made with data collected from a sample of participants at the 2010 London Marathon. Data relating to the 2014 cohort are presented in descriptive form. Comparisons of the 2010 and 2014 cohorts were conducted using parametric and nonparametric methods. RESULTS:  A total of 48.7% of the 2014 cohort listed drinking to thirst as the most important factor affecting their hydration strategy during the race. This compared with 25.3% of runners from the 2010 cohort and represented an increase (χ2 = 29.1, P = .001); 5.8% of the 2014 cohort planned on drinking more than 3.5 L, compared with 12% of the 2010 cohort (χ2 = 4.310, P = .038). CONCLUSION:  The number of sampled individuals using thirst to guide hydration strategies in the 2014 London Marathon increased from 2010. However, more than half of the 2014 cohort was not planning to drink to thirst. Runners still need to be educated about the risks of overdrinking as they continue to demonstrate a lack of knowledge and understandin

Motion analysis as an outcome measure for hip arthroplasty.

We review the available literature on the use of motion analysis as an outcome measure following total hip arthroplasty. Several studies have investigated spatio-temporal parameters of gait, kinematics, kinetics and electromyographic outputs following hip arthroplasty. We undertook to review all these studies to evaluate the value of motion analysis as an outcome measure. The search of the literature yielded eight studies. Motion analysis demonstrates functional improvement in patients post-operatively, but the values of the variables measured do not reach the same levels as control subjects. Motion analysis does not show much difference post-operatively between patients operated on by different technique or incision. Furthermore, motion analysis can identify subtle functional limitations which may not be detectable with conventional outcome measures

The biomechanics of running in athletes with prevous hamstring injury. A case-control study

Hamstring injury is prevalent with persistently high reinjury rates. We aim to inform hamstring rehabilitation by exploring the electromyographic and kinematic characteristics of running in athletes with previous hamstring injury. Nine elite male Gaelic games athletes who had returned to sport after hamstring injury and eight closely matched controls sprinted while lower limb kinematics and muscle activity of the previously injured biceps femoris, bilateral gluteus maximus, lumbar erector spinae, rectus femoris, and external oblique were recorded. Intergroup comparisons of muscle activation ratios and kinematics were performed. Previously injured athletes demonstrated significantly reduced biceps femoris muscle activation ratios with respect to ipsilateral gluteus maximus (maximum difference −12.5%, P = 0.03), ipsilateral erector spinae (maximum difference −12.5%, P = 0.01), ipsilateral external oblique (maximum difference −23%, P = 0.01), and contralateral rectus femoris (maximum difference −22%, P = 0.02) in the late swing phase. We also detected sagittal asymmetry in hip flexion (maximum 8°, P = 0.01), pelvic tilt (maximum 4°, P = 0.02), and medial rotation of the knee (maximum 6°, P = 0.03) effectively putting the hamstrings in a lengthened position just before heel strike. Previous hamstring injury is associated with altered biceps femoris associated muscle activity and potentially injurious kinematics. These deficits should be considered and addressed during rehabilitation.This study was partly funded by a €500 research bursary (Eastern Branch ISCP 2012)