Reliability of a measurement technique for achilles tendon length

ABSTRACT

Recently, there has been an increasing amount of literature dealing with new methods of Achilles tendon (AT) length measurement. However, most of these studies measured the AT length between the calcaneus and medial head of the gastrocnemius and the reliability of such a measurement has not been satisfactorily presented. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of the measurement of AT length within and between sessions. AT length was measured by using a combination of ultrasound imaging and optoelectronic stereophotogrammetry. Nineteen healthy athletes visited the lab on six different days where the AT length was measured on both lower extremities: 1) from the calcaneus to the mid-point of the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius; and 2) from the calcaneus to the soleus musculotendinous attachment. The reliability results indicated high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC > 0.8), a low typical error (< 0.6) and a standard error of measurement (SEM < 5.5 mm) for all measured AT lengths on within and between sessions. This non-invasive reliable measurement method may be recommended for sport science research purposes.     

Body image perception, satisfaction and somatotype in male and female athletes and non-athletes: results using a novel morphing technique

Thirty-six adults (24 males, 12 females) were assessed for anthropometric somatotype and body image (perception and satisfaction) by a novel technique using quantitative distortion of a digital still image. Software produced random distortions in nine body regions. The participants manipulated interactive slider controls to adjust each body feature in turn, recreate their perceived image and indicate their desired image. There were no differences in perception between the sexes. However, the ideal-actual differences (i.e. satisfaction) indicated that males desired larger and females smaller features, respectively, in the chest and thighs (P < 0.001) and arms and calves (P < 0.01). When the male-derived data were partitioned by sport (strength, endurance, team-sport and controls), differences were found in the perceived image size in the chest and rib regions (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Strength athletes perceived these areas to be smaller and the control group perceived these areas to be larger than the true values. Somatotype analysis indicated that the physique associated with minimal dissatisfaction was 2.0-5.0-3.0 for males and 3.0-2.5-3.0 for females. Cluster analysis, combining anthropometric and satisfaction data, revealed seven distinct subgroups distinguished by particular attributes of physical appearance. We conclude that the method is reliable and that body image includes sex-specific, anthropometric, perceptual and personality-related components.     

An investigation of a novel three-dimensional activity monitor to predict free-living energy expenditure

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the capability of the 3dNX? accelerometer to predict energy expenditure in two separate, free-living cohorts. Twenty-three adolescents and 14 young adults took a single dose of doubly labelled water and wore a 3dNX? activity monitor during waking hours for a 10-day period while carrying out their normal routines. Multiple linear regression with backward elimination was used to establish the strength of the associations between various indices of energy expenditure, physical activity counts, and anthropometric variables. 3dNX? output accounted for 27% and 35% of the variance in the total energy expenditure of the adolescent and young adult cohort, respectively. The explained variance increased to 78%, with a standard error of estimate of 7%, when 3dNX? output was combined with body composition variables. The 3dNX? accelerometer can be used to predict free-living daily energy expenditure with a standard error of estimate of 1.65 MJ in adolescents and 1.52 MJ in young adults. The inclusion of anthropometric variables reduces the error to approximately 1 MJ. Although it remains to cross-validate these models in other populations, early indications suggest that the 3dNX? provides a useful method of predicting energy expenditure in free-living individuals.     

An investigation of a novel three-dimensional activity monitor to predict free-living energy expenditure

The aim of this study was to assess the capability of the 3dNX accelerometer to predict energy expenditure in two separate, free-living cohorts. Twenty-three adolescents and 14 young adults took a single dose of doubly labelled water and wore a 3dNX activity monitor during waking hours for a 10-day period while carrying out their normal routines. Multiple linear regression with backward elimination was used to establish the strength of the associations between various indices of energy expenditure, physical activity counts, and anthropometric variables. 3dNX output accounted for 27% and 35% of the variance in the total energy expenditure of the adolescent and young adult cohort, respectively. The explained variance increased to 78%, with a standard error of estimate of 7%, when 3dNX output was combined with body composition variables. The 3dNX accelerometer can be used to predict free-living daily energy expenditure with a standard error of estimate of 1.65 MJ in adolescents and 1.52 MJ in young adults. The inclusion of anthropometric variables reduces the error to approximately 1 MJ. Although it remains to cross-validate these models in other populations, early indications suggest that the 3dNX provides a useful method of predicting energy expenditure in free-living individuals.     

The measurement of upper body alignment during the golf drive

Abstract

Transverse plane rotations of the upper body are often estimated during the golf swing. The aim of this study was to determine the agreement between upper body alignments measured using markers attached to the thorax and markers on the acromion process during the golf drive. Three-dimensional coordinate data from nine markers were collected (300 Hz) during eight golf drives for 10 participants. The transverse plane alignment of the upper body was calculated using three techniques: inter-acromion vector, thorax vector, and Cardan angles. Agreement between the methods was then assessed using intra-class correlation and 95% limits of agreement. Our results suggested that the thorax vector can be used to provide an accurate estimation of thorax alignment at all stages of the golf swing (R ≥ 0.97, systematic difference < 1.0°, random difference < 3.8°). The inter-acromion vector gave an accurate estimation of thorax alignment at address (R = 0.90, systematic difference = 0.0°, random difference = 4.3°) but it should not be used to estimate thorax alignment at the top of the backswing (R = 0.32, systematic difference = ?16.0°, random difference = 8.7°) or impact (R = 0.90, systematic difference = ?5.1°, random difference = 8.3°) during the golf drive.     

The measurement of upper body alignment during the golf drive

Transverse plane rotations of the upper body are often estimated during the golf swing. The aim of this study was to determine the agreement between upper body alignments measured using markers attached to the thorax and markers on the acromion process during the golf drive. Three-dimensional coordinate data from nine markers were collected (300 Hz) during eight golf drives for 10 participants. The transverse plane alignment of the upper body was calculated using three techniques: inter-acromion vector, thorax vector, and Cardan angles. Agreement between the methods was then assessed using intra-class correlation and 95% limits of agreement. Our results suggested that the thorax vector can be used to provide an accurate estimation of thorax alignment at all stages of the golf swing (R > or = 0.97, systematic difference < 1.0 degrees , random difference < 3.8 degrees ). The inter-acromion vector gave an accurate estimation of thorax alignment at address (R = 0.90, systematic difference = 0.0 degrees , random difference = 4.3 degrees ) but it should not be used to estimate thorax alignment at the top of the backswing (R = 0.32, systematic difference = -16.0 degrees , random difference = 8.7 degrees ) or impact (R = 0.90, systematic difference = -5.1 degrees , random difference = 8.3 degrees ) during the golf drive.     

A measurement and conceptual investigation of exercise imagery establishing construct validity

We assessed the factor structure of a revised version of the Exercise Imagery Inventory (ELI; Giacobbi, Hausenblas, & Penfield, 2005), second-order interrelationships for cognitive and motivational forms of mental imagery, and associations with exercise behavior and barriers self-efficacy. A convenience sample of 358 (M age = 20.55 years, SD = 3.88) college students completed the EII-revised (EII-R), a measure of barriers self-efficacy and the Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. The EII-R demonstrated reliability and factorial validity with good model fit statistics. We observed second-order relationships among scale scores and discriminant validity evidence that distinguished cognitive (e.g., exercise technique, exercise routines) and motivational (e.g., appearance/health, exercise self-efficacy, exercise feelings) factors. The second-order imagery factors were significantly and moderately associated with barriers self-efficacy and exercise behavior.     

人体重心与稳度关系变化对足球技术的影响

足球运动员在运动中完成技术动作的质量和效果，受到自身身体稳度的影响。保持身体平衡和有意识冲破平衡都是为了达到高质量完成技术动作和有效战术目的。本文着重从理论上探讨人体重心与稳度关系变化对足球技术的影响。     

The validity and reliability of a novel app for the measurement of change of direction performance

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present investigation was to analyze the validity and reliability of a novel iPhone app (CODTimer) for the measurement of total time and interlimb asymmetry in the 5 + 5 change of direction test (COD). To do so, twenty physically active adolescent athletes (age = 13.85 ± 1.34 years) performed six repetitions in the COD test while being measured with a pair of timing gates and CODTimer. A total of 120 COD times measured both with the timing gates and the app were then compared for validity and reliability purposes. There was an almost perfect correlation between the timing gates and the CODTimer app for the measurement of total time (r = 0.964; 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 0.95–1.00; Standard error of the estimate = 0.03 s.; p < 0.001). Moreover, non-significant, trivial differences were observed between devices for the measurement of total time and interlimb asymmetry (Effect size < 0.2, p > 0.05). Similar levels of reliability were observed between the timing gates and the app for the measurement of the 6 different trials of each participant (Timing gates: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.651–0.747, Coefficient of variation (CV) = 2.6–3.5%; CODTimer: ICC = 0.671–0.840, CV = 2.2–3.2%). The results of the present study show that change of direction performance can be measured in a valid, reliable way using a novel iPhone app.     

An investigation of the accuracy and reliability of body composition assessed with a handheld electrical impedance myography device

The purpose of this study was to compare the body fat per cent (BF%) assessed with a unique handheld electrical impedance myography (EIM) device, along with other popular methods, to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Participants included 33 males (aged 24.3?±?4.6 years) and 38 females (aged 25.3?±?8.9 years) who completed 2 visits separated by 24–72?h. The assessments included DXA, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), skinfold measures (SKF), and three separate EIM measurements. No significant differences in BF% (P?>?0.05) were found between all EIM assessments when compared against DXA for both males and females for each visit. All methods showed no significant differences in BF% (P?>?0.05) between days within themselves. Across both days, the standard error of the estimate (SEE) for the EIM measurements ranged from 2.66% to 3.15%, the SEE for BIA was 2.80 and 2.85, and for SKF was 2.90 and 2.82. The 95% limits of agreement ranged from ±5.34% to ±6.38% for EIM measurements and were highest for SKF (±7.42% and ±7.47%). The total error for both days was largest for SKF (5.20% and 5.35%) and lowest for the EIM measurements (2.48–3.24%). This investigation supports use of a handheld EIM device as an accurate and reliable method of estimating BF% compared to DXA in young, apparently healthy individuals with BF% in the range of 10–22% for males and 20–32% in females and suggests this EIM device be considered a viable alternative to other established field measurements in this population.     

身体形态测量与评价方法在女模特选材中的应用研究

时装模特是当今世界上引人瞩目的行业,但是对模特身体形态的评价尚无系统的研究,在模特选材上仍然有很多的盲目性。本研究运用体育测量与评价的理论和方法,测试了30个模特专业女学生的身体形态,并对结果进行了总结和分析。结合中国人的审美习惯和传统,主张在选择模特时应该遵循以下标准：BMI值要在16以上,利维指数21．5以上,劳雷尔指数100以上,克托莱指数320以上为好。并在希思-卡特体型分布图中找到了模特最合适的分布区域。     

浅谈三维动画在运动技术影像分析上的应用

由于现代信息技术的飞速发展,在体育分析和运动训练中的视觉直观分析与训练发生着巨大的变革。计算机制作出的高水平技术动画,在模拟难新动作、演示战术过程、再现典型错误等方面都具有明显优势。     

规律运动与性别差异对高中生身体意象的影响

选用多维度身体与自我关系问卷作工具,对浙江省4所高级中学进行调查.结果显示:(1)除外表取向和疾病取向外,性别差异对高中生的身体意象其他各维度都具有显著影响.男生的外表评价、体能评价、健康评价、身体各部位满意度、体能关注、健康关注显著高于女生.(2)除对头发的满意度无显著性别差异外,对其他身体部位的满意度,男生显著高于女生.(3)规律运动对外表评价、体能评价、健康评价和体能取向有显著影响,而对其他身体意向构成维度没有显著影响.     

Computer-assisted image analysis for measuring body segmental angles during a static strength element on parallel bars: validity and reliability

This study aimed to introduce a technique using computer-assisted image analysis for measuring body segmental angles during a static strength element on parallel bars. Criterion validity and intra-rater reliability of measurements were evaluated using digital photography, skin markers and a gravity-reference goniometer. Twenty male former gymnasts participated in this study. They performed a strength hold element on parallel bars (V-sit) and they were photographed with legs extended and stabilized at the highest possible level. The leg to horizontal, trunk to vertical and arm to vertical angles were calculated and examined for reliability using image-pro software. The leg angle was also examined for its validity, by simultaneously using a Myrin goniometer. The two goniometric techniques indicated high leg angle measurements agreement (R = 0.997, p < 0.001). However, Bland-Altman analysis showed that there was a slight leg angle measurement overrating using image-pro software, especially at smaller angles. The Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) values were high for leg angle (R = 0.971), trunk angle (R = 0.957) and arm angle (R = 0.945), showing an excellent test-retest agreement. It was ascertained that the measurement of segmental angles during V-sit on parallel bars using digital photography and computer-assisted image analysis can be highly reliable when taken by the same experienced examiner.     

Influence of technique on upper body force and power production during medicine ball throws

ABSTRACT

This project examined the interrelationships between power production and upper body kinematics during a series of medicine ball push-press (MBP-P) throws. Twenty-five regular weight trainers (body mass = 86 ± 10 kg) performed a series of ballistic vertical MBP-P throws at loads representing 5% and 10% of their assessed 5RM bench press. Throws were performed lying supine on a force platform (1 kHz) with upper body kinematics assessed using standard infra-red motion capture techniques (0.5 kHz). Gross measures of performance and power production such as peak vertical ball velocity (Vel_peak), peak force (F_peak) and power (P_peak) were recorded during the propulsive phase of the movement. Comparative analyses indicated that despite significant reductions in Vel_peak from the 5% to 10% loads (P < 0.001), F_peak remained largely unchanged (P = 0.167). Analysis of inter-trial variability showed that the gross measures of performance and power were relatively stable (Coefficient of Variation [CV%] <13%), while most upper limb segmental kinematics varied considerably between trials (CV% up to 70%). This project highlights the complexity of the relationships between power production and upper body kinematics during light load ballistic MBP-P throwing. Additionally, it shows how trained athletes can achieve similar outcomes during ballistic movements using a variety of movement strategies.     

山东省莱芜市幼儿身体状况"实感"调查的比较研究

通过文献资料、问卷调查和数理统计等方法,从身体活动性、直立姿势和动作、疾病、受伤及其他三个方面对莱芜市幼儿的身体状况进行了"实感"调查,分析存在的不良现象及产生原因,并提出增进幼儿健康的建设性意见.     

从社会调查看民族传统体育在全民健身中的地位

中华民族传统体育历史悠久,源远流长,有着广泛的群众基础.本文通过社会调查论述了民族传统体育在全民健身中的地位,详细阐述了民族传统体育的社会特性和社会功能.表明民族传统体育深深扎根于民众之中,极大地丰富了我国体育文化的内涵.     

上海市散打队运动员减体重期膳食营养状况的调查与评价

为了了解上海市散打队在赛前减体重期间的膳食营养状况，以指导运动员在减体重期间合理膳食及科学减体重提供依据，对上海市散打队15名队员在减体重期间的膳食状况进行了调查和分析。结果表明：降体重期间，运动员普遍存在膳食总热量摄入偏低，糖和蛋白质摄入不足，脂肪摄入过多，部分维生素和矿物质摄入不足，膳食制度不合理，三餐热能分配及加餐不合理的问题。