Collision count in rugby union: A comparison of micro-technology and video analysis methods

The aim of our study was to determine if there is a role for manipulation of g force thresholds acquired via micro-technology for accurately detecting collisions in rugby union. In total, 36 players were recruited from an elite Guinness Pro12 rugby union team. Player movement profiles and collisions were acquired via individual global positioning system (GPS) micro-technology units. Players were assigned to a sub-category of positions in order to determine positional collision demands. The coding of collisions by micro-technology at g force thresholds between 2 and 5.5 g (0.5 g increments) was compared with collision coding by an expert video analyst using Bland–Altman assessments. The most appropriate g force threshold (smallest mean difference compared with video analyst coding) was lower for all forwards positions (2.5 g) than for all backs positions (3.5 g). The Bland–Altman 95% limits of agreement indicated that there may be a substantial over- or underestimation of collisions coded via GPS micro-technology when using expert video analyst coding as the reference comparator. The manipulation of the g force thresholds applied to data acquired by GPS micro-technology units based on incremental thresholds of 0.5 g does not provide a reliable tool for the accurate coding of collisions in rugby union. Future research should aim to investigate smaller g force threshold increments and determine the events that cause coding of false positives.     

Criterion-related validity of self-report walking time from the EPIC questionnaire in older adults

Tools for measuring walking time make use of objective and subjective methods. One subjective approach is to administer physical activity questionnaires (PAQ), mainly because they are inexpensive and easy to give to large groups. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study has a brief PAQ (EPIC-PAQ) and includes one question referencing walking time. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of the question about time spent walking included in the EPIC-PAQ.

The sample included 200 older adults (113 women). To assess daily walking time, participants responded to the EPIC-PAQ in an interview and wore a portable gait analysis system and physical activity monitor for 48 consecutive hours in free-living condition.

Results indicated that the mean of bias between the EPIC-PAQ and objetive measurement was ?64.6 min/day. Also, the correlation was low compared to an objective measurement (rho = 0.196) and was positively correlated with the time spent at speeds below 2.5 mph but the correlation was low (slow walking rho = 0.154 and pace walking rho = 0.163).

The EPIC-PAQ shows low correlations with the objective measurement of walking time, that suggests it may be inaccurate and affecting the estimate of the EPIC-PAQ’s PA energy expenditure in this age group.     

A comparison of accelerometry analysis methods for physical activity in older adult women and associations with health outcomes over time

ABSTRACT

This study compared five different methods for analyzing accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) in older adults and assessed the relationship between changes in PA and changes in physical function and depressive symptoms for each method. Older adult females (N = 144, M_age = 83.3 ± 6.4yrs) wore hip accelerometers for six days and completed measures of physical function and depressive symptoms at baseline and six months. Accelerometry data were processed by five methods to estimate PA: 1041 vertical axis cut-point, 15-second vector magnitude (VM) cut-point, 1-second VM algorithm (Activity Index (AI)), machine learned walking algorithm, and individualized cut-point derived from a 400-meter walk. Generalized estimating equations compared PA minutes across methods and showed significant differences between some methods but not others; methods estimated 6-month changes in PA ranging from 4 minutes to over 20 minutes. Linear mixed models for each method tested associations between changes in PA and health. All methods, except the individualized cut-point, had a significant relationship between change in PA and improved physical function and depressive symptoms. This study is among the first to compare accelerometry processing methods and their relationship to health. It is important to recognize the differences in PA estimates and relationship to health outcomes based on data processing method.

Abbreviation: Machine Learning (ML); Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D); Physical Activity (PA); Activity Index (AI); Activities of Daily Living (ADL)     

Exercise interventions for older adults: A systematic review of meta-analyses

Background:The evidence concerning which physical exercise characteristics are most effective for older adults is fragmented.We aimed to characterize the extent of this diversity and inconsistency and identify future directions for research by undertaking a systematic review of metaanalyses of exercise interventions in older adults.Methods:We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,PsycInfo,MEDLINE,Embase,CINAHL,AMED,SPORTDiscus,and Web of Science for articles that met the following criteria:(1)meta-analyses that synthesized measures of improvement(e.g.,effect sizes)on any outcome identified in studies of exercise interventions;(2)participants in the studies meta-analyzed were adults aged 65+or had a mean age of 70+;(3)meta-analyses that included studies of any type of exercise,including its duration,frequency,intensity,and mode of delivery;(4)interventions that included multiple components(e.g.,exercise and cognitive stimulation),with effect sizes that were computed separately for the exercise component;and(5)meta-analyses that were published in any year or language.The characteristics of the reviews,of the interventions,and of the parameters improved through exercise were reported through narrative synthesis.Identification of the interventions linked to the largest improvements was carried out by identifying the highest values for improvement recorded across the reviews.The study included 56 meta-analyses that were heterogeneous in relation to population,sample size,settings,outcomes,and intervention characteristics.Results:The largest effect sizes for improvement were found for resistance training,meditative movement interventions,and exercise-based active videogames.Conclusion:The review identified important gaps in research,including a lack of studies investigating the benefits of group interventions,the characteristics of professionals delivering the interventions associated with better outcomes,and the impact of motivational strategies and of significant others(e.g.,carers)on intervention delivery and outcomes.     

Stair self-efficacy questionnaire to test the ability of stair negotiation for older people

Background

Older adults face different challenges that affect their daily living. One of the most challenging and hazardous activities of everyday living, especially in the elderly, is stair climbing. Therefore the ability of stair climbing is inter alia used as an indicator for physical fitness and an independent life without the need of support. But until now there has not been an alternative to test the stair climbing ability than to actually climb stairs by using the stair up and down test. Therefore, this study evaluates a self-efficacy questionnaire as a complementing instrument to predict stair climbing abilities.

Methods

A new instrument has been developed for German-speaking countries to assess the role of stair self-efficacy for older people (SSE). The instrument, based on the questionnaire from Hamel and Cavanagh (2004), assesses stair self-efficacy during the performance of 10 different staircase management situations and gathers information about participation in these staircase situations. Reliability and construct validity of the questionnaire were tested with a sample of 121 older adults who completed the SSE questionnaire and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC-D) scale. As an additional validity check, 90 participants performed stair climbing in a physical test.

Results

Statistical analysis via a factor analysis showed that the SSE questionnaire is one-dimensional. In addition, reliability was tested by using Cronbach’s alpha and the split-half method via Spearman–Brown to calculate the internal consistency. Both methods yielded adequate results and furthermore the reliability was established via the results of the test–retest reliability. Validity was tested by the parallel testing, using the Pearson correlation between the SSE score and ABC scale, as well as physical testing.

Conclusions

Taken together, the SSE questionnaire offers the possibility to evaluate stair climbing performance without the need for physical performance. This questionnaire is especially helpful because the participants do not need to become physically stressed and exposed to the risk of falling before they are confident enough to climb stairs.

     

A comparison of methods for estimating oxygen uptake during intermittent exercise

Sixteen female games players completed 15 min of intermittent exercise on a treadmill. The speed and incline of the treadmill were varied to elicit a similar heart rate response to that found during women's hockey match‐play. The mean heart rate response was 169 ± 8 beats min^‐1 and the mean work:rest ratio was 1:1.7. Oxygen uptake was estimated by applying the oxygen cost determined from an individual's heart rate‐oxygen uptake regression equation to the average heart rate each 5 s during the intermittent exercise. A second esimation of oxygen uptake was made from a time‐motion analysis by assigning a specific oxygen cost to each discrete movement during the intermittent exercise protocol. The true oxygen cost was calculated from the analysis of the expired gas. The heart rate analysis overestimated the true cost by a mean of 4.3 ± 5.3% (0.09 ± 0.11 1 min^‐1), and the time‐motion analysis underestimated the true value by a mean of 15.7 ± 6.3% (0.34 ± 0.15 1 min^‐1). There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) between the true value and both the estimates. It was concluded that heart rate analysis gives a much better indication of oxygen uptake during intermittent activity than time‐motion analysis.     

代谢组学运动选材与传统生化选材方法的比较

通过与传统生化选材方法进行对比,探索代谢组学这一新兴的系统生物学方法用于运动选材的可行性与优越性.将雄性SD大鼠24只,在幼年时(4周龄)即收集其尿样和血样,尿样用于核磁共振(NMR)代谢组学分析,血样用于测试血红蛋白(Hb)和血清睾酮(ST);然后开始渐增负荷游泳训练直至成年(14周龄),训练结束后进行负重耐力游泳能力测试,记录每只大鼠游泳至力竭的时间,并根据力竭时间长短进行排名,分为前3名组与4～24名组、前12名组与后12名组共4组;测试完成后,休息2d,断头处死,取右后肢腓肠肌测试琥珀酸脱氢酶(SDH)和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH).结果显示:无论是前3名组与4～24名组之间,还是前12名组与后12名组之间,Hb、ST、SDH和LDH指标均较为接近,并且相互交错,组间没有显著性差异;而大鼠的代谢特征图谱有明显的差异,不同组样本被明确地分开了,而同组的样本则出现了聚集.结果表明:大鼠幼年时的代谢特征图谱能一定程度反映它们成年后游泳能力的差异,相对于利用一个或者少数几个指标进行运动选材的传统生化方法,代谢组学这一系统生物学方法具独特的优势.     

Validation of a one-day self-report questionnaire for physical activity assessment in healthy adults

Abstract

A self-report physical activity scale (PAS) has previously been developed to document physical activity (MET-hours) undertaken by adults during an average weekday. The current study aimed to validate the PAS over 24 hours via pedometer determinations of physical activity in healthy, active adults, and to determine possible influences of gender and body mass status on this relationship. One-hundred and seven healthy university students (age 18–41 years) wore a pedometer (Yamax DigiWalker SW-700) during the waking hours of an average weekday followed by successful completion of the PAS. Relationships between the PAS and pedometer measures (steps taken and energy expenditure) were examined by Pearson's correlation coefficients. Significant (P<0.05) gender and body mass status differences were examined by two-way analysis of variance with Tukey post-hoc tests. Participants reported 48.0±10.4 MET-hours of activity, completed 11,506±4195 steps, and expended 499±227 kcal during an average weekday. Physical activity measures, except energy expenditure, were similar across groups by gender and body mass status. The total number of MET-hours was significantly associated with pedometer steps taken (r=0.375–0.568, P<0.01), and this relationship varied by gender and to a lesser extent by body mass status. The results of the current study show that the self-reported physical activity of healthy active adults was in line with the popular recommended dose of daily physical activity (10,000 steps per day) and was not influenced by gender or body mass status. Furthermore, over an average weekday, the PAS provided a simple, quick, and valid method to document physical activity undertaken by young healthy active adults that is comparable to pedometer readings.     

A comparison of two criterion-referenced standard setting procedures for sports skills testing.

The application of criterion-referenced (CR) standard setting procedures in physical education has been limited to the examinee-centered model known as criterion groups. Alternative examinee-centered approaches are available but have not been applied in sport skills testing. The purpose of this study was to compare two examinee-centered models for setting performance standards for a sport skills test battery. CR performance standards were determined for the tennis skills test battery published in Tennis skills test manual (Hensley, 1989) using the borderline group (BG) (Livingston & Zieky, 1982) and criterion groups (CG) (Berk, 1976) models. The comparison of these two methods demonstrated that the CG method consistently produced performance standards that were lower than the BG method. In one instance the BG method produced a standard that was clearly unreasonable. Estimates of CR reliability for the CG standards (.76 less than or equal to P less than or equal to .93; .52 less than or equal to Kq less than or equal to .86) were higher than BG estimates (.55 less than or equal to P less than or equal to .84; .11 less than or equal to Kq less than or equal to .68). Although each method has strengths, neither is without problems. Results from this study suggest these two methods might be combined to minimize the problems associated with each. This combined method should produce standards with improved accuracy, validity, and reliability.     

A comparison of two methods for the calculation of accumulated oxygen deficit

The aim of this study was to compare accumulated oxygen deficit data derived using two different exercise protocols with the aim of producing a less time-consuming test specifically for use with athletes. Six road and four track male endurance cyclists performed two series of cycle ergometer tests. The first series involved five 10 min sub-maximal cycle exercise bouts, a VO2peak test and a 115% VO2peak test. Data from these tests were used to estimate the accumulated oxygen deficit according to the calculations of Medb? et al. (1988). In the second series of tests, participants performed a 15 min incremental cycle ergometer test followed, 2 min later, by a 2 min variable resistance test in which they completed as much work as possible while pedalling at a constant rate. Analysis revealed that the accumulated oxygen deficit calculated from the first series of tests was higher (P < 0.02) than that calculated from the second series: 52.3 +/- 11.7 and 43.9 +/- 6.4 ml x kg(-1), respectively (mean +/- s). Other significant differences between the two protocols were observed for VO2peak, total work and maximal heart rate; all were higher during the modified protocol (P < 0.01 and P < 0.02, respectively). Oxygen kinetics were also significantly faster during the modified 2 min maximal test. We conclude that the difference in accumulated oxygen deficit between protocols was probably due to a reduced oxygen uptake, possibly caused by a slower oxygen on-response during the 115% VO2peak test in the first series, and VO2-power output regression differences caused by an elevated VO2 during the early stages of the second series.     

A comparison of two methods for the calculation of accumulated oxygen deficit

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare accumulated oxygen deficit data derived using two different exercise protocols with the aim of producing a less time-consuming test specifically for use with athletes. Six road and four track male endurance cyclists performed two series of cycle ergometer tests. The first series involved five 10 min sub-maximal cycle exercise bouts, a VO_2peak test and a 115% VO_2peak test. Data from these tests were used to estimate the accumulated oxygen deficit according to the calculations of Medbø et al. (1988). In the second series of tests, participants performed a 15 min incremental cycle ergometer test followed, 2 min later, by a 2 min variable resistance test in which they completed as much work as possible while pedalling at a constant rate. Analysis revealed that the accumulated oxygen deficit calculated from the first series of tests was higher (P<0.02) than that calculated from the second series: 52.3±11.7 and 43.9±6.4 ml·kg^?1, respectively (mean±s). Other significant differences between the two protocols were observed for VO_2peak, total work and maximal heart rate; all were higher during the modified protocol (P<0.01 and P<0.02, respectively). Oxygen kinetics were also significantly faster during the modified 2 min maximal test. We conclude that the difference in accumulated oxygen deficit between protocols was probably due to a reduced oxygen uptake, possibly caused by a slower oxygen on-response during the 115% VO_2peak test in the first series, and VO₂—power output regression differences caused by an elevated VO ₂ during the early stages of the second series.     

Comparing ActiGraph equations for estimating energy expenditure in older adults

Accurate estimation of energy expenditure (EE) from accelerometer outputs remains a challenge in older adults. The aim of this study was to validate different ActiGraph (AG) equations for predicting EE in older adults. Forty older adults (age = 77.4 ± 8.1 yrs) completed a set of household/gardening activities in their residence, while wearing an AG at the hip (GT3X+) and a portable calorimeter (MetaMax 3B – criterion). Predicted EEs from AG were calculated using five equations (Freedson, refined Crouter, Sasaki and Santos-Lozano (vertical-axis, vectormagnitude)). Accuracy of equations was assessed using root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean bias. The Sasaki equation showed the lowest RMSE for all activities (0.47 METs) and across physical activity intensities (PAIs) (range 0.18–0.48 METs). The Freedson and Santos-Lozano equations tended to overestimate EE for sedentary activities (range: 0.48 to 0.97 METs), while EEs for moderate-to-vigorous activities (MVPA) were underestimated (range: ?1.02 to ?0.64 METs). The refined Crouter and Sasaki equations showed no systematic bias, but they respectively overestimated and underestimated EE across PAIs. In conclusion, none of the equations was completely accurate for predicting EE across the range of PAIs. However, the refined Crouter and Sasaki equations showed better overall accuracy and precision when compared with the other methods.     

A comparison of reliability estimation using trials-to-criterion and sequential probability ratio testing

The purpose of this study was to compare estimates of test reliability obtained from two sequential testing plans--trials-to-criterion (TTC) and sequential probability ratio (SPR) testing--when reliability is defined as the consistency of classification. Data from a golf chip test given to 110 beginning golf students (n = 80 males; n = 30 females) at the University of Wisconsin were used for analysis. Test specifications for the SPR test were alpha = beta = .05, theta 0 = .70, and theta 1 = .50. Two mastery levels for the TTC test were examined, .70 and .60, with success criteria ranging from R = 6 to R = 12. For each sequential testing plan, both P and kappa were calculated to estimate reliability. Results for the total group and for gender indicated that reliability was higher with the SPR test when the mastery level was .70, while reliability was similar under both plans at a mastery level of .60. Median test lengths for the group were 21 for the SPR test and an average of 12 across all R values for the TTC test. Misclassification error rates for the TTC test, however, were substantially higher than under the SPR test, particularly for false nonmaster errors. These data suggest that SPR testing would be the preferred approach when misclassification errors are of primary importance, such as to determine minimal competency for certification. However, TTC testing is a viable alternative for classroom tests because of ease of administration and shorter test length.     

Construct validation of physical activity surveys in culturally diverse older adults: a comparison of four commonly used questionnaires

The purpose of this study was to establish validity evidence of four physical activity (PA) questionnaires in culturally diverse older adults by comparing self-report PA with performance-based physical function. Participants were 54 older adults who completed the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance 10-item Test (CS-PFP10), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), HAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults, Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS), and modified Baecke questionnaire. The total PASE score, three outcome scores for the CHAMPS, and three summary indices for the YPAS were significantly correlated with total CS-PFP10 score. The modified Baecke exhibited no correlations with CS-PFP10 scores. The PASE, CHAMPS, and YPAS appear to be the most valid PA self-report questionnaires for culturally diverse older adults.     

Psychosocial wellbeing in active older adults: A systematic review of qualitative literature

Physical activity and wellbeing in older adults is a global priority in combating negative economic consequences associated with population aging. Quantitative research using a medicalized model clearly associates physical activity with physiological health benefits. However, it is argued that a review of qualitative literature exploring individual experiences of active older adults can provide important insights into physical activity, aging, and wellbeing – specifically, how discourses of ageing and self-identity may interact with physical activity levels. A literature search on electronic databases PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and ProQuest was used to identify qualitative studies of older adults who exercise or engage in competitive sport. Findings reveal that both groups tend to resist dominant negative stereotypes of ageing and view physical activity as central to self- identity. Yet approaches to ageing varied with the competitive sport group adopting a more negative view of the ageing process. Whilst results suggest that different levels of physical activity may impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of older adults, inconsistent definitions of exercise and competitive sport make it impossible to group these differences according to specific physical activity levels. More precise definitions of physical activity constructs in future research may provide a better understanding of these differences.     

Sit-to-stand performance of older adults following strength training

A group of healthy older adults completed an 8-week resistance-training program. For 38 participants (14 men, 24 women; ages 60-90 years; M mass = 73.2 kg, SD = 12.3; M height = 1.65 m, SD = 0.08), pre- and postprogram sit-to-stand performance was analyzed (60 Hz video) focusing on center of mass kinematics surrounding transition. Significant changes were attributed to improved strength. Peak forward, downward, and upward velocities increased (16, 59, and 26%, respectively), and relative transition time was delayed 27%. These behaviors were more similar to those of healthy younger adults. Results also indicated strategy changes. Participants exploited their improved strength, forming a distinctive movement pattern emphasizing stability followed by a brisk rise. These adaptations represent meaningfully improved function in an important daily living activity.     

Physical activity and amyloid beta in middle-aged and older adults:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:One of the pathological hallmarks distinguishing Alzheimer’s disease from other dementias is the accumulation of amyloid beta(Aβ).Higher physical activity is associated with decreased dementia risk,and one potential path could be through Aβ levels modulation.We aimed to explore the relationship between physical activity and Aβ in middle-aged and older adults.Methods:A systematic search of PubMed,Web of Science,PsycINFO,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,and SPORTDiscus was...     

Initial psychometric testing of the coach-adapted version of the empowering and disempowering motivational climate questionnaire: A Bayesian approach

ABSTRACT

The present study examined the psychometric properties of the coach-adapted version of the Empowering and Disempowering Motivational Climate Questionnaire (EDMCQ) using Bayesian structural equation modelling (BSEM). The sample included 780 (M_age = 36.4; SD = 10.8; males n = 698; females n = 54; 28 participants did not report sex) youth sport coaches representing five European countries (i.e., England, France, Greece, Norway, and Spain). The results did not support a 34-item five-factor, hierarchical, a two-factor BSEM, or a bifactor BSEM model across the participating countries. However, the results supported a reduced 19-item first-order, two-factor BSEM model that largely showed approximate metric invariance, but not approximate scalar invariance across the five countries. The pool of items constituting empowering and disempowering motivational climates should be refined to further enhance the empirical operationalisation of the coach-adapted version of the EDMCQ. Advancing the quality of translation-back-translation procedures across cultures and conducting multi-national pilot testing seems warranted as well. These recommendations may help to identify the distinctive aspects of each underlying sub-dimension of the EDMCQ, where coaches are the respondents, and pave the way for further examination of the proposed hierarchical multidimensional factor structure and the cross-cultural equivalence of the EDMCQ for this population.