Kinematics of preferred and non-preferred handballing in Australian football

In Australian football (AF), handballing proficiently with both the preferred and non-preferred arm is important at elite levels; yet, little information is available for handballing on the non-preferred arm. This study compared preferred and non-preferred arm handballing techniques. Optotrak Certus (100 Hz) collected three-dimensional data for 19 elite AF players performing handballs with the preferred and non-preferred arms. Position data, range of motion (ROM), and linear and angular velocities were collected and compared between preferred and non-preferred arms using dependent t-tests. The preferred arm exhibited significantly greater forearm and humerus ROM and angular velocity and significantly greater shoulder angular velocity at ball contact compared to the non-preferred arm. In addition, the preferred arm produced a significantly greater range of lateral bend and maximum lower-trunk speed, maximum strike-side hip speed and hand speed at ball contact than the non-preferred arm. The non-preferred arm exhibited a significantly greater shoulder angle and lower- and upper-trunk orientation angle, but significantly lower support-elbow angle, trunk ROM, and trunk rotation velocity compared to the preferred arm. Reduced ROM and angular velocities found in non-preferred arm handballs indicates a reduction in the degrees of freedom and a less developed skill. Findings have implication for development of handballing on the non-preferred arm.     

Kinematic effects of a short-term fatigue protocol on punt-kicking performance

The punt kick is a fundamental skill used in several team sports; however, there has been a lack of research on how fatigue affects its technique. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of short-term fatigue on punt-kicking performance. Eight elite and sub-elite Australian Football players performed maximal drop punt kicks on their preferred leg prior to, during and after a match-specific fatigue protocol. Optotrak Certus collected kinematic data from kick foot toe-off until ball contact. Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed a significant increase in 20 m sprint times after each short-term protocol, indicating fatigue. Foot speed did not significantly change with fatigue; however, increases in the range of motion at the pelvis and kicking thigh, along with increases in kicking thigh angular velocity, occurred. For the support leg, maximum knee flexion angular velocity increased while there was greater flexion found at the knee and hip, and greater range of motion at the knee. Players are able to make kinematic adaptations in order to maintain foot speed while punting for maximal distance after short-term efforts.     

Methodological considerations for the 3D measurement of the X-factor and lower trunk movement in golf

It is believed that increasing the X-factor (movement of the shoulders relative to the hips) during the golf swing can increase ball velocity at impact. Increasing the X-factor may also increase the risk of low back pain. The aim of this study was to provide recommendations for the three-dimensional (3D) measurement of the X-factor and lower trunk movement during the golf swing. This three-part validation study involved; (1) developing and validating models and related algorithms (2) comparing 3D data obtained during static positions representative of the golf swing to visual estimates and (3) comparing 3D data obtained during dynamic golf swings to images gained from high-speed video. Of particular interest were issues related to sequence dependency. After models and algorithms were validated, results from parts two and three of the study supported the conclusion that a lateral bending/flexion-extension/axial rotation (ZYX) order of rotation was deemed to be the most suitable Cardanic sequence to use in the assessment of the X-factor and lower trunk movement in the golf swing. The findings of this study have relevance for further research examining the X-factor its relationship to club head speed and lower trunk movement and low back pain in golf.     

Is there a sweet spot on the foot in Australian football drop punt kicking?

In the collision between a striking implement and ball, the term “sweet spot” represents the impact location producing best results. In football kicking, it is not known if a sweet spot exists on the foot because no method to measure impact location in three-dimensional space exists. Therefore, the aims were: (1) develop a method to measure impact location on the foot in three-dimensional space; (2) determine if players impacted the ball with a particular location; (3) determine the relationship between impact location with kick performance; (4) discuss if a sweet spot exists on the foot. An intra-individual analysis was performed on foot-ball impact characteristics of ten players performing 30 Australian football drop punt kicks toward a target. (1) A method to measure impact location was developed and validated. (2) The impact locations were normally distributed, evidenced by non-significant results of the Shapiro-Wilk test (p > 0.05) and inspection of histograms, meaning players targeted a location on their foot. (3) Impact location influenced foot-ball energy transfer, ball flight trajectory and ankle plantar/dorsal flexion. (4) These results indicate a sweet spot exists on the foot for the Australian football drop punt kick. In conclusion, the impact location is an important impact characteristic.     

Understanding the effect of finger–ball friction on the handling performance of rugby balls

Handling errors are often seen in professional rugby games and even more so in amateur rugby. This paper analyses the problem of ball mishandling using high-speed video footage of passes and a bespoke finger friction rig. The high-speed video analysis showed that when the ball is caught, often there is a fluctuating movement of the fingers over the surface of the ball. It also showed that the fingers move over the surface of the ball when the ball is thrown, confirming that the dynamic friction is a good measure of how easily a ball can be handled. Rugby ball surface samples were used, on a finger friction rig, to assess the coefficient of friction between the finger and the balls. The currently manufactured balls displaying the highest coefficients of friction in clean, dry conditions were the design with square, ‘sharp’ pimples and also the design with a mixture of small and large pimples. The most consistent ball across wet and dry conditions was the ball with round, large, densely populated pimples. It was also shown that when water is added to the surface of the ball or finger, there was little variation in performance between the ball varieties.     

Effect of methods of demagnetization on the energy required to magnetize steel

In this investigation the first series of tests consisted of obtaining zero flux in two varieties of steel from various maximum flux values and by three different methods. B-H curves were obtained after demagnetization by the three methods and from the maximum value of these B-H curves hysteresis loops were taken.One method of demagnetizing was that suggested by the U. S. Bureau of Standards, which consists of current reversals through a magnetizing winding, in which current values are gradually reduced to zero. The second method consisted of applying a negative current of such an amount that the resultant value of flux would be such that when the current was released the flux value would go to zero. The third method was substantially the same as the second except the zero flux was approached from the direction of opposite polarity.The resultant B-H curves proved to be different from each other and to depend upon not only their origin but the previous history of the material as regards methods of demagnetization.The areas between the curves were evaluated.It was found that in cases of two of the three typical B-H curves the B-log H curves gave straight lines for part of the range involved.A second series of tests consisted of taking a set of hysteresis loops and repeating the determinations, using a greater number of steps to find if by taking a greater number of steps there might be a greater indicated energy loss. The results of this group of tests were not sufficiently definite to warrant conclusions.     

A contingency management day program for adolescents excluded from public school

This contingency management adolescent school program integrated vocational training with academic instruction. The students, who were unserved by public education because of emotional handicaps, were afforded an individual treatment program by the staff of the day program. They demonstrated significant gains in educational skills and exhibited an exceedingly low dropout rate, inasmuch as 95% either continued in the program beyond their first year or reentered public school.