Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strength Testing Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. A Prospective Cohort Study Investigating Overlap of Tests.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether overlap (redundancy) exists between individual tests in a comprehensive strength testing protocol used after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. If overlap is present, one or more components of the protocol could potentially be omitted to make the testing protocol more efficient, but without compromising the usefulness of the testing.Sixty-nine patients (46M, 23F; mean age 28Y) were strength tested at 6 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction as part of a prospective cohort study. The following knee flexor and extensor strength tests were performed: isokinetic concentric strength at 60°/s and 180°/s, isokinetic eccentric strength at 60°/s, and isometric knee flexor strength at 60° flexion. Peak and average torque values were extracted and the ratio between the operated and non-operated limb calculated as a limb symmetry index. Overlap of strength tests was investigated by fitting a linear regression model to the data with an R threshold of 0.56 used as an indication of overlap.Overlap between peak and mean torque was present for extensor and flexor concentric and eccentric measurements at 12 months and for concentric measurements at 6 months. Peak torque measurements were therefore used for subsequent analysis. Concentric extensor peak torque at 60°/s and 180°/s showed overlap at 6 months (R = 0.73) but not at 12 months (R = 0.37). No other overlap was identified.In conclusion, there is little room for omission of individual strength testing protocol components due to the lack of overlap between tests. Isometric, eccentric and concentric tests may all provide unique information and all therefore should be considered for inclusion.
Validity of the BOD POD for Assessing Body Composition in Athletic High School Boys

The purpose of this study was to validate the percentage of body fat (%BF) values estimated from the BOD POD (BP) with those obtained from hydrostatic weighing (HW) in athletic American high school boys. Additionally, the %BF values measured via near-infrared interactance (NIR), bioelectrical impedance (BIA), and skinfold (SF) were compared to HW to determine the validity of these measures. Thirty white boys (mean age ± SD = 15.8 ± 1.0 years) who where currently participating in organized sports volunteered to have their %BF estimated. Measurements were obtained from NIR, BP, BIA, and SF in random order and concluded with HW. The findings from the present study indicated that the NIR and BIA instruments produced significant (P < 0.008) constant error (CE) and total error (TE) values that were too large to be of practical value (TE > 4.0%BF). The BP produced a significantly (P < 0.008) higher CE with acceptable TE values compared to HW, but compared to all three SF estimations, the BP TE values were higher. Two of the SF equations were nonsignificant (P > 0.008) and had the lowest TE values compared to HW. These data suggest that the BP can produce acceptable body fat measures for athletic white boys but is not superior to estimates made by the SF equations used in this study.
Concomitant injuries and its influence on functional outcome after traumatic brain injury

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to describe the presence and severity of extracranial concomitant injuries in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and to ascertain their effect on long-term functional outcome. Method: A retrospective cohort study was performed in a single-center recruiting patients with first episode of TBI. The types and severity of extracranial concomitant injuries were documented for patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Injuries with Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) grade 3–6 were considered to be high grade. A cross-sectional functional assessment was conducted at 18 months post-injury using Glasgow Outcome Scale. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the analysis. Extracranial concomitant injuries were seen in 78% of the patients. Three commonest injuries were facial (44%), lower extremity (20%) and upper extremity (12%) injuries. Among the AIS grade ≥ 3, injury involving the chest was most common (41%). Presence of extracranial concomitant injuries AIS grade ≥ 3 was significantly associated with disability in TBI patients at 18 months (OR 12.74, 95% CI 2.39–67.95, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Presence of extracranial concomitant injuries was high. In TBI survivors, extracranial concomitant injuries AIS grade ≥ 3 influenced the long-term functional outcome at 18 months, causing moderate and severe disabilities. Implications for Rehabilitation Concomitant injuries should be suspected in patients with traumatic brain injury, especially in a high-speed trauma mechanisms as the incidence can be as high as 78% as in this study and may interfere with the long term rehabilitation and outcome. This study shows that severe extra cranial concomitant injuries are associated with a poor long term functional outcome even in the mild traumatic brain injury patients and therefore need to be addressed early in the rehabilitation of this group of patients. Early diagnosis and management of severe concomitant injuries is warranted and may improve the functional gains in the long term after traumatic brain injury.
Lactate and Rate of Perceived Exertion Responses of Athletes Training for and Competing in a Mixed Martial Arts Event

Lactate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was monitored in 6 male subjects training for and competing in a mixed martial arts event held in Butte, Montana, to determine 1) the metabolic demands of the sport and 2) the effectiveness of the prebout interval training programs chosen to help prepare the competitors for this event. The training lactate measurements ranged from 8.1 to 19.7 mmol·L−1, and the training RPE levels ranged from 15 to 19 on Borg's Category Scale of perceived exertion, the scores of which ranged from 6 to 20. The postbout lactate measurements ranged from 10.2 to 20.7 mmol·L−1, and the post-bout RPE measurements ranged from 13 to 19. Of the 4 subjects that had both training and postbout lactate measurements, 3 had obtained lactate levels during training that exceeded lactate levels immediately after the bout. This indicated that, when using lactate measurements as a benchmark, the conditioning training was effective for these 3 athletes. When we used RPE scores as a benchmark, the conditioning was effective for all 4 subjects because all subjects reached 18-19 during their training, which was at least as high as their reported post-bout RPE levels.
Test-Retest Reliability of Three Different Countermovement Jumping Tests

In studies of physical performance comprising muscle strength and power, a vertical jump is a test method that frequently is used. It is important to have access to accurate measuring tools providing data with high reproducibility. Studies have shown that body composition also may play an important part in physical performance. The purpose of this study was to determine test-retest reliability for 3 different kinds of vertical jumps and to correlate jump height with body composition. Thirty-four normally trained subjects (women n = 17) between 18 and 25 years participated. Test-retest, on 3 kinds of vertical jumps, was performed with a median of 7 days between jumps. Methods used were a countermovement jump (CMJ) on a contact mat, with and without arm swing, and an Abalakow jump (AJ) using measuring tape, with arm swing. Body composition was assessed with the use of bioelectric impedance analysis. The results showed that high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were observed between testing occasions for all 3 vertical jumps (ICC between 0.48 and 0.88). The AJ in women presented the lowest ICC. Also the correlation between CMJ and AJ was high (rs = 0.88). Moderate-to-high correlations could be shown between body composition and CMJ in women (rs = −0.57-0.76). In conclusion, very high test-retest reliability for CMJ on a contact mat was found. For the AJ using a measuring tape, ICC were overall high, but a moderate nonsignificant ICC were found in women, indicating poor reproducibility. The data from the CMJ and AJ may be compared if approximately 25% of the AJ value is subtracted. In practice, this means that vertical jump tests have high reproducibility and can be used as measures of power development.
The Five-Jump Test for Distance as a Field Test to Assess Lower Limb Explosive Power in Soccer Players

The 5-jump test (5JT) was proposed to evaluate lower limb explosive power of athletes competing in various disciplines. Although 5JT performance is usually expressed in absolute terms as the overall distance covered (i.e., in meters), subject size can play a significant role in the performance. The aims of the present study were to test the relationship of 5JT absolute performance with laboratory tests for explosive power and to develop performance notations useful to improve the diagnostic value of 5JT. Fifteen elite soccer players, members of the Under-23 Tunisian national team, were tested for 5JT, force platform vertical jumping (squat jump [SJ] and arm-aided countermovement jump [Arm-CMJ]), and concentric isokinetic leg extension/flexion (90°·s−1 and 240°·s−1). 5JT performance was expressed in absolute terms (meters), relative to leg length (5JT-relative) and with body mass-dependent notations (Body mass × 5JT, 5JT-body mass). 5JT performance was significantly correlated with SJ height and scaled (W·kg−0.67) peak power (0.72 and 0.77, respectively, p < 0.01). 5JT-relative values were significantly related to SJ and Arm-CMJ height (0.61 and 0.71, respectively, p < 0.05) and scaled peak power (0.57 and 0.59, respectively, p < 0.05). 5JT-body mass revealed significantly related of SJ (0.82, p < 0.0001) and Arm-CMJ peak power (0.54, p < 0.05) and to SJ and Arm-CMJ peak force (0.67 and 0.65, respectively p < 0.05). 5JT-relative and 5JT-body mass correlated significantly with knee extensors 240°·s−1 (0.60, p < 0.05) and knee flexors 90°·s−1 (0.67, p < 0.01) isokinetic acceleration time, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the 5JT may be regarded as an explosive strength diagnostic tool under field conditions in elite soccer players. The use of performance notation accounting for body size differences may improve the diagnostic ability of 5JT.
Effects of Complex Training on Explosive Strength in Adolescent Male Basketball Players

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a complex training program, a combined practice of weight training and plyometrics, on explosive strength development of young basketball players. Twenty-five young male athletes, aged 14-15 years old, were assessed using squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), Abalakov test (ABA), depth jump (DJ), mechanical power (MP), and medicine ball throw (MBT), before and after a 10-week in-season training program. Both the control group (CG; n = 10) and the experimental group (EG; n = 15) kept up their regular sports practice; additionally, the EG performed 2 sessions per week of a complex training program. The EG significantly improved in the SJ, CMJ, ABA, and MBT values (p < 0.05). The CG significantly decreased the values (p < 0.05) of CMJ, ABA, and MP, while significantly increasing the MBT values (p < 0.05). Our results support the use of complex training to improve the upper and lower body explosivity levels in young basketball players. In conclusion, this study showed that more strength conditioning is needed during the sport practice season. Furthermore, we also conclude that complex training is a useful working tool for coaches, innovative in this strength-training domain, equally contributing to a better time-efficient training.
A new cohort of refugee students in Perth: Challenges for students and educators

Today's migration patterns have shifted in ways that bring new challenges to educators. New refugee arrivals in developed countries are an extremely diverse group. As a result, multiple approaches must be developed addressing the needs of diverse, multicultural and multilingual refugee and migrant populations. It has been clearly demonstrated that refugee children and adolescents are vulnerable to the effects of pre-migration, most notably exposure to trauma. In educational settings refugee students bring new challenges; many experienced educators are facing for the first time. The main aims of the project were to investigate and explore ways in which refugee adolescent youth perceive their experience of transition and resettlement into Australia and to examine the challenges faced by adolescent refugees in acquiring an Australian education. The research used a case study approach within a qualitative framework based on focus group interviews with 45 young refugees, school visits, in depth key informant interviews and accumulation of documentary data. The research approach interwove migration, resettlement and identity formation into an understanding of psychosocial wellbeing and educational experiences of adolescent refugees in Western Australia. This study argues that government departments (health, education and community development) need to work together to create a supportive and enabling environment to improve the wellbeing of refugee adolescents and provides preliminary recommendations for further research into strategies that will improve educational and mental health outcomes for these young people.
The Effect of Resistive Exercise Rest Interval on Hormonal Response, Strength, and Hypertrophy With Training

Buresh, R, Berg, K, and French, J. The effect of resistive exercise rest interval on hormonal response, strength, and hypertrophy with training. J Strength Cond Res 23(1): 62-71, 2009- The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different between-set rest periods (1 and 2.5 minutes) on changes in hormone response, strength, arm cross-sectional area (CSA), thigh muscular cross-sectional area (MCSA), and body composition during a 10-week training period. Twelve untrained males (24.8 ± 5.9 years) engaged in resistance training using either 1 minute (short rest [SR], n = 6) or 2.5 minutes (long rest [LR], n = 6) of rest between sets, with a load that elicited failure on the third set of each exercise. Body composition, thigh MCSA, arm CSA, and five-repetition maximum (RM) squat and bench press were assessed before and after training. Blood samples were collected after exercise in weeks 1, 5, and 10. In week 1, postexercise plasma testosterone levels were greater in SR (0.41 ± 0.17 mmol·L−1) than in LR (0.24 ± 0.06 mmol·L−1, p < 0.05), and postexercise cortisol levels were greater in SR (963 ± 313 mmol·L−1) than in LR (629 ± 127 mmol·L−1, p < 0.05). Week 1 postexercise GH levels were not different (p = 0.28). The differences between hormone levels in weeks 5 and 10 were not significant. Arm CSA increased more with LR (12.3 ± 7.2%) than with SR (5.1 ± 2.9%, p < 0.05). There were no differences in strength increases. These results show that in healthy, recently untrained males, strength training with 1 minute of rest between sets elicits a greater hormonal response than 2.5-minute rest intervals in the first week of training, but these differences diminish by week 5 and disappear by week 10 of training. Furthermore, the hormonal response is highly variable and may not necessarily be predictive of strength and lean tissue gains in a 10-week training program.
The role of social engagement and identity in community mobility among older adults aging in place

Abstract The purpose of this study was to understand how neighbourhoods – as physical and social environments – influence community mobility. Seeking an insider’s perspective, the study employed an ethnographic research design. Immersed within the daily lives of 6 older adults over an 8-month period, auditory, textual, and visual data was collected using the “go-along” interview method. During these interviews, the researcher accompanied participants on their natural outings while actively exploring their physical and social practices by asking questions, listening, and observing. Findings highlight a process of community mobility that is complex, dynamic and often difficult as participant’s ability and willingness to journey into their neighborhoods were challenged by a myriad of individual and environmental factors that changed from one day to the next. Concerned in particular with the social environment, final analysis reveals how key social factors – social engagement and identity – play a critical role in the community mobility of older adults aging in place. Implications for Rehabilitation Identity and social engagement are important social factors that play a role in community mobility. The need for social engagement and the preservation of identity are such strong motivators for community mobility that they can “trump” poor health, pain, functional ability and hazardous conditions. To effectively promote community mobility, the social lives and needs of individuals must be addressed.
Life situation of adults with congenital limb reduction deficiency in Sweden

Abstract Purpose: To describe the current life situation of adults with congenital limb reduction deficiencies (CLRD), living in Sweden, regarding their main daily occupation, leisure activities and self-reported general health. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a study-specific questionnaire, sent by post. Hundred and seventeen persons with different extent, forms and levels of CLRD (mean age 33 years) responded to the questionnaire. Results: Work or study was the main occupation for 86% of the participants and 50% had completed a college or university education. About 7% were unemployed and 3% were on sick leave. The participants were highly involved in social and physical activities during leisure time. The majority reported good or very good general health. Conclusion: This study is the first investigation of the life situation of adults with CLRD described with a perspective from Swedish society. The participants were educated and worked to a great extent, which corresponds well to the Swedish population as a whole. Further research is needed, especially with a focus on the internal perspective of life situation, different aspects of work capacity, occurences of strain injuries and the benefit of assistive devices among adults with CLRD. Implications for Rehabilitation People with CLRD require a health care system with a multi-professional rehabilitation team offering regular contact during their life time. Educational system offering study counselling on all education levels (from primary school to university) is an important type of support for people with any kind of deficiency, in order to find suitable education and profession. Work is of importance for an acceptable life situation. Rehabilitation for people with CLRD should emphasise facilitating their ability to work, through engagement in individual personal capacity and self-efficacy. The majority of people with CLRD are users of prostheses and assistive devices. The benefits of the devices are basic but the rehabilitation should also include aspects of usability and use worthiness for individuals in performing their daily activities.
Separated at Girth: US Twin Estimates of the Effects of Birth Weight

The fetal origins hypothesis asserts that nutrient deprivation in utero can raise chronic disease risk. Within economics, this hypothesis has gained acceptance as a leading explanation for the correlations between birth weight, a proxy for fetal nutrient intake, and adult outcomes. Exploiting birth-weight differences between twins using (a) a newlycreated dataset of twins from 1960-1982 California birth records and (b) the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Birth Cohort, I find birth weight is related to educational attainment, later pregnancy complications, and the birth weight of the next generation. These effects are generally small. However, the protective effects of birth weight vary across the birth-weight distribution. (JEL: I12, I21, J13)
Velocity and Stride Parameters of World-Class 400-Meter Athletes Compared With Less Experienced Runners

Hanon, C and Gajer, B. Velocity and stride parameters of world-class 400-meter athletes compared with less experienced runners. J Strength Cond Res 23(2): 524-531, 2009-The purpose of this study was to determine, based on the time course of the velocity and stride pattern recorded in each 50-m segment of a 400-m competition, whether elite 400-m runners present the same pacing strategy as less successful athletes. Based on video data, 3 different levels of performance were analyzed: world-class, national, and regional levels for both sexes, with each of the 6 groups comprising 5 subjects. The peak velocity was reached by all athletes between the 50- and 100-m marks with mean values of 8.96 and 10.12 m·s−1 for the 5 best women and men, respectively. Peak frequencies were observed in the second and third 50-m segments; peak values were 3.99 ± 0.13 for the world-class women (WWC) and 4.12 ± 0.19 for the men (MWC). A stride length of 2.29 ± 0.04 was observed for the WWC and 2.53 ± 0.08 for the MWC. The better athletes were able to achieve higher absolute and relative velocities (97.6 ± 0.5 [MWC] and 96.3 ± 0.7% [WWC] of their best performance for 200 m) at the 200-m mark compared with the lower-level athletes. Furthermore, the fatigue index was calculated as 22.99, 14.43, and 13.91% for the world-class, national, and regional levels, respectively. In summary, world-class runners adopt a more aggressive pacing strategy and demonstrate greater fatigue than the less experienced runners; this might indicate a greater mental commitment and/or a better capacity to run under fatigue.
Unsuccessful vs. Successful Performance in Snatch Lifts: A Kinematic Approach

Gourgoulis, V, Aggeloussis, N, Garas, A, and Mavromatis, G. Unsuccessful vs. successful performance in snatch lifts: a kinematic approach. J Strength Cond Res 23(2): 486-494, 2009-The purpose of the present study was to determine the kinematic characteristics of snatch movements that result in an unsuccessful performance, involving the barbell's drop in front of the weightlifter. The sample comprised 7 high-level men weightlifters competing at the international level. Their successful and unsuccessful snatch lifts with the same load were recorded with 2 S-VHS camcorders (60 Hz), and selected points onto the body and the barbell were digitized manually using the Ariel Performance Analysis System. The statistical treatment of the data showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between successful and unsuccessful lifts in the angular displacement and velocity data of the lower-limb joints, the trajectory and vertical linear velocity of the barbell, or the generated work and power output during the first and second pulls of the lift. Consequently, the general movement pattern of the limbs and the barbell was not modified in unsuccessful lifts in relation to the successful ones. However, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the direction of the barbell's resultant acceleration vector, suggesting that proper direction of force application onto the barbell is crucial for a successful performance in snatch lifts. Thus, coaches should pay particular attention to the applied force onto the barbell from the first pull.