title: The effects of running a 12-km race on neuromuscular performance measures in recreationally competitive runners

authors: Murray, Lauralee

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Background
The number of individuals participating in organised races is increasing, with few studies undertaken in ecologically-valid settings. Running involves cyclical movements and activation of lower-extremity muscles, with fatigue and foot-strike pattern proposed as factors contributing to running-related injuries.

Research question
Our aim was to investigate the effects of running a 12-km race on plantar pressure distribution, postural balance, foot-strike pattern, and plantar-flexion strength. A secondary aim was to compare actual versus anticipated race finishing times and foot-strike patterns.

Methods
Twenty-four recreationally competitive runners (15 males, 9 females) completed the following tests immediately before and after a 12-km race: (1) plantar pressure distribution in self-selected bilateral stance; (2) 30-seconds eyes-closed feet-together postural balance; (3) running foot-strike angle; and (4) peak plantar-flexion isometric force. In-race foot-strike angle and patterns were also assessed at 3 and 10 km.

Results
Post-race left and right foot plantar pressure distribution, postural balance, and plantar-flexion force measures significantly differed from pre-race measures. These changes were associated with small to large standardised effects (absolute ES: 0.42 to 0.94). On average, the relative pressure under the left foot decreased by 3.2 ± 5.0%; the centre of pressure path length and area of the 95th percentile ellipse from the balance test increased by 5.7 ± 8.9 cm and 18.2 ± 21.3 cm2; and peak plantar-flexion isometric force decreased by 0.23 ± 0.28 times body weight. Participants predicted their finishing times relatively well, but not their foot-strike patterns. No meaningful change in foot-strike angle or pattern was observed pre- to post-race, or between 3 and 10 km.

Significance
Running a 12-km race influenced neuromuscular measures, confirming racing-induced fatigue in our recreationally competitive runners. However, these alterations did not lead to observable changes in foot-strike pattern, indicating that this measure might not be appropriate for quantifying fatigue in recreationally competitive runners.

text: The effects of running a 12-km race on neuromuscular performance measures in recreationally competitive runners Background
The number of individuals participating in organised races is increasing, with few studies undertaken in ecologically-valid settings. Running involves cyclical movements and activation of lower-extremity muscles, with fatigue and foot-strike pattern proposed as factors contributing to running-related injuries.

Research question
Our aim was to investigate the effects of running a 12-km race on plantar pressure distribution, postural balance, foot-strike pattern, and plantar-flexion strength. A secondary aim was to compare actual versus anticipated race finishing times and foot-strike patterns.

Methods
Twenty-four recreationally competitive runners (15 males, 9 females) completed the following tests immediately before and after a 12-km race: (1) plantar pressure distribution in self-selected bilateral stance; (2) 30-seconds eyes-closed feet-together postural balance; (3) running foot-strike angle; and (4) peak plantar-flexion isometric force. In-race foot-strike angle and patterns were also assessed at 3 and 10 km.

Results
Post-race left and right foot plantar pressure distribution, postural balance, and plantar-flexion force measures significantly differed from pre-race measures. These changes were associated with small to large standardised effects (absolute ES: 0.42 to 0.94). On average, the relative pressure under the left foot decreased by 3.2 ± 5.0%; the centre of pressure path length and area of the 95th percentile ellipse from the balance test increased by 5.7 ± 8.9 cm and 18.2 ± 21.3 cm2; and peak plantar-flexion isometric force decreased by 0.23 ± 0.28 times body weight. Participants predicted their finishing times relatively well, but not their foot-strike patterns. No meaningful change in foot-strike angle or pattern was observed pre- to post-race, or between 3 and 10 km.

Significance
Running a 12-km race influenced neuromuscular measures, confirming racing-induced fatigue in our recreationally competitive runners. However, these alterations did not lead to observable changes in foot-strike pattern, indicating that this measure might not be appropriate for quantifying fatigue in recreationally competitive runners.

year: 2019

title: Characterisation of rechargeable batteries

authors: Farrow, Vance

subjects: batteries

abstract: There is a need for an improved method of detecting changes in battery state-of-health. Current methods are inaccurate and lead to early battery retirement and low consumer trust due to public failures of battery management systems such as those in the Nissan Leaf. Recent developments in battery modelling suggest the potential for small signal, ultralow-frequency measurements that will allow the reliable detection of changes in battery state-of-health. 
To verify this method of determining state-of-health an experiment has been performed. Systematic measurement and degradation of the state-of-health of a battery through cycling, and regular measurements of the low frequency impedance, has provided conclusive evidence in support of the proposed method of detecting changes in state-of-health. For the purpose of running this experiment, and others like it in the future, tools have been developed for the systematic degradation and measurement of battery state-of-health, and for taking ultralow-frequency measurements to detect changes in state-of-health.

text: Characterisation of rechargeable batteries There is a need for an improved method of detecting changes in battery state-of-health. Current methods are inaccurate and lead to early battery retirement and low consumer trust due to public failures of battery management systems such as those in the Nissan Leaf. Recent developments in battery modelling suggest the potential for small signal, ultralow-frequency measurements that will allow the reliable detection of changes in battery state-of-health. 
To verify this method of determining state-of-health an experiment has been performed. Systematic measurement and degradation of the state-of-health of a battery through cycling, and regular measurements of the low frequency impedance, has provided conclusive evidence in support of the proposed method of detecting changes in state-of-health. For the purpose of running this experiment, and others like it in the future, tools have been developed for the systematic degradation and measurement of battery state-of-health, and for taking ultralow-frequency measurements to detect changes in state-of-health.

year: 2020

title: Putting the draft learning progression framework - Maori in the New Zealand Curriculum - to work: An Illustration

authors: Johnson, Diane

subjects: Māori language education

abstract: How language curricula are implemented in the classroom is of critical importance. Here, we take one achievement objective from the draft Learning Progression Framework for Māori in mainstream classes and demonstrate one way in which it can be realised as a core integrated skills lesson, that is, as a lesson that introduces new language (core lesson) through all four skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking (an integrated skills lesson). The lesson is preceded by a discussion of the type of planning that accompanies the implementation of language curricula.

text: Putting the draft learning progression framework - Maori in the New Zealand Curriculum - to work: An Illustration How language curricula are implemented in the classroom is of critical importance. Here, we take one achievement objective from the draft Learning Progression Framework for Māori in mainstream classes and demonstrate one way in which it can be realised as a core integrated skills lesson, that is, as a lesson that introduces new language (core lesson) through all four skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking (an integrated skills lesson). The lesson is preceded by a discussion of the type of planning that accompanies the implementation of language curricula.

year: 2003-09