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Background: Spiroergometry is important for modern performance diagnostics, and reference values have been evaluated for bicycle and treadmill ergometers. The aim of this study is to assess the comparability of bicycle and hand-crank spiroergometry and its associated parameters, as hand-crank spiroergometry can be used during rehabilitation in patients with definitive or temporally impairment of the lower extremity. Methods: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers completed 2 exhausting performance diagnostics on hand-crank and bicycle spiroergometry. Participants' anthropometric characteristics, maximum power, multiple exertion criteria, maximum aerobic capacity, and maximum heart rate were detected, and ventilatory and metabolic thresholds were determined. Results: The maximum power, maximum heart rate, maximum aerobic capacity, and ventilatory thresholds were significant higher on the bicycle ergometer (P <.001). The metabolic thresholds occurred on higher lactate values on the hand-crank ergometer. Equations for calculating maximum aerobic capacity from the maximum power measured in either hand-crank or bicycle ergometer could be found through regression analysis. Conclusions: Although there are problems in interpreting results of different ergometries due to severe physiology differences, the equations can be used for patients who are temporally unable to complete the established ergometry due to a deficit in the lower extremity. This could improve training recommendations for patients and para-athletes in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Ankle sprains are a common injury in sports, for which use of external ankle support during rehabilitation has been suggested to improve clinical outcomes. Design: Cohort study. Methods: Thirteen soccer players experiencing acute lateral ankle sprain injury were provided a novel adaptive ankle brace or conventional ankle taping (control) as external ankle support throughout the injury rehabilitation process. All other clinical procedures were identical, and rehabilitation was supervised by the same team staff member. Time from injury to clearance to return to sport was tracked. Player experience with the ankle brace also was queried via electronic surveys. Results: The median time to return to sport was less for the Brace group (52.5 d) compared to the Control group (79.5 d), but the distributions of the 2 groups were not found to differ significantly (P =.109). Player surveys indicated they felt the brace to be comfortable or very comfortable, with better freedom of movement than other braces and the same freedom of movement as wearing no brace. All players reported wearing the brace to be the same or better experience as ankle taping. Discussion: These preliminary results indicate that the adaptive ankle brace is at least as effective as ankle taping for providing external support during the rehabilitation phase following acute lateral ankle sprain and suggest it may be a more effective ankle support solution in terms of patient compliance than conventional bracing or taping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine whether caffeine gum influenced perceptual-cognitive and physical performance during the extra-time period of simulated soccer match-play. Semiprofessional male soccer players (n = 12, age: 22 ± 3 years, stature: 1.78 ± 0.06 m, mass: 75 ± 9 kg) performed 120-min soccer-specific exercise on two occasions. In a triple-blind, randomized, crossover design, players chewed caffeinated (200 mg; caffeine) or control (0 mg; placebo) gum for 5 min following 90 min of soccer-specific exercise. Perceptual-cognitive skills (i.e., passing accuracy, reaction time, composure, and adaptability) were assessed using a soccer-specific virtual reality simulator, collected pre- and posttrial. Neuromuscular performance (reactive-strength index, vertical jump height, absolute and relative peak power output, and negative vertical displacement) and sprint performance (15 and 30 m) were measured at pretrial, half-time, 90 min, and posttrial. Caffeine gum attenuated declines in reaction time (pre: 90.8 ± 0.8 AU to post: 90.7 ± 0.8 AU) by a further 4.2% than placebo (pre: 92.1 ± 0.8 AU to post: 88.2 ± 0.8 AU; p <.01). Caffeine gum reduced composure by 4.7% (pre: 69.1 ± 0.8 AU to post: 65.9 ± 0.8 AU) versus placebo (pre: 68.8 ± 0.8 AU to post: 68.3 ± 0.8 AU; p <.01). Caffeine gum did not influence any other variables (p >.05). Where caffeine gum is consumed by players prior to extra-time, reaction time increases but composure may be compromised, and neuromuscular and sprint performance remain unchanged. Future work should assess caffeine gum mixes with substances like L-theanine that promote a relaxed state under stressful conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the test–retest reliability of running economy (RE) and metabolic and cardiorespiratory parameters related to endurance running performance using a multistage incremental treadmill test. On two occasions separated by 21–28 days, 12 male middle- and long-distance runners ran at 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 km/hr for 8 min each stage, immediately followed by a ramp test to volitional exhaustion. Carbohydrate (10% maltodextrin solution) was consumed before and during the test to provide ∼1 g/min of exercise. RE, minute ventilation ( V ˙ E), oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O 2 ), carbon dioxide production ( V ˙ CO 2 ), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood glucose and lactate concentrations were recorded for each stage and at volitional exhaustion. Time-to-exhaustion (TTE) and peak oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O 2 peak) during the ramp test were also recorded. Absolute reliability, calculated as the coefficient of variation (CV) between repeated measures, ranged from 2.3% to 3.1% for RE, whereas relative reliability, calculated as the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), ranged from.42 to.79. V ˙ E , V ˙ O 2 , V ˙ O 2 peak , V ˙ CO 2 , RER, and HR had a CV of 1.1%–4.3% across all stages. TTE and RPE had a CV of 7.2% and 2.3%–10.8%, respectively, while glucose and lactate had a CV of 4.0%–17.8%. All other parameters, except for blood glucose, were demonstrated to have good-to-excellent relative reliability assessed by ICC. Measures of RE, V ˙ O 2 peak , and TTE were reliable during this two-phase multistage incremental treadmill test in a cohort of trained and highly trained male middle- and long-distance runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this placebo-controlled, triple-blind, balanced crossover study was to assess the acute effects of phenylcapsaicin (PC) intake (2.5 mg) on intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), and heart rate (HR) during a 30-min cycling task performed at 15% of the individual maximal power. Twenty-two healthy young adults performed the cycling task 45 min after ingesting PC or placebo. IOP was measured with a rebound tonometer before exercise, during cycling (every 6 min), and after 5 and 10 min of recovery. OPP was assessed before and after exercise. HR was monitored throughout the cycling task. We found an acute increase of IOP levels related to PC consumption while cycling (mean difference = 1.91 ± 2.24 mmHg; p =.007, η p 2 =.30), whereas no differences were observed for OPP levels between the PC and placebo conditions (mean difference = 1.33 ± 8.70 mmHg; p =.608). Mean HR values were higher after PC in comparison with placebo intake (mean difference = 3.11 ± 15.87 bpm, p =.019, η p 2 =.24), whereas maximum HR did not differ between both experimental conditions (p =.199). These findings suggest that PC intake before exercise should be avoided when reducing IOP levels is desired (e.g., glaucoma patients or those at risk). Future studies should determine the effects of different ergogenic aids on IOP and OPP levels with other exercise configurations and in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to use CBCT to compare the influence of White and Black ethnicity on gingival and bone thickness. A total of 84 individuals of both genders, aged between 18 and 59 years old, were divided into Black (BG; n = 42) and White (WG; n = 42) groups and were analyzed from June 2020 to April 2021. The gingival thickness (GT) and buccal bone plate thickness (BBPT) were measured using CBCT in all maxillary anterior teeth. Mann-Whitney, t test, chi-square, Pearson correlation, and Spearman correlation were used for comparisons and correlations with a 5% significance level. Black individuals had mean GT (1.45 ± 0.29 mm) and BBPT (1.07 ± 0.21 mm) significantly thicker (gingival: P < .0001; bone: P = .0002) than White individuals (1.17 ± 0.28 mm and 0.91 ± 0.17 mm, respectively). The variables presented greater values for men. A positive correlation between the BBPT and GT was found in two teeth in the WG (left and right central incisors) and one tooth in the BG (left canine). Moreover, a correlation between BBPT and GT immediately below the alveolar bone crest (0 mm) was found in four teeth in the WG (left and right lateral and central incisors) and the BG (left and right canine, left lateral and central incisors). Black race was shown to significantly influence the GT and BBPT, with Black patients presenting thicker structures than White patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research interest in thriving at work has burgeoned over the past decades, but little is known about how human resource (HR) practices affect employees' thriving at work. Drawing upon self‐determination theory and person‐organization fit theory, we developed and tested a moderated mediation model to explain how fun HR practices influence employees' thriving at work. The results of two studies, a scenario experiment (N = 164) and a time‐lagged survey (N = 253), supported our hypotheses. Specifically, the findings revealed that fun HR practices relates positively to employees' thriving at work. Autonomous motivation partially mediates the abovementioned relationship. Furthermore, fun HR practices translate into higher autonomous motivation and subsequent thriving at work for employees with higher preference for workplace fun. Our research contributes to the existing literature by identifying fun HR practices as an antecedent of thriving at work and revealing the psychological mechanisms through which fun HR practices affect employees' thriving at work. The practical implications, limitations, and future research avenues are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the test–retest reliability and usefulness of the foot–ankle rebound-jump test (FARJT) for measuring foot–ankle reactive strength metrics in athletes. Methods: Thirty-six highly trained, healthy athletes (5 female; 21.5 [3.9] y; 1.80 [0.10] m; 72.7 [10.4] kg) performed 8 repeated bilateral vertical foot–ankle rebound jumps on 2 testing days. Testing days were 1 week apart, and these sessions were preceded by a familiarization session. Reactive strength metrics were calculated by dividing jump height (in meters) by contact time (in seconds) for the reactive strength index (RSI) and flight time (in seconds) by contact time (in seconds) for the reactive strength ratio (RSR). The mean of 4 jumps (excluding the first and last 2 jumps) on each testing session were considered for RSI and RSR reliability and usefulness analysis. Results: We found a high reliability of the FARJT for RSI (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] >.90 and coefficient of variation [CV] = 12%) and RSR (ICC ≥.90 and CV = 8%). Regarding their usefulness, both RSI and RSR were rated as "marginal" in detecting the smallest worthwhile change (typical error > smallest worthwhile change) and "good" in detecting a moderate change in performance. Conclusions: The results showed that a FARJT is a highly reliable test for measuring foot–ankle reactive strength in athletes and useful for quantifying changes, for example, following a training block. However, its usefulness as an accurate daily or weekly monitoring tool in practice is questionable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: High secondary injury rates after orthopedic surgeries have motivated concern toward the construct validity of return-to-sport test batteries, as it is evident that common strength and functional assessments fail to elicit pertinent behaviors like visual search and reactive decision making. This study aimed to establish the test–retest reliability of 2 reactive agility tasks and evaluate the impact of visual perturbation on physical performance. Methods: Fourteen physically active individuals completed 2 agility tasks with reaction time (ie, 4 corner agility), working memory, and pathfinding (ie, color recall) components. Participants completed both tasks 4 times in 2 sessions scheduled 7 days apart. Outcomes included performance metrics of reaction time, time to target, number of targets, and total time assessed with reactive training timing gates. To assess test–retest reliability, we used intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Stroboscopic goggles induced visual perturbation during the fourth trial of each task. To assess the effect of visual perturbation, we used paired t tests and calculated performance costs. Results: The 4-corner agility task demonstrated excellent reliability with respect to reaction time (ICC3,1 =.907, SEM = 0.13, MDC = 0.35 s); time to light (ICC3,1 =.935, SEM = 0.07, MDC = 0.18 s); and number of lights (ICC3,1 =.800, SEM = 0.24, MDC = 0.66 lights). The color recall task demonstrated good-to-excellent test–retest reliability for time to lights (ICC3,1 =.818–.953, SEM = 0.07–0.27, MDC = 0.19–0.74 s); test time (ICC3,1 =.969, SEM = 5.43, MDC = 15.04 s); and errors (ICC3,1 =.882, SEM = 0.19, MDC = 0.53 errors). Visual perturbation resulted in increased time to target (P =.022–.011), number of targets (P =.039), and total test time (P =.013) representing moderate magnitude degradation of performance (d = 0.55–0.87, performance costs = 5%–12%). Conclusions: Both tasks demonstrated acceptable test–retest reliability. Performance degraded on both tasks with the presence of visual perturbation. These results suggest standardized reactive agility tasks are reliable and could be developed as components of dynamic RTS testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The hip adductor and abductor muscles play vital roles as stabilizers in the lower-extremity. Their activation during soccer-specific actions is essential, but local muscular fatigue can hinder athletic performance and increase the risk of injury. Design: This study aimed to observe the variations in frontal plane hip strength in female college soccer players before and after a high-workload soccer-specific training session. Furthermore, the study sought to compare the relative changes in hip strength with the internal and external load measures obtained during that session. Methods: Twenty female college soccer players participated in a retrospective observational study. Isometric hip adductor and abductor strength were measured before and after a training session in the college spring season. Measurements were taken with a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET 2) while the players were supine. Global positioning system sensors (Catapult Vector S7), commonly worn by players during training sessions and competitive matches, were used to measure external and internal loads. Statistical analyses were performed using paired samples t test to assess hip adductor and abductor strength changes before and after the training session. Spearman rank was used to identify correlation coefficients between global positioning system data and isometric hip strength. Results: The findings revealed significant decreases in the strength of the right hip adduction (P =.012, −7% relative change), right abduction (P =.009, −7.6% relative change), and left abduction (P =.016, −4.9% relative change) after the training session. Furthermore, relative decreases in hip isometric adduction and abduction strength are related to the distance covered at high speeds. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight that hip isometric adduction and abduction strength tend to decrease after exposure to high workloads during soccer-specific training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week ballistic-strength-training program using a validated specific throwing device (ie, Arm/Shoulder Specific Strength Device), on isokinetic shoulders' rotation muscle-torques and ratios as well as range of motion in team handball players. Design: A repeated-measures experimental design with a randomized controlled trial was used. Methods: Twenty-six high-level competitive male U-19 team handball players were randomly assigned into training (TG, n = 15) and control (n = 11) groups. The TG undertook a twice a week for 8-week periodized throws program with an individually predetermined optimal load. The program incorporated shackled eccentric and concentric exercises using the Arm/Shoulder Specific Strength Device. Peak torques, functional, and conventional ratios for both arms at different angular velocities (60°·s−1, 180°·s−1, and 300°·s−1) were assessed over time and between groups, using an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: A significant improvement for TG (P <.01; d = 1.13 [moderate]; +20.2%) of the concentric peak torques for dominant arm in external rotation was observed at 300°·s−1. Significant (P <.05–.01) increases were also noted for nondominant arm at the 3 studied angular velocities. In addition, 300°·s−1 eccentric peak torques of the dominant arm and nondominant arm have significantly improved for both external and internal rotations (P <.05; d =.99 [moderate] and d = 1.21 [large]; +15.7% and + 17.9%, respectively) with small changes at the other angular assessed velocities. Posttraining, TG's dominant arm showed significant improvements (P <.05–.01) in functional and conventional ratios at all velocities. Notably, significant differences (P <.05–.01) were observed at 60°·s−1 and across all velocities when comparing the TG with the control group. TG showed significant increase for internal rotation and external rotation shoulder range of motions (P <.05; d = 1.22–1.27 [large]), +5.0% and +7.7%, respectively). Conclusions: The specific 8-week throwing training program on the Arm/Shoulder Specific Strength Device showed significant performance improvements in almost all assessed isokinetic concentric and eccentric peak torques as well as internal and external range of motion increase for both arms while ensuring rotator cuff torque ratios and shoulder mobility in team handball real sport-specific condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Blood flow restriction resistance exercise studies often require caffeine abstinence to avoid cardiovascular effects that could change the blood flow restriction stimulus. However, effects may be attenuated for habituated users. Objective: To compare cardiovascular responses to blood flow restriction resistance exercise when habituated users consume or abstain from caffeine. Design: Thirty participants completed a 3-visit within-subject study beginning with familiarization and caffeine intake questionnaire. Methods: Visits 2 and 3 consisted of blood flow restriction resistance exercise (3 sets bicep curls to failure, 30% 1-repetition max, 40% arterial occlusion pressure [AOP]), following participants' normal caffeine consumption (CAFF) or abstaining (ABS). AOP, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and heart rate were measured preexercise and postexercise. Prevalues and preexercise to postexercise change scores for SBP, DBP, AOP (all millimeters of mercury), heart rate (in beats per minute), and repetitions were compared between conditions. Results are represented as mean (SD). Results: Preexercise AOP was similar for CAFF (137.8 [14.4]) and ABS (137.1 [14.9], BF10 = 0.2), although pre-SBP was higher for CAFF (115.4 [9.8]) than ABS (112.3 [9.4], BF10 = 1.9). Pre-DBP was similar between conditions. The exercise-induced change in AOP was greater for CAFF (18.4 [11.2]) than ABS (13.2 [14.9]), though evidence was anecdotal (BF10 = 0.7). Exercise-induced changes in SBP, DBP, and heart rate were similar between conditions (all BF10 ≤ 0.40). More repetitions were completed for CAFF (63 [26]) than ABS (57 [17], BF10 = 2.1). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that for habituated users, maintaining daily caffeine habits will not have substantial effects on common cardiovascular variables relevant to blood flow restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Match-related performance analysis in judo Para athletes with visual impairments is important to coaches and staff to identify technical–tactical profiles of their athletes and opponents but also to identify whether there are similar characteristics in each visual class. Thus, this study explores the match-related performance in judo Para athletes and verifies the relationship between performance using the old and new classification systems. The match-derived variables were analyzed using different statistical methods considering a total of 182 matches from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The results indicated that performance was affected by sex and degree of impairment. The new classification system seems suitable for grouping Para judo athletes, as it differentiates performance between the two proposed classes (J1 and J2), since athletes from each group compete separately. Furthermore, different variability index measures were correlated with competitive performance, demonstrating a specific performance profile for each sport class in judo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Dual-task (simultaneous cognitive–motor activities) assessments have been adapted into reliable and valid clinical concussion measures. However, abundant motor and cognitive variations leave researchers and clinicians uncertain about which combinations elicit the intended dual-task effect. Our objective was to examine differences between commonly employed dual-task motor and cognitive combinations among healthy, college-aged individuals. Design: Cross-sectional laboratory study. Methods: Twenty participants (age: 21.3 [2.4] y; height: 176.0 [9.1] cm; mass: 76.0 [16.4] kg; 20% with concussion history) completed 4 motor tasks (gait, tandem gait, single-leg balance, and tandem balance) under 5 cognitive conditions (single task, subtraction, month reversal, spelling backward, and visual Stroop) in a research laboratory. The motor performance outcomes were spatiotemporal variables for gait and tandem gait and center of pressure path length (in centimeters) for single-leg and tandem balance. Cognitive outcomes were response rate (responses/second) and cognitive accuracy. We used separate repeated-measures analyses of variance for each motor and cognitive outcome with post hoc Tukey t tests. Results: Gait velocity, gait stride length, and tandem gait velocity demonstrated significant cognitive–motor interactions (P's <.001) such that all dual-task conditions resulted in varyingly slower or shorter movement than single task. Conversely, single-leg balance (P =.627) and tandem balance (P =.434) center of pressure path length did not significantly differ among the dual-task cognitive conditions or relative to single task. Statistically significant cognitive–motor interactions were observed only for spelling backward accuracy (P =.004) and response rates for spelling backward, month reversal, and visual Stroop (P's <.001) such that worse accuracy, but faster response rates, occurred during motor tasks. Conclusions: Gait and tandem gait motor tasks accompanied with spelling backward or subtraction cognitive tasks demonstrated consistently strong dual-task effects and, therefore, may be the best suited for clinical and research use following concussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Mindfulness interventions (yoga, meditation) in traumatic brain injury populations show promising improvements in injury outcomes. However, most studies include all injury severities and use in-person, general programming lacking accessibility and specificity to the nuance of concussion. Therefore, this study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an online, concussion-focused meditation intervention among young adults with a concussion history. Design: Unblinded, single-arm, pilot intervention. Methods: Fifteen young adults aged 18 to 30 with a concussion history within the past 5 years completed 10 to 20 minutes per day of online, guided meditations for 6 weeks. Feasibility was assessed using the Feasibility of Intervention Measure. Concussion symptoms were measured using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire, perceived stress the Perceived Stress Scale-10, and mindfulness the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics described the study sample and determined intervention adherence and feasibility. Paired sample t tests were used to examine preintervention/postintervention changes in concussion symptoms, perceived stress, and mindfulness, with descriptive statistics further detailing significant t tests. Results: Fifteen participants were enrolled, and 12 completed the intervention. The majority completed 5+ days per week of the meditations, and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (17.4 [1.8]) scores indicated high feasibility. Concussion symptom severity significantly decreased after completing the meditation intervention (11.3 [10.3]) compared with before the intervention (24.5 [17.2]; t[11] = 3.0, P =.01). The number of concussion symptoms reported as worse than before their concussion significantly decreased after completing the meditation intervention (2.7 [3.9]) compared with before the intervention (8.0 [5.7]; t[11] = 3.7, P =.004). Postintervention, 83.33% (n = 10) reported lower concussion symptom severity, and 75.00% (n = 9) reported less concussion symptoms as a mild, moderate, or severe problem (ie, worse than before injury). Conclusions: Findings suggest positive adherence and feasibility of the meditation intervention, with the majority reporting concussion symptom improvement postintervention. Future research is necessary to expand these pilot findings into a large trial investigating concussion-specific meditation programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Unlike the most common training approaches for bodybuilding, powerlifting programs are generally based on maximum and submaximal loads, putting enormous stresses on the lumbar spine. The flexion relaxation phenomenon evaluation is a clinical tool used for low back pain (LBP) assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the role of the flexion relaxation phenomenon in the analysis of LBP in the powerlifters. Methods: Healthy professional powerlifters participated in the study. In fact, we divided the participants into a LBP-low-risk group and a LBP-high-risk group, based on a prior history of LBP. Outcome measures included flexion relaxation ratio (FRR) and trough surface electromyography collected during trunk maximum voluntary flexion; furthermore, during a bench press lifting, we measured the height of the arched back (ARCH), using a camera and the Kinovea video editing software, to consider a potential correlation with the risk of LBP. Results: We included a group of 18 male (aged 24–39 y) powerlifters of 93 kg category. We measured a nonsignificant mean difference of ARCH between low-risk LBP group and high-risk LBP subjects. Curiously, maximum voluntary flexions were both above the threshold of 3.2 μV; therefore, with an absence of appropriate myoelectric silence, on the contrary, the FRR ratios were higher than 9.5, considering the presence of the phenomenon, exclusively for the low-risk group. The lumbar arched back measurement data did not report any association with the LBP risk, regarding the maximum voluntary flexion value, and even more than the FRR there is a relationship with the presence or the absence of LBP risk. Conclusions: FRR could be considered as a useful parameter for studying the risk of LBP in powerlifting. The FRR index not only refers to the possible myoelectric silence of the lumbar muscles in trunk maximum forward flexion but also takes into account the energy value delivered by the lumbar muscles during the flexion. Furthermore, we can indicate that the size of the powerlifter ARCH may not be a determining factor in the occurrence of LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Sport-specific adaptations in shoulder rotation range of motion (ROM) and the relationship with humeral torsion have been described in overhead-throwing sports. However, information is lacking for other shoulder-loading sports such as field hockey. Therefore, this study's purpose was to evaluate humeral torsion in elite, male field hockey players and explore its association with shoulder ROM. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-five male, elite field hockey players were included. Humeral torsion and shoulder external and internal rotation ROM were evaluated bilaterally by ultrasound and an inclinometer smartphone application, respectively. Results: Field hockey players showed a significantly increased humeral retroversion on the dominant compared with the nondominant side (P <.001; Cohen d = 1.75), along with a significantly increased external (P =.004; Cohen d = −0.64) and decreased internal rotation ROM (P =.003; Cohen d = 0.65). This finding illustrates a shift in total shoulder rotational ROM arc. Correlation analysis showed a significant moderate association between the increased humeral retroversion and decreased internal rotation ROM on the dominant side (r =.523). Conclusions: Elite male field hockey athletes show sport-specific adaptations regarding humeral torsion and shoulder rotation ROM, similar to throwing athletes. These findings increase our insight into the field hockey athlete's shoulder, which is essential to optimize performance and assist in correctly interpreting shoulder rotational ROM measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the immediate and delayed effects of kinesiotape (KT) on postural control and patient-reported outcome measures under challenging conditions in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Methods: Thirty-two anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed patients for whom 6 months had passed since their operation were randomly assigned to either the KT (n = 16, aged 21.8 [5.5] y) or the placebo KT (n = 16, aged 24.0 [5.1] y) groups. Initially, both groups stood barefoot on a force platform while performing postural tasks in 4 randomized conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, cognitive task, and foam). Before the experiment, patients would bring the 4 conditions, which were written on folded papers, one by one, and in this way, the order of conditions for the examiners was determined. The patients' evaluations were conducted immediately and 48 hours after KT application. Postural control measures, with area and displacement of the center of pressure (CoP) in anterior--posterior and medial--lateral directions, and mean total velocity displacement of CoP (MVELO CoP) served as dependent variables. In addition, the International Knee Documentation Committee score was measured pretreatment and 48 hours posttreatment. Results: Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for displacement of COP in medial--lateral direction (P = .002) and MVELO CoP (P = .034). MVELO CoP significantly decreased (mean difference = 0.60, P = .009) immediately after KT application compared with preapplication measures. In the placebo group, a statistically significant decrease in MVELO CoP (mean difference = 0.869, P = .001) was observed at 48 hours post-KT compared with preapplication values. International Knee Documentation Committee scores significantly improved at 48 hours post-KT application in both groups (P < .05). Conclusions: Though observed at different time points, both KT (immediately after the intervention) and placebo KT (48 h after the intervention) were found to improve postural control measures. It appears that the changes in postural control may be more related to proprioceptive enhancement due to KT rather than the specific KT pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Piriformis syndrome is often associated with muscle spasms and shortening of the piriformis muscle (PM). Physical therapy, including static stretching of the PM, is one of the treatments for this syndrome. However, the effective stretching position ofthe PM is unclear in vivo. This study aimed to determine the effective stretching positions of the PM using ultrasonic shear wave elastography. Design: Observational study. Methods: Twenty-one healthy young men (22.7 [2.41 y) participated in this study. The shear elastic modulus of the PM was measured at 12 stretching positions using shear wave elastography. Three of the 12 positions were tested with maximum internal rotation at 0°, 20°, or 40° hip adduction in 90° hip flexion. Nine of the 12 positions were tested with maximum external rotation at positions combined with 3 hip-flexion angles (70°, 90°, and 110°) and 3 hip-adduction angles (0°, 20°, and 40°). Results.' The shear elastic modulus of the PM was significantly higher in the order of 40°, 20°, and 0° of adduction and higher in external rotation than in internal rotation. The shear elastic modulus of the PM was significantly greater in combined 110° hip flexion and 40° adduction with maximum external rotation than in all other positions. Conclusion.- This study revealed that the position in which the PM was most stretched was maximum external rotation with 110° hip ftexion and 40° hip adduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The monitoring of training loads and quantification of physical performance are common practices in youth soccer academies to support coaches in prescribing and programming training for individuals. The interaction between training load and physical performance is unknown during a preseason period in youth soccer players. The current study assessed changes in training load and physical assessments across a 4-week preseason period. The relationship between physical performance and match playing time in youth male soccer players was also investigated. Methods: The training loads of 25 professional youth academy male soccer players were monitored throughout a 4-week preseason period. Assessments of power, agility, speed, and aerobic capacity were undertaken in the first training session. Session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE) and well-being questionnaires were collected during all training sessions and preseason matches. Playing time during subsequent competitive matches was recorded. Results: T test and 30-m-sprint assessments, conducted on the first day of preseason, were predictors of sRPE throughout preseason (t test χ2/df = 2.895, poor adjustment; 30-m sprint χ2/df = 1.608, good adjustment). YoYo Test performance was related with changes in perceived fatigue (χ2/df = 0.534, very good adjustment). Faster players reported higher values of sRPE, and players with higher aerobic capacity reported higher levels of fatigue across preseason. Well-being, perceived fatigue and soreness, and sRPE decreased across preseason. Greater match durations were related to higher levels of fatigue during preseason (P <.05). Conclusion: The current study highlights the relationship between training load, physical assessments, and playing time. Coaches and practitioners can use physical test data at the start of preseason as an indication of players that report higher sRPE, perceived fatigue, and reduced well-being across preseason, supporting decisions around individualized training prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous literature has demonstrated the mediating role of adiposity in the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cardiometabolic risk as well as the potential role of CRF in attenuating the adverse consequences associated with excess weight. This study aimed to evaluate the mediating role of CRF and adiposity in the possible association with cardiometabolic risk. Method: Observational 3-year longitudinal study that included 420 children and adolescents (10.50 [2.05] y of age at baseline; 56.2% girls). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and CRF was evaluated using field assessments. A clustered cardiometabolic risk score (cMetS) was calculated from glucose, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and triglycerides z scores. Analyses evaluated the mediating role of BMI in the association between CRF and cMetS as well as whether CRF mediated the association between BMI and cMetS. Results: BMI at baseline was directly associated with the cMetS at follow-up (0.102; 95% confidence interval, 0.020 to 0.181), independently of CRF, whereas CRF was only indirectly associated with cMetS at follow-up through BMI (−0.036; 95% confidence interval, −0.070 to −0.009), meaning that the association between CRF and cMetS was explained via the mediation role of BMI. Conclusions: BMI presented direct association with cMetS, whereas CRF exhibited indirect association with cMetS mediated via BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Decreased trunk neuromuscular control is a risk factor for both upper- and lower-extremity injuries, yet there are few reliable and valid clinical tests to identify deficits. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and known-groups validity of a novel clinical test, the seated trunk control test (STCT). Design: Cross-sectional reliability and known-groups validity study. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: 89 unique participants: 34 were 3 months postoperative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and 55 healthy controls. Methods: For the STCT, participants sat on a balance board with their eyes closed for three 30-second trials while investigators counted balance errors. Intraclass correlations (ICCs) were used to assess interrater reliability (N = 20) and test–retest reliability (N = 40). To assess known-groups validity, independent t tests were used to compare STCT errors at 3 months post-ACLR with healthy matched controls (N = 34/group). Area under a receiver operating characteristic curve identified an optimal cutoff for distinguishing between groups. Results: The STCT had perfect interrater reliability (ICC2,3 = 1.00) and good test–retest reliability (ICC3,3 =.79; 95% confidence interval =.61–.89). The ACLR group made significantly more errors on the STCT (mean [SD] = 15.5 [5.4]) than controls (mean [SD] = 8.2 [4.1]; P <.001, Cohen d = 1.52). The STCT's ability to distinguish between groups was excellent (area under a ROC curve = 0.86). A cutoff of 12 errors maximized sensitivity (76%) and specificity (85%). Conclusions: The STCT is reliable between raters and across days. It also has excellent ability to distinguish between individuals with a recent ACLR and healthy matched controls, which provides initial evidence to suggest that the STCT may be clinically useful for identifying deficits in trunk neuromuscular control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Imbalances in upper-extremity soft tissue stiffness may play a role in the development of shoulder and elbow musculoskeletal injuries in tennis players. Ultrasound shear wave elastography provides quantifiable and specific data regarding muscle stiffness. The purpose of this study was to compare tendon and muscle stiffness in healthy tennis players to nontennis players. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The shear wave modulus, measured in kilopascals, was obtained for the dominant pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and common wrist-extensor tendon using 2-dimensional shear wave elastography ultrasound imaging (GE Logiq S8, L9 linear transducer). Independent t test was run to compare age, body mass index, and the activity index score between both groups. Within-day intrarater reliability was assessed using a within-examiner intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [3, 1]) with 95% confidence intervals. A multivariate general linear model was run to compare the mean differences between the tennis and nontennis players for each of the soft tissues. Results: Twenty-six individuals (13 tennis players and 13 nontennis players) were recruited. Within-day ICCs were very good (ICC >.78 for the pectoralis musculature) and excellent (ICC >.94 for the common wrist extensor). Common extensor tendon stiffness was significantly higher in tennis players compared to nontennis players (mean difference = 114.8 [61.8], confidence interval, −22.8 to 252.5 kPa for the dominant arm [P =.039]). Mean pectoralis major and minor stiffness differences were not significant (P >.214). Conclusions: Common wrist-extensor stiffness in healthy recreational tennis players is higher than those who do not play tennis. Therefore, clinicians may need to facilitate a greater soft tissue stiffness response with resistance training when rehabilitating recreational tennis players as compared to those not playing tennis. Additional normative data on a larger sample of recreational tennis players should be collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Wheelchair Power Soccer (WPS) is the only team sport that allows the participation of people with severe physical disabilities who require the daily use of motorized wheelchairs. These individuals may live with chronic pain due to the characteristics of the disabilities and treatments, interfering with their health and limiting their participation in sports. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and its relationship with mood in WPS players and to analyze the incidence of traumatic injuries during a championship. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal study was carried out on 30 WPS athletes (93.33% male) with a mean (SD) (range) age of 22.37 (9.79) (47) years. Data collection was performed during a South American WPS Championship lasting 3 days, with: investigation of the presence of musculoskeletal pain and mood through a questionnaire; investigation of the occurrence of traumatic injuries through match observation; and confirmation of the occurrence of traumatic injuries through access to medical department records. Results: About 30% (n = 9/30) of the sample presented some pain on the day of evaluation, with an intensity of 5.67 (3.35) (10) points on the visual analog scale. The most common regions of pain were the lower back (13.3%, n = 4/30), thoracic (10%; n = 3/30), and cervical (10%; n = 3/30) areas of the spine. A total of 46.7% (n = 14/30) reported pain in the month before data collection but of less intensity (2.56 [4] [10] points), the most common regions being the lower limbs (20%; n = 6/30) and cervical spine (20%; n = 6/30). Among the between-group comparisons (ie, participants with pain vs without pain), no relationship was observed between mood state and pain. No traumatic injuries were identified during the competition. Conclusion: The presence of musculoskeletal pain was common in WPS players, but it was not related to mood. As no traumatic injuries were observed during the championship, this modality seems to be safe for people with physical disabilities in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Suspension training devices are becoming increasingly popular. Most studies analyzed the effectiveness according to diverse measures in patients with or without conditions at any age. The characteristics of suspension training are very specific and can increase instability and; therefore, enhance balance. The goal was to determine the effects of suspension training on balance by comparing it with instability training. Design: Two-arm, randomized trial. Methods: 44 young adults, aged 22.4 years old, with no musculoskeletal condition, took part. There were 2 interventions, suspension and instability training, designed with 12 sessions in 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the Y-Balance test. Other balance outcomes were the Emery and jumping sideways tests, and platform measures while standing. Results: Suspension and instability training were effective in enhancing balance in terms of the primary outcome, the Y-Balance test, with no between-group differences. Instability training enhanced the Emery test over suspension training (P =.018), but the latter was more effective in the jumping sideways test (P =.003). Neither of the training improved static balance measures. Conclusions: Training with suspension devices is effective in enhancing dynamic balance, with similar improvements to instability training. Importantly, the magnitude of change and the frequency of responders to intervention in terms of motor coordination and keeping balance in unstable conditions appear to be sensitive to the type of training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because high‐status employees make disproportional contributions to firms, prior literature suggests that their departure would undermine various organizational outcomes. Building on recent literature, however, we suspect that a high‐status employee may have seized disproportional resources and credits from coworkers, thereby restricting them from performing, particularly when the work context is more independent and contested. As a result, the departure of a high‐status employee may bring staying coworkers more resources and incentives to perform, causing their performance to improve. To test this possibility, we examine the effect of high‐status analysts' departure on the individual performance of analysts who remain, using a sample of sell‐side analysts in Chinese financial brokerage firms. Employing a before‐and‐after treatment research design, we find evidence that after the departure of a high‐status analyst, the staying coworkers' individual performance is significantly improved. It is particularly so when they share greater industry overlap with the departing analyst. Our extensional analyses also investigate additional contingencies, which helps provide valuable hints about possible mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safety literature has traditionally focused on identifying and managing risk factors that lead to safety outcomes (e.g., injuries, accidents, death) at work. The current study takes a new perspective on employee safety and proposes that safety‐related experience has more general work implications. Drawing on theories of stress coping and workplace anxiety, we test a mechanism on how employees' daily experiences of safety threats are related to their work behavior via negative emotional reactions. Specifically, we focus on employees' experiences of safety violations on the way to work and at work during the ongoing struggles with COVID‐19. Our daily diary study (Level 1 N = 778, Level 2 N = 84; office workers in South Korea) shows that experiencing safety violations during the daily commute and at work is associated with increased state health anxiety at work, which then translates into work withdrawal on that day. Furthermore, we introduce organizational safety climate as an important mitigating factor of this stress‐coping process, as such a climate can emphasize management's commitment to safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ideal implant placement in atrophied posterior mandibular regions is challenging due to surgical difficulties and anatomical limitations. This study aimed to evaluate the use of allogeneic bone rings for vertical augmentation of atrophied posterior mandibular regions with simultaneous implants compared to autogenous bone rings, while avoiding donor site morbidity. Method and materials: A total of 24 vertically atrophied posterior mandibular segments (in 14 patients) were equally randomized into a study group in which mineralized freeze-dried allogeneic bone rings were used, and a control group in which autogenous bone rings with prepared implant osteotomies were harvested from the chin and used. All augmentation sites were prepared before inserting the bone rings. Implants were simultaneously inserted, fixing the bone rings into the native bone. All patients were clinically assessed after 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month. Crestal bone level was radiographically assessed after lweek, 6 months, and 3 months of prosthetic loading. Results: None of the 24 bone rings showed signs of implant or graft failure. There was no significant difference in the crestal bone level between the groups. Conclusion: Allogeneic bone rings can be a viable alternative to autogenous bone rings in augmenting the posterior aspect of the mandible, mitigating the concerns associated with donor site complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Plantar intrinsic foot muscle strength training is difficult to master to a degree sufficient to elicit muscle hypertrophy in most individuals. It is possible that combining neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) and blood flow restriction (BFR) can elicit plantar intrinsic foot muscle hypertrophy regardless of the individual's technique. This study aimed to determine the effects of NMES training with BFR on acute muscle swelling in the abductor hallucis. Design: Randomized, controlled, single-blind trial design. Methods: Forty-eight participants were randomly allocated to the NMES + BFR, NMES, or Sham NMES + BFR groups. All participants received abductor hallucis NMES for 15 minutes. Participants in the NMES + BFR and Sham NMES + BFR groups received NMES with BFR. The intensity of NMES was the sensory threshold in the Sham NMES + BFR group. The cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis was measured pretraining and posttraining using ultrasonography by a single investigator blinded to the participants' allocations. Results: After 15 minutes of training, the cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis was significantly increased in the NMES + BFR (P<.001) and the Sham NMES + BFR (P = .004) groups. Moreover, the rate of increase was significantly higher in the NMES + BFR group than in the NMES or the Sham NMES + BFR groups (P<.001 and P = . 001, respectively). Conclusions: Since it is possible that the amount of muscle swelling immediately after training correlates with muscle hypertrophy when training is continued, the results of this study suggest that NMES training with BFR is a training method that can be expected to produce plantar intrinsic foot muscle hypertrophy. Further studies are needed to confirm the long-term effects of NMES training with BFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Flossing is still a relatively new technique that has yielded varied results in the research literature; therefore, it requires further investigation. Previous research has shown that thigh tissue flossing might improve performance in countermovement jump, sprint time, maximum voluntary contraction, and rate of force development. Design. The present study aims to investigate the effect of the floss band on performance during the Wingate test (30-WAT), muscle oxygen saturation (SpO2), and total hemoglobin in vastus lateralis. Methods: Twenty-two students of physical education and sport (11 men and 11 women) were randomly selected to complete either the Wingate test with the application of a floss band in warm-up or the Wingate test without the use of a floss band, followed by the alternative 24 hours apart. Results: Throughout the testing, the floss band did not affect performance values during the Wingate test (relative peak power, relative average power, and fatigue index). However, there was a medium to large effect difference during 1 minute prior to 30-WAT (PRE), during the 30-WAT, and 10-minute recovery (REC) in values of SpO2 and total hemoglobin. Use of floss band displayed a higher SpO2 during PRE, 30-WAT, and REC by ~13.55%, d<2; ~19.06%, d = 0.89; and ~8.55%, d = 0.59, respectively. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings indicate that the application of thigh flossing during warm-up has no effect on 30-WAT performance; however, SpO2 was significantly increased in all stages of testing. This could lead to potential improvement in repeated anaerobic exercise due to increased blood flow. Increased muscle oxygen saturation can also lead to improved tissue healing as oxygen supply is essential for tissue repair, wound healing, and pain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driving posture can lead to musculoskeletal pain. Most work focuses on the lower back; therefore, we know little about automobile seat design and neck posture. This study evaluated an automobile driver seat that individualized upper back support to improve head and neck posture. Specifically, we examined the system's impact on anterior head translation with secondary outcomes of spine posture and perceptions of comfort/well-being compared with a control. Forty participants were block randomized to experience either the activated or deactivated version of the same seating system first. Participants completed two 30-minute simulated driving trials, separated by washout, with continuous measures of anterior head translation, spine posture, and pelvis orientation. Perceptions of comfort/well-being were assessed by survey and open-ended questions immediately following each condition. Small, but statistically significant decreases in anterior head translation and posterior pelvic tilt occurred with the activated seat system. Participants reported lower satisfaction with the activated seat system. Order of the 2 seat conditions affected differences in pelvis orientation and participant perceptions of comfort/well-being. An anthropometric-based seat system targeting upper back support can significantly affect head and pelvic posture but not satisfaction during simulated driving. Future work should examine long-term impacts of these posture changes on health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) to assess the moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) level of children and adolescents diagnosed with HIV and propose cut-points, with accelerometer measures as the reference method. Method: Children and adolescents, aged 8–14 years (mean age = 12.21 y, SD = 2.09), diagnosed with HIV by vertical transmission, participated in the study. MVPA was investigated through the PAQ-C and triaxial accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+). Receiver operating characteristic curve and sensitivity and specificity values were used to identify a cut-point for PAQ-C to distinguish participants meeting MVPA guidelines. Results: Fifty-six children and adolescents participated in the study. Among those, 16 met MVPA guidelines. The PAQ-C score was significantly related to accelerometry-derived MVPA (ρ =.506, P <.001). The PAQ-C score cut-point of 2.151 (sensitivity = 0.625, specificity = 0.875) was able to discriminate between those who met MVPA guidelines and those that did not (area under the curve = 0.751, 95% confidence interval, 0.616–0.886). Conclusion: The PAQ-C was useful to investigate MVPA among children and adolescents diagnosed with HIV and to identify those who meet MVPA guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the core temperature fluctuations during 10-km open-water swimming (OWS) in cool water and the relationship between thermal sensation (TS) after 10-km OWS, core temperature, and local skin thermal sensitivity. Methods: Nine highly trained OWS swimmers (4 female; age 22 [3] y) completed a single 10-km trial in cool water (22.3 °C) wearing swimsuits for OWS. During the trial, core temperature was continuously recorded via ingestible temperature sensors, and TS after trial was also measured. Then, local skin warm/cool sensitivity was measured in the forearm. Results: All swimmers completed the 10-km OWS. Mean swimming speed for males and females were 1.39 (1.37–1.42 m/s) and 1.33 m/s (1.29–1.38 m/s), respectively. Core temperature increased in 8 out of 9 swimmers during 10-km OWS (P =.047), with an average increase of 0.8 °C. TS after 10-km OWS varied among swimmers. There were no correlations between post-OWS TS and post-OWS core temperature (P =.9333), whereas there was a negative correlation between post-OWS TS and local skin cool sensitivity (P =.0056). Conclusion: These results suggest that core temperature in elite swimmers might not decrease during 10-km OWS in the cool water temperature of official OWS. In addition, individual differences in TS after 10-km OWS may be related to skin cool sensitivity rather than core temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a Nordic hamstring exercise intervention on biceps femoris long head, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus muscle's activity and relative contributions through multichannel electromyography. Twenty-four injury-free male basketball players (mean age 20 [3] y) were randomly assigned to a 12-week intervention (n = 13) or control group (n = 11). The primary outcome measures were normalized muscle activity (percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction, %MVIC) and relative contribution of hamstring muscles over 12 weeks. No effects were found on any of the primary outcome measures. Between-group differences over 12 weeks were 2.7%MVIC (95% confidence interval 95% CI, −0.7 to 6.1) for the biceps femoris long head, 3.4%MVIC (95% CI, −1.4 to 8.2) for the semitendinosus, and 0.8%MVIC (95% CI, −3.0 to 4.6) for the semimembranosus, P =.366. Between-group differences over 12 weeks were 1.0% relative contribution (%con; 95% CI, −3.0 to 5.1) for the biceps femoris long head, 2.2% relative contribution (95% CI, −2.8 to 7.2) for the semitendinosus, and −3.3% relative contribution (95% CI, −6.4 to −0.1) for the semimembranosus P =.258. A positive value implies a higher value for the Nordic group. A Nordic hamstring exercise intervention did not affect the level of muscle activity and relative contribution of hamstring muscles in performance of the Nordic hamstring exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Single- and dual-task walking gait assessments have been used to identify persistent movement and cognitive dysfunction among athletes with concussions. However, it is unclear whether previous ankle sprain injuries confound these outcomes during baseline testing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of (1) ankle sprain history and (2) time since prior ankle sprain injury on single- and dual-task spatiotemporal gait outcomes and cognitive measures. Design: Cross- sectional study. Methods: We assessed 60 college Division-I athletes (31 with ankle sprain history; 13 females and 18 males, 19.3 [0.8] y; 29 with no ankle sprain history, 14 females and 15 males, 19.7 [0.9] y) who completed injury history forms and underwent concussion baseline testing. Athletes completed single- and dual-task gait assessments by walking back and forth along an 8-m walkway for 40 seconds. Athletes wore a smartphone with an associated mobile application on their lumbar spine to record spatiotemporal gait parameters and dual-task cognitive performance. Separate multivariate analyses of variance were used to assess the effects of ankle sprain injury history on spatiotemporal measures, gait variability, and cognitive performance. We performed a multivariate regression subanalysis on athletes who reported time since injury (n = 23) to assess temporal effects on gait and cognitive performance. Results: Athletes with and without a histoiy of ankle sprains had comparable spatiotemporal and gait variability outcomes during single- (P = .42; P = .13) and dual-task (P = .75; P = .55) conditions. Additionally, ankle sprain injury history did not significantly influence cognitive performance (P = .35). Finally, time since ankle sprain did not significantly affect single- (P = .75) and dual-task gait (P = .69), nor cognitive performance (P = 19). Conclusions: Ankle sprain injury history did not significantly alter spatiotemporal gait outcomes nor cognitive performance during this common clinical assessment. Future studies may consider including athletes with ankle sprain injury history during concussion assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate differences in time to exhaustion (TTE), O2 uptake ( V ˙ O 2 ), and accumulated O2 deficit ( O 2 def ) between competitive and recreational cross-country (XC) skiers during an intermittent-interval protocol standardized for maximal aerobic power (MAP). Methods: Twelve competitive (maximal V ˙ O 2 [ V ˙ O 2 max ] = 76.5 ± 3.8 mL · kg − 1 · min − 1 ) and 10 recreational ( V ˙ O 2 max = 63.5 ± 6.3 mL · kg − 1 · min − 1 ) male XC skiers participated. All tests were performed on a rollerski treadmill in the V2 ski-skating technique. To quantify MAP and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD), the skiers performed a steady-state submaximal test followed by a 1000-m time trial. After a 60-minute break, TTE, V ˙ O 2 , and accumulated O 2 def were measured during an intermittent-interval protocol (40-s work and 20-s recovery), which was individually tailored to 120% and 60% of each subject's MAP. Results: During the 1000-m time trial, the competitive skiers had 21% (95% CI, 12%–30%) shorter finish time and 24% (95% CI, 14%–34%) higher MAP (all P <.01) than the recreational skiers. No difference was observed in relative exercise intensity (average power/MAP; P =.28), MAOD (P =.18), or fractional utilization of V ˙ O 2 max. During the intermittent-interval protocol, the competitive skiers had 34% (95% CI, 3%–65%) longer TTE (P =.03) and accumulated 61% (95% CI, 27%–95%) more O 2 def (P =.001) than the recreational skiers during work phases. Conclusions: Competitive XC skiers have longer TTE and accumulate more O 2 def than recreational XC skiers during an intermittent-interval protocol at similar intensity relative to MAP. This implies that performance in intermittent endurance sports is related to the ability to repeatedly recharge fractions of MAOD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the feasibility and utility of the Fitbit Charge HR to estimate physical activity among ambulatory children and youth with disabilities. Method: Participants (4–17 y old) with disabilities were recruited and asked to wear a Fitbit for 28 days. Feasibility was assessed as the number of participants who adhered to the 28-day protocol. Heat maps were generated to visually examine variability in step count by age, gender, and disability group. Between-group differences for wear time and step counts by age, gender, and disability type were assessed by independent sample t tests for gender and disability group, and a 1-way analysis of variance for age group. Results: Participants (N = 157; median age = 10 y; 71% boys; 71% nonphysical disabilities) averaged 21 valid days of wear time. Wear time was higher in girls than boys (mean difference = 18.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.8 to 29.1), and in preadolescents (mean difference = 27.6; 95% CI, 15.5 to 39.7) and adolescents (mean difference = −21.2; 95% CI, −33.6 to −8.7) than children. More daily steps were taken by boys than girls (mean difference = −1040; 95% CI, −1465 to −615) and individuals with a nonphysical disability than a physical disability (mean difference = −1120; 95% CI, −1474 to −765). The heat maps showed peaks in physical activity on weekdays before school, at recess, lunchtime, and after school. Conclusion: The Fitbit is a feasible tool for monitoring physical activity among ambulatory children and youth with disabilities and may be useful for population-level surveillance and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) show a reduced physical activity (PA) level compared with their typically developed peers. This study aimed to identify potential predictors of objectively evaluated habitual PA using data from a national clinical registry—the Cerebral Palsy Follow-Up Program (CPFP)—and proxy-reported questionnaires. Data from the CPFP database showed that female sex was associated with a lower PA level. Additional questionnaire data revealed age, popliteal angle limitation, Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument–Sports and Physical Functioning Scale score, screen time, Functional Mobility Scale score at 50 m, and fatigue as predictors. The proposed models can be used for the prediction and early detection of the PA level and consequently for the potential improvement among ambulant/semiambulant individuals with CP. Further research should investigate the predictive impact of personal, social, and environmental factors on the PA level and the gap in PA levels between girls and boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to compare the alveolar sealing performance between free gingival graft (FGG) and porcine collagen membrane (MS) and qualitatively assess patient-centered outcomes via a visual analog scale. Method and materials: Eighteen patients were randomly divided into control (FGG) and test (MS) groups. After extraction, all the alveoli were filled with bovine bone grafts (small granules) and sealed. Follow-up was during the immediate postoperative period and after 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. After 180 days, before implant placement, tissue samples were obtained for histologic analysis. The epithelial tissues were morphometrically measured for each sample. Qualitative information on the patient's perception of the treatment was collected after 7 days. Results: A faster healing was observed for the MS group. After 60 days, all the sites from the MS were partially healed, in contrast with only five from the FGG. The histologic results after 120 days showed for the FGG group a predominant acute inflammatory process, whereas chronic processes were observed for the MSgroup. The mean epithelial heights found for the FGG and MS were 535.69 pm and 495.33 pm, respectively (P = .54). The intragroup analysis showed significant variance among the data (P<.001) for both groups. The qualitative result showed statistically more significative comfort for the MS group (P < .05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, both techniques effectively promote alveolar sealing. However, the visual analog scale result was superior and more signiffcant for the MS group, with faster wound healing and lower discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Treatment of carious primary molars is always indicated, especially on young children; however, there are no clear guidelines that precisely explain the best treatment approach for Class II carious molars with marginal breakdown (International Caries Detection and Assessment System [IC-DAS] 5). The objective of this prospective observational clinical study was to assess the efficacy of three restorative techniques in treating ICDAS 5 Class II lesions in primary molars: compomerfillings (CF), preformed metal crowns (PMC), and pulpotomy and conventional preformed metal crowns (PMC+P). The secondary goal was to evaluate the impact of some cofactors on the course of treatment. Method and materials: Overall, 92 children (female, n = 50, 54.3%; male, n = 42, 45.7%) aged 2 to 9 years old (mean age = 5.9 ± 1.9 years) with 166 treated teeth were included. The average number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth (d3mft) of the whole sample was 8.0 ± 3.4. The distribution of the sample according to type of treatment was CF = 53 (31.9%), PMC = 64 (38.6%), and PMC+P = 49 (29.5%). Paired ttest, nonparametric Friedman ANOVA test, and decision tree analysis were used as the basis for the statistics. Results: After 12 months, data from 75.8% (72/95) treated patients, corresponding to 62.0% (103/166) of the treated teeth (CF = 42/53, 79.2%; PMC = 38/64,59.4%; PMC+P = 23/49,46.9%) were available for analysis. The mean patients age was 6.8 ± 1.8years; 32 (47.1%) boys and 36 (52.9%) girls. The mean d3mft of the remaining sample was 7.8±3.35. PMC and PMC+P arms showed the highest success rates (> 91%) as compared to the CF arm, which showed the lowest success rates (61.9%), with 9/42 teeth of the CF group (21.4%) presenting with minor failures, and 7/42 teeth (16.7%) with major failures (P< .0001). Conclusion: Accordingtothe decision tree analysis, PMC and PMC+P had a success rate of 99%, whereas CF had a success rate of only 69%. Some cofactors (treatment decision, Approximal Plaque Index, and tooth number) had a higher impact on the decision tree analysis than others (age, dmfs, and dmft values), especially when the treatment selection was CF. In future studies it is necessary to examine the impact of other cofactors on the outcomes of conventional fillings using a larger sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) have used different exercises as a conditioning activity to investigate potentiation, but exclusively in upper limbs (UL) or lower (LL) limbs, or contralateral potentiation. A single exercise capable of inducing PAPE in both UL and LL is currently unknown. The present study explored the effect of the clean and jerk (C&J) as a conditioning activity for simultaneously producing PAPE interlimbs at the fourth, seventh, and 12th minutes postintervention. Twelve male weightlifters with 1-repetition maximum (1RM) in the C&J equivalent to ≥1.15 × body mass were randomly submitted to 2 experimental conditions (C&J and control [CON]). The C&J condition consisted of general warm-up (running on a treadmill and self-selected preparatory exercises) and 4 sets of 3 repetitions of C&J with 2 minutes between them (30%1RM, 50%1RM, 65%1RM, and 80%1RM) followed by a countermovement jump and a bench-press throw on a Smith machine after 4, 7, and 12 minutes, to measure the magnitude of PAPE in UL and LL. No previous exercise preceded countermovement-jump and bench-press-throw tests in the CON besides general warm-up. The main finding was that, regardless of time, the C&J resulted in greater height on countermovement jump and Smith machine bench-press throw when compared with the CON, presenting a similar effect size between UL and LL (34.6 [3.9] vs 33.4 [4.1] cm [+3.66%]; P =.038; effect size = 0.30 and 30.3 [4.7] vs 29.0 [5.1] cm [+4.44%]; P =.039; effect size = 0.26), respectively. Thus, C&J can be useful to produce PAPE simultaneously among members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the contribution of splenius capitis, sternocleidomastoid, and upper fibers of trapezius activation to the gains in rate of force development (RFD) of the head and neck during maximum voluntary ballistic contractions. Methods: RFD gain was facilitated by a single-session intervention for maximum voluntary ballistic contractions in the anterior direction, oriented at 45° to the midsagittal plane, which require active restraint of axial rotation. Muscle activation for the agonist (sternocleidomastoid) and 2 antagonists (splenius capitis and upper fibers of trapezius) was evaluated. The study sample included 12 physically active men (mean age, 22.6 y). RFD (N·m·s−1; 0–100 ms) and integrated muscle activity (50 ms before and 100 ms after force onset) were measured at 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and 2 days postintervention, relative to baseline. Muscle activation predictive of RFD gains was evaluated by linear regression analysis. RFD reproducibility was evaluated using the coefficient of variation of the typical error. Results: The intervention yielded a 1.95- to 2.39-fold RFD gain (P ≤.05), with greater RFD gain for participants with a lower peak moment of force (<10.9 N·m) than those with a higher peak moment (≥10.9 N·m) at baseline (P ≤.002). For the low group, 65% to 74% of the RFD gain was predicted by ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid activation, with ipsilateral splenius capitis activation predicting 77% to 92% of RFD gain for the high group. Absolute peak and impulse of static force were greater for the high than for the low group (P ≤.04). RFD reproducibility was high (coefficient of variation of the typical error ≤ 14.4%). Conclusions: The agonist- and antagonist-focused synergies might reflect different functional priorities, higher RFD gain compared with higher head–neck force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the effects of a sleep hygiene strategy on parameters of sleep quality and quantity in youth elite rugby union players. Method: Eleven male players (age: 19.0 [1.4] y) undertook a sleep hygiene strategy composed of 2 theoretical sessions and 3 practical sessions over a 4-week period. Sleeping time, time in bed, total sleep time, sleep latency (SL), sleep efficiency (SE), wake after sleep onset, and wake bouts were recorded with an actigraphic device during the 4-week sleep hygiene strategy (baseline) and during 4 weeks after the last intervention (postintervention). Results: At baseline, the overall group reported poor sleep quantity (total sleep time = 6:27 [0:30] min), but sleep quality was considered acceptable (SL = 0:18 [0:08] min and SE = 77.8% [5.8%]). Postintervention, the overall group showed a small improvement in SL (d = −0.23 [−0.42 to −0.04], P =.003) and SE (d = 0.30 [0.03 to 0.57], P =.0004). For individual responses, sleeping time, time in bed, and total sleep time were positively influenced in only 4, 3, and 5 players, respectively. For parameters of sleep quality, SL and SE were positively influenced in a majority of players (n = 7 and 8, respectively). The magnitude of difference between baseline and postintervention was strongly associated with baseline values in SE (r = −.86; P =.0005) and wake after sleep onset (r = −.87; P =.0007). Conclusion: A sleep hygiene strategy is efficient to improve sleep quality but not sleep quantity in young rugby union players. The strategy was more efficient in players with lower initial sleep quality and should be implemented prior to a high cumulative fatigue period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Different resistance exercise determinants modulate the musculotendinous adaptations following eccentric hamstring training. The Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) can be performed 2-fold: the movement velocity irreversibly increases toward the end of the range of motion or it is kept constant. Design: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate if the downward acceleration angle (DWAangle) can be used as a classification parameter to distinguish between increasing and constant velocity NHE execution. Furthermore, the kinetic and kinematic differences of these 2 NHE execution conditions were examined by analyzing the DWAangle in relation to the angle of peak moment. Methods: A total of 613 unassisted NHE repetitions of 12 trained male sprinters (22 y, 181 cm, 76 kg) were analyzed. Results: The majority of analyzed parameters demonstrated large effects. NHEs with constant velocity (n = 285) revealed significantly higher impulses (P <.001; d = 2.34; + 61%) and fractional time under tension (P <.001; d = 1.29; +143%). Although the generated peak moments were significantly higher for constant velocity (P =.003; d = 0.29; +4%), they emerged at similar knee flexion angles (P =.167; d = 0.28) and revealed on average just low relationships to the DWAangle ( R mean 2 = 22.4 %). DWAangle highly correlated with the impulse ( R mean 2 = 60.8 %) and δ (DWAangle–angle of peak moment; R mean 2 = 83.6 %). Conclusions: Relating DWAangle to angle of peak moment assists to distinguish between significantly different NHE execution, which will potentially elicit different musculotendinous adaptations. These insights are essential for coaches and athletes to understand how to manipulate eccentric hamstring training to change its purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The influence of several psychological characteristics on the willingness of athletes to report concussion behaviors has not been well explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand how athletic identity and sport passion predicted participants' willingness to report symptoms above what was explained by athlete demographics, concussion knowledge, and perceived seriousness of concussions. Design: The study was cross-sectional. Methods: Three-hundred and twenty-two male and female high school and club sport athletes completed survey measures of concussion knowledge, athletic identity, harmonious and obsessive passion, and degree to which athletes indicated they would report concussions and concussion symptoms. Results: Athletes scored moderately high on their knowledge of symptoms and other concussion information (mean = 16.21; ± = 2.88) and above the midpoint on their attitudes and behaviors toward reporting concussion symptoms (mean = 3.64; ± = 0.70). There were no differences between gender, t(299) = −.78, P =.44, and previous concussion education, t(296) = 1.93, P =.06, related to concussion knowledge. Results of a hierarchical regression indicated that after entering athlete demographics, concussion knowledge, and perceived seriousness of concussions, of the 3 psychological variables in the final stage of the model, only obsessive passion was a significant predictor of athlete's attitudes to report a concussion. Conclusions: Perceived seriousness of concussion, perceived threat to long-term health, and obsessive passion were the strongest predictors of athlete's willingness to report concussions. Athletes who did not believe concussions posed a threat to their current or future health, and those that held an obsessive passion for sport were most at risk for not reporting concussions. Future research should continue to investigate the relationship between reporting behaviors and psychological factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although minimally and noninvasive caries management are advocated in pediatric dentistry, extensive caries progression often requires endodontic treatment followed by crowning of the tooth. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the success of esthetic preformed zirconia crowns (PZCs) compared to the standard preformed metal crowns (PMCs) after pulpotomy in primary molars retrospectively. Method and materials: Patients' digital records in a specialized pediatric clinic in Germany were analyzed to include 2- to 9-year-olds, who had received one or more PMCs or PZCs after a pulpotomy between 2016 and 2020. The main outcomes were success, minorfailure (restoration loss, wear, or fracture), or major failure (need for extraction or pulpectomy). Results: In total, 151 patients with 249 teeth (PMC, n = 149; PZC, n = 100) were included. The mean follow-up time was (19.9 months), with 90.4% of the crowns fol-lowed for at least 18 months. The majority of the crowns were considered successful (94.4%). The differences in the success rates between PMCs (96%) and PZCs (92%) did not reach the level of statistical significance (P = .182). All minor failures (1.6%) were in the PZC group and located in the maxilla. Independent of crown type, especially first primary molars were prone to failure (7.9%; second primary molars, 3.3%). Conclusion: PMCs and PZCs both show high clinical success rates as restorations of primary teeth after a pulpotomy. However, there was a tendency of greater minor or major failure in the PZC group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of two different at-home whitening protocols and to determine which is more effective: applying the whitening gel (16% carbamide peroxide) every 24 hours (Group A) or every 48 hours (Group B) for 2 weeks. Group C received a placebo gel (glycerin) without peroxide, which was applied every 24 hours for 2 weeks. The differences in terms of tooth sensitivity were also analyzed. A sample of 60 patients was divided into three groups of 20 patients. To compare the groups, color measurements were made using a spectrophotometer, and Student t test was used for independent samples. The confidence level was set at 95% (P ≤ .05). No statistically significant differences were found between Groups A and B (P > .05). The study concluded that 16% carbamide peroxide was equally effective when applied with either protocol and obtained the same results, but the 48-hour application protocol produced less sensitivity than the 24-hour application protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective case series investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes in 19 intrabony defects treated with periodontal regenerative therapy utilizing a combined approach. Placing an amnion-chorion membrane (ACM) as a biologic modifier on the root surface of the periodontally diseased tooth, combined with bone substitutes and an additional ACM as a barrier membrane, the treated sites were examined 8 to 24 months after the therapy. The preoperative (baseline) mean probing pocket depth (PPD) was 7.21 ± 1.08 mm, and the mean clinical attachment level (CAL) was 7.68 ± 1.49 mm. A mean PPD reduction of 4.05 ± 1.22 mm, CAL gain of 3.68 ± 1.34 mm, and 73.91% ± 22.02% of bone fill were recorded postoperatively. Without any adverse events, root-surface application of ACM as a biologic material in periodontal regenerative therapy could be a safe and cost-effective approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the survival and success rates of short (> 6 mm and = 8.5 mm) implants after at least 2 years of functional loading. Implants were assessed using clinical parameters such as marginal bone loss (MBL), pocket depth (PD), keratinized mucosa width (KMW), bleeding on probing (BoP), and the peri-implant condition (mucositis or periimplantitis). Any correlations between clinical parameters were analyzed. Materials and Methods: This observational and retrospective study included 114 posterior maxillary and mandibular implants placed in 27 women and 38 men with a mean age of 68.04 ± 9.07 years. Patients included in the study had received at least one short implant between 2001 and 2013, such that each implant was in occlusal function for at least 2 years by 2015. Patients with only long (= 10 mm) implants, patients with any systemic condition, and smokers were excluded from the study. PD, KMW, periimplant condition, BoP, and MBL were the clinical parameters assessed in the study. Data on prosthesis type (single or splinted) and implant features were also obtained. All data were submitted to analysis via Mann-Whitney unpaired test, with a significance level of P < .05. Spearman correlation coefficient was also measured to verify the negative or positive correlation. Results: The mean follow-up time was 74.08 months, and mean implant success and survival rates were 87.63% and 94.74%, respectively. There were 6 implant failures (5.26%). A total of 66 (59.46%) prostheses were screw-retained implant-supported restorations, and 45 (40.54%) were cemented. A total of 93 (86.49%) short implants were splinted to another implant, and 15 out of 111 (13.51%) restorations were single implants. Keratinized mucosa was missing around 43 (39%) implants, whereas PD was measured to be between 0 and 3 mm in 64.86% of implants and = 4 mm in 31.53% of implants. MBL was = 1.5 mm in 71.17% of cases and > two-thirds the length of the implant in 2.71% of cases. Mucositis and peri-implantitis were found in 22.52% and 7.21% of implants, respectively. The correlation coefficient showed a positive result for PD and MBL (0.11; P = .368) and negative results for PD and KMW (-0.42; P = .002) and KMW and MBL (-0.19; P = .183). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it is possible to conclude that short implants are a feasible treatment option for dental rehabilitation. They are considered an excellent alternative to complex procedures and have high survival rates after at least 2 years of follow-up, with compatible peri-implant local tissue response. Moreover, a significant negative correlation between KMW and PD was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the linear and angular deviations of sites prepared for implants with the proposed 3D-printed sliding guide vs a 3D-printed conventional sleeveless static guide. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of two groups: a control group of 14 3D-printed conventional sleeveless static guides, and a test group of 37 3D-printed sliding guides. The guides were designed to drill 37 implant sites in each group. Linear and angular deviations were determined after scanning the drilled casts. Linear deviations were measured at the coronal and apical aspects of the drilled implant sites at 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-mm distances. Results: There were no significant differences between the control and study groups regarding the coronal and 5-mm apical linear deviations. The angular and 10-, 15-, and 20-mm linear deviations of the 3D-printed sliding guide were significantly smaller than the control group. Conclusions: The proposed 3D-printed sliding guide could reduce the angular deviation of drilled implant sites from the planned positions, which is reflected in reducing the linear apical deviation of prepared implant sites longer than 5 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]