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An important prerequisite to carry out daily activities is the sit-to-stand movement. However, in obese people, this movement is characterized by altered biomechanics, which might lead to daily life activity impairments. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in kinetic and kinematic variables between three different BMI categories when performing a specific sit-to-stand test. Thirty-six adult women (BMI = 17-45 kg/m2) performed the sit-to stand test five times consecutively and as quickly as possible. Analyses of variance were used to determine differences between three BMI groups (normal or overweight: BMI < 30 kg/m2; obese: 30 ≤ BMI < 35; severely obese: BMI ≥ 35). Peak and mean vertical sacrum velocity indicated a decrease in severely obese subjects. Obese and severely obese individuals did not show higher fatigue over the five consecutive movements. Peak force and rate of force development decreased in normal or overweight subjects. The ability to successfully complete the test decreased with a higher BMI, probably due to a reduced ability to rapidly generate a high force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify biomechanical predictors for accuracy and speed of the wrist shot in floorball, comparing two different starting feet positions. Ten floorball players performed 2 series of 10 stationary wrist shots, in 2 different positions (feet at a right angle to the end of the stick, oriented towards a target and feet parallel to the end of the stick and to the target). A 12-camera motion capture system, tracking reflective markers on key landmarks, was used to record participant and stick kinematics. Accuracy of the shot was quantified by distance of impact from target centre. Player gaze was approximated from head position. Shot accuracy was significantly better (P = 0.007) when feet were at right angle (0.22 [0.14] m) than when they were parallel (0.27 [0.20] m). Ball speed was no significantly different (P = 0.485) between the right angle position (23.50 [17.52] m . s-1) and the parallel position (23.50 [17.95] m . s-1). Between selfselected position and imposed position, there was no significant difference. Players looking at the target during shooting had greater accuracy. Regression models suggested that ball speed was mainly influenced, in both positions, by the flexion of the supporting leg (ankle, knee and hip), by the rotation of the hip and of the trunk, especially for the spine angles, and by the rotation and abduction-adduction movements of the wrist of the hand on the top of the stick. The comparison between players showed important differences in these technical skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate the effect a short proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching bout had on quadriceps neuromuscular function, flexibility and vertical jump performance. Researchers evaluated the stretching bout with 12 healthy men and looked at the effect it had on range of motion, vertical jump performance and quadriceps neuromuscular function. They found that the bout did not effect any of the variables that they investigated.