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This study aimed to determine the within-subject variability of GPS-derived metabolic power data in elite soccer players across several pre-season matches and compare the variability of high metabolic power, velocity, acceleration and deceleration running. Additionally, differences in metabolic power data among playing positions and relationships with various physical abilities were also investigated. Metabolic power data from 12 outfield starting players competing in the German Bundesliga were collected during five pre-season matches using GPS-technology (10 Hz). The players were also tested for speed, agility, power and intermittent endurance. Variability of global metabolic power data such as energy expenditure (CV = 2.2-7.0%) was lower than that for high-intensity including time ≥20 W·kg-1 (CV = 14.0-26.2%). Variability of high metabolic power (≥20 W·kg-1; CV = 14.1 ± 3.5%) was comparable to that of high velocity (≥15.5 km·h-1; CV = 17.0 ± 6.2%), acceleration (≥3 m·s-2; CV = 11.1 ± 5.1%) and deceleration running (≤-3 m·s-2; CV = 11.9 ± 4.5%) (p > 0.05, ES < 0.2). Defenders had a largely higher overall energy expenditure than midfielders and attackers (p < 0.01, ES > 0.6). Overall energy expenditure and cost were largely to very largely correlated with 5 m speed and 22 m agility sprint time and counter movement jump height (r = -0.70-0.69, p < 0.05). The detected variability indicates that global GPS-derived metabolic power data in elite soccer players from a single preseason match should be preferably used for practical applications. Contrary, high-intensity indicators should be interpreted cautiously and repeated match observations are recommended to establish meaningful high-intensity profiles of the players. Differences among playing positions and relationships with explosive physical abilities indicate that metabolic power analyses can provide new insights into the mechanics and energetics of soccer.

The aims of the study were (1) to evaluate the leg asymmetry assessed with ground reaction forces (GRFs) during unilateral and bilateral movements of different knee loads in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed patients and (2) to investigate differences in leg asymmetry depending on the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Form (IKDC) in order to identify potential compensation strategies.The knee function of 50 ACL reconstructed (patella tendon) patients was examined at 31 +/- 7 months after the surgery. GRFs were quantified during the sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit test, the step-up and step-down test, and the two- and one-leg vertical jump. Further, the IKDC score, the anterior-posterior knee laxity, and the concentric torque of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles were evaluated.Differences between the operated and non-operated leg were found in the knee laxity, the quadriceps torque, and GRFs. The patients with low IKDC scores demonstrated greater leg asymmetries in GRFs compared to the patients with high IKDC scores.ACL reconstructed patients showed GRF asymmetries during unilateral and bilateral movements of different knee loads. Three compensation strategies were found in patients with low subjective knee function: (1) a reduced eccentric load, (2) an inter-limb compensation during bilateral movements, and (3) the avoidance of high vertical impact forces. These compensation strategies may be indicative of a protective adaptation to avoid excessive ACL strain. GRF measurements are practicable and efficient tools to identify individual compensation strategies during early rehabilitation.

BackgroundStrength deficits, muscle imbalances, and quadriceps inhibition are common after the surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), even after the patient's returned-to-sport. Typically, asymmetries between the operated and non-operated leg as well as the hamstring/quadriceps (HQ) ratio are calculated using maximum isokinetic torque values. Moreover, the knee flexion angles, which correspond to the measured torque values, were not considered. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the usage of an angle-specific approach for the analysis of isokinetic data in patients after an ACL-reconstruction.MethodsA cross-sectional laboratory study design was used to investigate the influence of leg (operated vs. non-operated) and two velocities on angle-specific isokinetic data. Concentric quadriceps and hamstring torques and ratios of 38 patients were assessed 6.6months after ACL-reconstruction with a hamstring tendon graft. At a velocity of 60 degrees/s and 180 degrees/s, angle-specific torques and HQ-ratios were analyzed with conventional discrete parameters and a Statistical Parametric Mapping procedure, which evaluates continuous data. The relationship between angle-specific and conventional HQ-ratios wasevaluated with Pearson correlation coefficients.ResultsAngle-specific torques and HQ-ratios were different between the operated and non-operated leg and between velocities. In the operated leg, the quadriceps deficit was higher at 60 degrees/s in knee flexion angles >50 degrees. The HQ-ratios decreased with greater knee flexion at both velocities, but with a different magnitude. Around 30 degrees, the HQ-ratios reached 1.0 and did not differ between the velocities, while leg differences were present from 40 to 60 degrees. At the higher testing velocity, the maximum flexion torque occurred at greater knee flexion, whereas the maximum extension torque were present at a similar joint angle. The correlation coefficients between conventional and angle-specific HQ-ratios were low in knee angles 65 degrees and varied according to leg and velocity.ConclusionsThe angle specific approach is recommended for future ACL-research, as it reveals strength deficits and imbalances, which were not captured by conventional parameters. The results provide a rationale for more specific joint angle and/or velocity based training and may help for return-to-sport decisions.

This study investigated exercise-induced effects of static stretching and playing soccer on anterior tibial translation (ATT) of the knee joint.Randomized controlled trial.University biomechanics laboratory.Thirty-one athletes were randomly assigned into a stretching (26.9 ± 6.2 years, 1.77 ± 0.09 m, 67.9 ± 10.7 kg) and a control group (27.9 ± 7.4 years, 1.75 ± 0.08 m, 72.0 ± 14.9 kg). Thirty-one amateur soccer players in an additional soccer group (25.1 ± 5.6 years, 1.74 ± 0.10 m, 71.8 ± 14.8 kg). All participants had no history of knee injury requiring surgery and any previous knee ligament or cartilage injury.The stretching group performed 4 different static stretching exercises with a duration of 2 × 20 seconds interspersed with breaks of 10 seconds. The soccer group completed a 90-minute soccer-specific training program. The control group did not perform any physical activity for approximately 30 minutes.Anterior tibial translation was measured with the KT-1000 knee arthrometer at forces of 67 N, 89 N, and maximal manual force (Max) before and after the intervention.There was a significant increase in ATT after static stretching and playing soccer at all applied forces. Maximal manual testing revealed a mean increase of ATT after static stretching of 2.1 ± 1.6 mm (P0.0005) and after playing soccer of 1.0 ± 1.5 mm (P = 0.001). The ATT increase after static stretching at 67 and 89 N is significantly higher than in controls. At maximum manual testing, significant differences were evident between all groups.Static stretching and playing soccer increase ATT and may consequently influence mechanical factors of the anterior cruciate ligament. The ATT increase after static stretching was greater than after playing soccer.The observed increase in ATT after static stretching and playing soccer may be associated with changes in kinesthetic perception and sensorimotor control, activation of muscles, joint stability, overall performance, and higher injury risk.

Ziel der Studie war es, die Reliabilitat 1.) der wichtigsten Grosen der Fahrradergospirometrie (maximale Leistung [Pmax] und Sauerstoffaufnahme [VO2peak], ventilatorische Schwellen 1 [VT 1] und 2 [VT 2] sowie Radfahrokonomie [CE] und Wirkungsgrad [GE]), 2.) der gebrauchlichsten sekundaren Ausbelastungsparameter (maximale Herzfrequenz [HFmax], respiratorischer Quotient [RQmax], Blutlaktatkonzentration [BLAmax] und subjektives Belastungsempfinden [RPEmax]) und 3.) der belastungsinduzierten Verlaufe der Atemgase (Sauerstoffaufnahme [VO2], Kohlendioxidabgabe [VCO2] und Atemminutenvolumen [VE]) anhand des PowerCube-Ergo-Atemgasanalysators zu erheben und einheitlich gemas internationaler Standards der Statistik zu berechnen. 12 Frauen und 12 Manner (28 ± 4 Jahre; 23,2 ± 2,4 kg/m2) absolvierten zwei Fahrradergospirometrien (20 Watt/min) im Abstand von einer Woche. Die Reliabilitat wurde anhand der Mittelwertdifferenzen (t-Test und Effektstarken), der Retestkorrelation (Intraklassenkorrelationskoeffizient [ICC]) und der intraindividuellen Variabilitat (Standardmessfehler [SEM]) der Messwerte berechnet. Von den wichtigsten Grosen der Fahrradergospirometrie sind die Pmax, die VO2peak und die VT 1 ausgezeichnet reproduzierbar (ICC ≥ 0,969; p = 0,000) und hoch messgenau (%SEM ≤ 4,6). Von den gebrauchlichsten sekundaren Ausbelastungsparametern gilt dies nur fur die HFmax (ICC = 0,922; p = 0,000; %SEM = 1,0). Der PowerCube-Ergo ermoglicht ausgezeichnet reproduzierbare Messungen der VO2, der VCO2 und des VE (ICC ≥ 0,991; p = 0,000), wobei die Messgenauigkeit der VO2 (SEM = 0,10 l/min) und des VE (SEM = 3,13 l/min) den Qualitatsrichtlinien leistungsphysiologischer Labore genugt. Die Ergebnisse sind bei zukunftigen Interventionsstudien fur die sichere Unterscheidung zwischen einem tatsachlichen Interventionseffekt und einem Messfehler sowie fur die Planung von Stichprobenumfangen von praktischer Bedeutsamkeit.

Background: In all age groups of handball players, anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities are important prerequisites to fulfilling the playing demands. However, there is no study that has compared anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities between junior and adult handball players by the same research design containing field tests. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities between junior and adult top-level handball players using various field tests. Relationships among physical capacities were also examined. Methods: Ten male junior (18 ± 1 years) and eleven adult (26 ± 1 years) field handball players competing in the U19 Bundesliga and DKB Handball-Bundesliga, respectively, were tested for body height, mass, fat, and fat-free mass as well as 30 m speed and 22 m change of direction (COD), squat jump (SJ) and counter movement jump (CMJ), one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press, core strength-endurance, and interval shuttle run test (ISRT). Magnitude-based inferences, effect sizes (ES), and Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were computed for statistical analyses. Results: Juniors had a very likely lower body height, mass, and fat-free mass and likely lower 1RM bench press and ISRT performance (ES: 0.7 - 1.2). Contrary, juniors had a likely to very likely superior speed, COD, and SJ and most likely superior core strength-endurance performance (ES: 0.5 - 1.6). While speed, COD, and jump capacities were large to very large correlated in juniors (r = -0.55 - 0.86), they were mostly unclear correlated in adults (r = -0.05 - 0.79). Overall explained variance among speed, COD, and jump capacities was likely higher in juniors (51%) than adults (17%) (ES: 1.7). Conclusions: This study shows that differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities, and also in relationships among physical capacities, are evident between junior and adult top-level handball players, indicating different physical needs to play handball. CA extern

Football is played worldwide and players often have to cope with hot and cold temperatures as well as high altitude conditions. The upcoming and past world championships in Brazil, Qatar and South Africa illustrate the necessity for behavioural strategies and adaptation to extreme environmental conditions. When playing football in the heat or cold, special clothing, hydration and nutritional and acclimatisation strategies are vital for high-level performance. When playing at high altitude, the reduced oxygen partial pressure impairs endurance performance and alters the technical and tactical requirements. Special high-altitude adaptation and preparation strategies are essential for football teams based at sea-level in order to perform well and compete successfully. Therefore, the aim of the underlying review is: 1) to highlight the difficulties and needs of football teams competing in extreme environmental conditions, 2) to summarise the thermoregulatory, physiological, neuronal and psychological mechanism, and 3) to provide recommendations for coping with extreme environmental conditions in order to perform at a high level when playing football in the heat, cold and at high altitude.

The aims of this study were (a) to assess and correlate interval shuttle run test (ISRT) performance, maximum oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O(2)max), running economy (RE), running velocity at the first rise in blood lactate concentrations above baseline (vLT) and running velocity at 4 mmol·L(-1) blood lactate concentration (v4) in professional soccer players and (b) to investigate whether a correlation exists between the respective results of time to exhaustion (T(lim)) from continuous and intermittent endurance tests, respectively. Eleven male professional field soccer players (mean ± SD: age 23.8 ± 3.0 years, V[Combining Dot Above]O(2)max 58.2 ± 4.9 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)) completed a continuous Incremental Test with lactate measurements to determine vLT and v4, a continuous Ramp Test with gas exchange analysis to determine V[Combining Dot Above]O(2)max and RE, and an intermittent ISRT to determine intermittent endurance capacity during the first week of preseason preparation. There were significant correlations between ISRT performance and V[Combining Dot Above]O(2)max (r = 0.70, p0.05), and between T(lim) in both continuous endurance tests (r = 0.89, p0.01). Between all other variables no significant correlations were found overall (best r = 0.60, p0.05). The assessment of all values of V[Combining Dot Above]O(2)max, RE, vLT, and v4 should be included when investigating aerobic endurance performance among groups or over time in professional soccer players. Although V[Combining Dot Above]O(2)max, RE, vLT, and v4 have been regarded as important factors of aerobic performance in endurance related sports, the present data revealed that V[Combining Dot Above]O(2)max was the only factor, which correlated with intermittent endurance capacity in professional soccer players. Hence, V[Combining Dot Above]O(2)max should be increased through soccer-specific training interventions including universal agility components. The T(lim) in continuous and intermittent endurance tests differs and is therefore an independent endurance performance factor in professional soccer players.

The 34th International Cosmic Ray Conference : ICRC2015 : 30 July- 6 August, 2015, The Hague, The Netherlands / IUPAP The 34th International Cosmic Ray Conference, ICRC2015, The Hague, Netherlands, 30 Jul 2015 - 6 Aug 2015; Trieste, Italy : Sissa Medialab srl, Proceedings of science 236, 707 pp. (2016). doi:10.22323/1.236.0707, Published by Sissa Medialab srl, Trieste, Italy

The 34th International Cosmic Ray Conference : ICRC2015 : 30 July- 6 August, 2015, The Hague, The Netherlands / IUPAP The 34th International Cosmic Ray Conference, ICRC2015, The Hague, Netherlands, 30 Jul 2015 - 6 Aug 2015; Trieste, Italy : Sissa Medialab srl, Proceedings of science 236, 733 pp. (2016). doi:10.22323/1.236.0733, Published by Sissa Medialab srl, Trieste, Italy

The 34th International Cosmic Ray Conference : ICRC2015 : 30 July- 6 August, 2015, The Hague, The Netherlands / IUPAP The 34th International Cosmic Ray Conference, ICRC2015, The Hague, Netherlands, 30 Jul 2015 - 6 Aug 2015; Trieste, Italy : Sissa Medialab srl, Proceedings of science 236, 865 pp. (2016). doi:10.22323/1.236.0865, Published by Sissa Medialab srl, Trieste, Italy

ZusammenfassungMit chronischen Rückenschmerzpatienten wurden prospektiv im Rahmen einer multimodalen Therapie über zwölf Monate die Effekte eines gerätegestützten Krafttrainings auf Alltagsaktivitäten, Beweglichkeits- und Drehmomentwerte untersucht. 565 Patienten wurden in die Studie aufgenommen; von ihnen durchliefen 465 Patienten den Studienzeitraum vollständig. Während der zwölf Monate wurden drei Tests (Eingangs-, Zwischen- und Abschlussanalyse) sowie drei Therapiephasen mit insgesamt 39 Test- und Therapieeinheiten absolviert. Das Krafttraining erfolgte als Einsatztraining mit zehn bis 30 Prozent der individuellen Maximalkraft und 25 bis 30 Wiederholungen. Zum Monitoring der Alltagsaktivitäten wurde der Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire Score (ODI) verwendet. Darüber hinaus wurden die Beweglichkeit der Brust- und Lendenwirbelsäule sowie die Drehmomentwerte der Rumpfmuskulatur erhoben. Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Studie zeigen, dass bei chronischen Rückenschmerzpatienten ein gerätegestütztes Krafttraining zu einer Verbesserung der Aktivität im Alltag führt. Die Verbesserungen im ODI können jedoch nur zu einem geringen Teil durch die Zunahme von Kraft und Beweglichkeit erklärt werden. Weitere Faktoren sind von Bedeutung, die es in Zukunft zu untersuchen gilt.

This study aimed to investigate the reliability of 1) the key parameters of cycling ergospirometry (maximum power output [Pmax] and oxygen uptake [V̇O2peak], ventilatory thresholds 1 [VT 1] and 2 [VT 2], and cycling efficiency [CE] and gross efficiency [GE]), 2) the commonly used parameters to quantify exhaustion (maximum heart rate [HFmax], respiratory quotient [RQmax], blood lactate concentration [BLAmax], and ratings of perceived exhaustion [RPEmax]), and 3) the kinetics of exercise induced gas exchange measurements (oxygen uptake [V̇O2], carbon dioxide output [V̇CO2], and minute ventilation [V̇E]) using the PowerCube-Ergo metabolic system in consideration of international statistical recommendations. 12 women and 12 men (28 ± 4 years; 23.2 ± 2.4 kg/m(2)) performed two cycling tests (20 watt/min) separated by one week. The reliability was calculated based on differences in means (t test and effect sizes), retest correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]), and within-subject variation (standard error of measurement [SEM]). Of the key parameters of cycling ergospirometry, an excellent reliability (ICC ≥ 0.969; p = 0.000) and high accuracy (%SEM ≤ 4.6) were found for Pmax, V̇O2peak, and VT 1. Of the most commonly used parameters to quantify exhaustion, an excellent reliability (ICC = 0.922; p = 0.000) and high accuracy (%SEM = 1.0) existed only for HFmax. The gas exchange measurements (V̇O2, V̇CO2 und V̇E) of the PowerCube-Ergo were all excellently reliable (ICC ≥ 0,991; p = 0.000) and the accuracy of V̇O2 (SEM = 0.10 l/min) and V̇E (SEM = 3.13 l/min) fulfilled the quality guidance of exercise physiology laboratories. For future studies and practical purposes, the results are vital for the decision as to whether a difference between two tests represents a true intervention effect or just a measurement error and for the estimation of required sample sizes.

The "Frankfurt rehabilitation regimen" following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is presented. ACL rehabilitation is discussed in the light of knowledge on knee biomechanics and proprioception as well as clinical results of reconstruction. Special emphasis is given to exercise therapy.

Football is played worldwide and players often have to cope with hot and cold temperatures as well as high altitude conditions. The upcoming and past world championships in Brazil, Qatar and South Africa illustrate the necessity for behavioural strategies and adaptation to extreme environmental conditions. When playing football in the heat or cold, special clothing, hydration and nutritional and acclimatisation strategies are vital for high-level performance. When playing at high altitude, the reduced oxygen partial pressure impairs endurance performance and alters the technical and tactical requirements. Special high-altitude adaptation and preparation strategies are essential for football teams based at sea-level in order to perform well and compete successfully. Therefore, the aim of the underlying review is: 1) to highlight the difficulties and needs of football teams competing in extreme environmental conditions, 2) to summarise the thermoregulatory, physiological, neuronal and psychological mechanism, and 3) to provide recommendations for coping with extreme environmental conditions in order to perform at a high level when playing football in the heat, cold and at high altitude.

The First G-APD Cherenkov Telescope (FACT) is the first in-operation test of the performance of silicon photo detectors in Cherenkov Astronomy. For more than two years it is operated on La Palma, Canary Islands (Spain), for the purpose of long-term monitoring of astrophysical sources. For this, the performance of the photo detectors is crucial and therefore has been studied in great detail. Special care has been taken for their temperature and voltage dependence implementing a correction method to keep their properties stable. Several measurements have been carried out to monitor the performance. The measurements and their results are shown, demonstrating the stability of the gain below the percent level. The resulting stability of the whole system is discussed, nicely demonstrating that silicon photo detectors are perfectly suited for the usage in Cherenkov telescopes, especially for long-term monitoring purpose., Journal of Instrumentation, 9 (10), ISSN:1748-0221

Since more than two years, the First G-APD Cherenkov Telescope (FACT) is operating successfully at the Canary Island of La Palma. Apart from its purpose to serve as a monitoring facility for the brightest TeV blazars, it was built as a major step to establish solid state photon counters as detectors in Cherenkov astronomy. The camera of the First G-APD Cherenkov Telesope comprises 1440 Geiger-mode avalanche photo diodes (G-APD aka. MPPC or SiPM) for photon detection. Since properties as the gain of G-APDs depend on temperature and the applied voltage, a real-time feedback system has been developed and implemented. To correct for the change introduced by temperature, several sensors have been placed close to the photon detectors. Their read out is used to calculate a corresponding voltage offset. In addition to temperature changes, changing current introduces a voltage drop in the supporting resistor network. To correct changes in the voltage drop introduced by varying photon flux from the night-sky background, the current is measured and the voltage drop calculated. To check the stability of the G-APD properties, dark count spectra with high statistics have been taken under different environmental conditions and been evaluated. The maximum data rate delivered by the camera is about 240 MB/s. The recorded data, which can exceed 1 TB in a moonless night, is compressed in real-time with a proprietary loss-less algorithm. The performance is better than gzip by almost a factor of two in compression ratio and speed. In total, two to three CPU cores are needed for data taking. In parallel, a quick-look analysis of the recently recorded data is executed on a second machine. Its result is publicly available within a few minutes after the data were taken. [...], Comment: 19th IEEE Real-Time Conference, Nara, Japan (2014)

Zusammenfassung Seit vielen Jahren sind Dehnungen selbstverstandlicher Bestandteil in Sport und Therapie. Nachdem Dehnungen mit Beginn der 80er-Jahre im Sport unter fast euphorischen Wirkungserwartungen eingesetzt wurden, sind erst in neuerer Zeit die Grundlagen und Effekte von Dehnungen unter wissenschaftlichen Kriterien uberpruft worden. Im folgenden Beitrag sollen die neueren Forschungsergebnisse und die daraus folgenden Uberlegungen dargestellt werden. Zum besseren Verstandnis werden Aspekte der Terminologie, der Anatomie und Physiologie, der Dehnmethodik und der Begrundung und Wirkungsweise von Dehnungen zunachst allgemein besprochen. Der Beitrag schliest mit konkreten Hinweisen zur Planung und Durchfuhrung von Dehnungen fur den Fusballspieler ab.

Seit vielen Jahren sind Dehnungen selbstverstandlicher Bestandteil von sportlichem und therapeutischem Training.

Surface is a noninvasive, mostly nonreactive, objective measuring procedure for evaluation of the degree of muscle activation. It allows for accurate assessments of the neuromuscular system and description of adaptations resulting from injury. Decreases in torque, EMG amplitude and EMG frequency occur as a result of knee joint injuries. Efficiency checks and evaluations of training programs and neuromuscular treatment can be done. Decreases in torque, EMG amplitude and EMG frequency found after knee joint injury (cruciate ligament, meniscus) are due to intraarticular and periarticular afferent processes. 12 weeks postoperatively, the neuromuscular deficits from cruciate ligament injury have increased. While complete recovery can be achieved following meniscus fixation (more than 1 year postoperatively), cruciate ligament injuries lead to chronically reduced EMG median frequencies.

Common peroneal nerve palsy is the commonest lower extremity peripheral paresis. The foot drop and inability or difficulty to move the ankle and toes dorsally and inability to perform foot pronation is a debilitating condition for the patient. Tendon transfer is a treatment option often used to restore the foot function after the peroneal palsy in cases when reinervation is not clinically satisfactory.The study group included 14 patients treated in the Trauma department of FNO either for common or deep peroneal nerve paresis, or for isolated lesion of the anterior tibial muscle. Active muscles, i.e.the posterior tibial muscle (13 patients) or long peroneal muscle (1 patient) were used for the movement restoration procedure. The tendons were anchored to the cuneiform bone.In all the patients, active foot extension was restored, with the average range of motion of 12.3 degrees (4-20) and with sufficient muscle strength. Based on the Stanmore score assessment, the subjects showed good results, reaching 87-100 points.The posterior tibial muscle tendon transfer, or peroneus longus muscle tendon transfer lead to restoration of active extension of the foot. The reconstruction procedure results in a minor restriction of the ankle range of motion. Considering the foot functionality, it is better to perform the transfer with a slight preload of the tendon, in order to achieve adequate postoperative ankle extension.

The rehabilitative course of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures was followed up at 16.6 months postoperatively be measuring clinical parameters, isokinetic power values and by means of electromyographic leads. The injured side has significantly looser ligaments than the non-injured one (p = < 0.01). The circumferential measures differ from each other, pointing to a reduction in muscular circumference at the measuring points 10 cm and 20 cm above the medial joint cavity (p = < 0.05). The isokinetic measurements had selective deficits of the knee-joint extensor at 60 degrees W/S (p = < 0.01) and at 180 degrees W/S (p = < 0.05), whereas the flexors did not show any difference, irrespective of the side. EMG measurements after 16.6 months via superficial leads applied to the synergistic compound of the extensors of the knee joint did not confirm any weakness of the m. vastus medialis although such weakness has often been claimed to exist. Laterally changed electromechanical coupling was seen, as well as a changed muscular fatigue pattern. The changed synergistic functional capacity of the m. quadriceps femoris could be of pathogenetic importance for further, e.g. retropatellar, subsequent damage. The author discusses the question whether laterally equal muscular conditions based on traumatically changed conditions in the joints should be treated at all.

Following anterior cruciate ligament replacement plasty performed via arthroscopy, isokinetic and isometric power data were measured at the beginning and end of a sports therapy treatment course. Evaluation yielded surprising results that were partly contradictory to those communicated in current literature. Besides the dependence of force values on preset velocities of motion in dynamic measurements (isokinetics) or in static measurements (isometrics), markedly lower losses of power than expected were measured in the involved extremity on repeated power application. Possible reasons are discussed on the basis of specific innervation criteria and polymodal reflexes. We assume that muscle potential is not yet fully available after surgical intervention, due to reflexive modulations of power realisation, so that the joint and especially the anterior cruciate ligament are thus protected from damage.

The purpose of this paper is to present the general guidelines, including implementation of principles of motor learning in the course of the rehabilitation of the shoulder in overhead athletes. The focus is on treating the most common injury pattern of overhead athletes being rotator cuff pathology with secondary bursitis and finally microtraumatic instability. Specific criteria are discussed to determine when the athlete can return to unrestricted sport participation.

The opinion that mobility in the usual performance if the "straight leg raise" test for the evaluation of stretching techniques is subject to solety muscular limitations is critically appraised. With integration of recent results from molecular biological research and our own measurements, we can show that not only mechanical but also neurophysiological factors must be considered in the limitation of mobility. In the majority of the examined patients stretching of the ischiadic nerve seems to be responsible for restrictions in movement. The presented results cast doubt on the currently held assumptions and basic principles of stretching in therapy and sport.

The basic scientific knowledge about stretching remains incomplete in spite of its wide use in sports and physiotherapy. This article deals with the assessment of the flexibility and with the anatomical and physiological basis and limitations of stretching. The effects of stretching on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), performance and regeneration are discussed. Recommendations are given for stretching as a measure of warming-up and cooling-down, for stretching before exercises, which demand explosive maximum muscle strength, and for stretching after training for strength endurance.

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis occur predominantly in the lower lumbar spine. Besides congenital defects such as predisposition of spondylolysis the correlation between competitive sports activities and an increased incidence of spondylolysis is proved. In early stages, complete healing can be achieved by conservative treatment (abstinence from sports activities for 3 months, orthesis). Persistence of pain, neurologic symptoms and progression of vertebral slipping are indications for operative treatment (reconstruction of the isthmus, dorso-ventral spondylodesis). The exercise tolerance depends on the extent of instability, progression of vertebral slipping and clinical symptoms. The limits of exercise tolerance vary among the individual athletes and require the decision of the physician. Backstroke swimming, abdominal and back muscle strengthening exercises, and types of sport involving smooth movements are advisable. Sports education in school is possible without restriction in patients with stable spondylolysis and in those with spondylolisthesis without unfavourable concomitant factors.

Surface is a noninvasive, mostly nonreactive, objective measuring procedure for evaluation of the degree of muscle activation. It allows for accurate assessments of the neuromuscular system and description of adaptations resulting from injury. Decreases in torque, EMG amplitude and EMG frequency occur as a result of knee joint injuries. Efficiency checks and evaluations of training programs and neuromuscular treatment can be done. Decreases in torque, EMG amplitude and EMG frequency found after knee joint injury (cruciate ligament, meniscus) are due to intraarticular and periarticular afferent processes. 12 weeks postoperatively, the neuromuscular deficits from cruciate ligament injury have increased. While complete recovery can be achieved following meniscus fixation (more than 1 year postoperatively), cruciate ligament injuries lead to chronically reduced EMG median frequencies.

F2 Associates Inc. (F2) is a small, high-technology firm focused on developing and commercializing environmentally friendly laser ablation systems for industrial-rate removal of surface coatings from metals, concrete, and delicate substrates such as composites. F2 has a contract with the US Department of Energy Federal Energy Technology Center (FETC) to develop and test a laser-based technology for removing contaminated paint and other contaminants from concrete and metal surfaces. Task 4.1 in Phase 2 of the Statement of Work for this DOE contract requires that F2 ``document its plans for commercializing and marketing the stationary laser ablation system. This document shall include a discussion of prospects for commercial customers and partners and may require periodic update to reflect changing strategy. This document shall be submitted to the DOE for review.`` This report is being prepared and submitted in fulfillment of that requirement. This report describes the laser-based technology for cleaning and coatings removal, the types of laser-based systems that have been developed by F2 based on this technology, and the various markets that are emerging for this technology. F2`s commercialization and marketing plans are described, including how F2`s organization is structured to meet the needs of technology commercialization, F2`s strategy andmore » marketing approach, and the necessary steps to receive certification for removing paint from aircraft and DOE certification for D and D applications. The future use of the equipment built for the DOE contract is also discussed.« less

Exercise training is a therapy that accompanies and follows physiotherapy. Basic training principles are discussed on the basis of motricity research. Initially, exercise therapy mostly trains patients to recall and standardize the execution of exercise programs. With the patient's increasing power of endurance, the intensity of extent of training are increased. Exercise therapy eventually aims at particularly preparing the patient for the activities of daily living and the sportsman for the requirements specific to training and competition.

The paper presents the present state of research on the most important receptors of joints and muscles with regard to occurrence, structure, and function. Proprioception relies on the nervous supply of the tissues in the knee joint, and on the surrounding muscles and tendons; it is the basis of coordination.

The main aim in the treatment of meniscus injuries is the restoration of the meniscus by a primary suture. Partial resections of the meniscus should be done in a sophisticated arthroscopic technique. By the reason of relaxing of the joint's ligament should be repaired by operation. In spite of a larger "defect" bone-tendon-bone techniques are to prefer because of an improved long-term stability.