The reliability of lower extremity and thoracic kinematics at various running speeds.

Whilst various studies have examined lower extremity joint kinematics during running, there is limited investigation on joint kinematics at steady-state running and at intensities close to exhaustion. Subsequently, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the reliability of kinematics in the lower extremity and thorax is affected by varying the running speeds during a running economy test. 14 trained and moderately trained runners undertook 2 running economy tests with each test incorporating 3 intensity stages: 70-, 90- and 110% of the second ventilatory threshold, respectively. The participants ran for 10 min during each of the first 2 stages and to exhaustion during the last stage. Kinematics of the ankle, knee, hip, pelvis and thorax were recorded using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), limits of agreement (LOA) and coefficient of variation (CV) were used to calculate reliability. The ICC, LOA and CV of the lower extremity and thoracic kinematic variables ranged from 0.33-0.97, 1.03-1.39 and 2.0-18.6, respectively. Whilst the reliability did vary between the kinematic variables, the majority of results showed minimal within-subject variation and moderate to high reliability. In conclusion, examining thoracic and lower extremity kinematics is useful in determining whether running kinematics is altered with varying running intensities.

Influence of cycle ergometer type and sex on assessment of 30-second anaerobic capacity and power.

This study examined the influence of cycle ergometer type and sex on assessment of 30-s anaerobic capacity and power. 41 healthy adults performed a 30-s anaerobic cycle test using a mechanically- (ME) and air-braked (AE) ergometer in a randomised order, approximately 7 days apart. Peak heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion were similar between tests with peak HR greater for females compared to males (187.0 ± 9.1 vs. 180.8 ± 9.9 bpm, p<0.05). Peak power (1 100 ± 330 vs. 802 ± 225 W), mean power (793 ± 223 vs. 587 ± 156 W) and total work (23.8 ± 6.7 vs. 17.6 ± 4.7 kJ) were greater for AE compared to ME (p<0.001) and greater for males compared to females (p<0.001). The mean difference for anaerobic capacity and power between AE and ME were similar for males and females (37-41% vs. 33-35%, p>0.05). Peak lactate was greater for AE compared to ME (16.1 ± 3.4 vs. 14.8 ± 2.9 mmol·L (-1); p<0.05) and greater for males compared to females (16.2 ± 3.5 vs. 14.6 ± 2.7 mmol·L (-1); p<0.05). The current study demonstrated that anaerobic power and capacity were substantially greater when assessed using AE compared to the traditional ME with the difference between ergometer types unaffected by sex. Ergometer type should be considered when comparing anaerobic results across populations and/or studies.

The reliability of VO2(peak) determination in healthy females during an incremental arm ergometry test.

This study examined the reliability of an incremental arm ergometry (AE) protocol during peak aerobic power (VO2(peak)) determination in healthy females. Fifteen females completed two incremental AE tests to exhaustion, seven to eleven days apart, using a mechanically braked arm ergometer. The initial work rate was 16W and increased by 16W every two minutes until exhaustion. Significant differences between tests were determined by repeated measures ANOVA, and paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, where appropriate. Reliability was determined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), typical error, coefficient of variation (CV) and measurement bias/ratio and 95% limits of agreement (LOA). Peak cardio-respiratory responses were similar between tests, except for tidal volume (1.95 +/-0.47 vs. 1.81 +/- 0.41 L, P<0.05). Reliability for peak variables was moderate to high (ICC=0.659-0.941; CV< or =10%) while LOA were considerable for most variables including VO2(peak) (LOA=0.57 L.min(-1)). Similar peak cardio-respiratory responses, low CV and moderate-high ICC confirmed the reliability of the current incremental AE protocol to be similar to that of prior reported protocols for VO2(peak) determination. Substantial within-participant variability (LOA) for respiratory rate and tidal volume was common during the AE protocol and possibly reflects the influence of respiratory entrainment on reliability that requires further investigation.

Silicone rubber band for laparoscopic tubal sterilization.

In 1974, Yoon and associates (Am J Obstet Gynecol 120:132, 1974) described a new approach in which laparoscopic tubal occlusion was accomplished by utilizing the silicone rubber band technique. Recognizing the great advantages of the new technique in eliminating potential thermal injury associated with electrocoagulation, the authors have utilized the Yoon silicone rubber band technique in these institutions over the past 20 months. Thus far the procedure has been performed in 304 patients without any major complications. In the hope of eliminating and/or reducing possible pregnancy-failure rates, in 110 cases. In addition to application of the silicone band, the tube within the band was transected with non-electrical Seigler biopsy forceps. This, we believe, should provide an interesting long-term comparative study.