Relationship between Simulated Fire Suppression Activities and Acute Cardiac and Respiratory Events in Firefighters.

Cardiac deaths account for the largest share of on-duty firefighter deaths. To help ensure duty fitness and minimize injury risk, many fire departments require the passing of an annual physical ability test, consisting of a battery of simulated fire suppression activities (sFSAs). The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship of sFSA performance to acute cardiac and respiratory events (ACREs) and the effect that estimated VO2max has on sFSA performance. The study was retrospective. As part of an annual physical ability test, five timed sFSAs were performed, summed for a composite time, and categorized into three performance levels (fast, moderate, and slow). Estimated VO2max was determined using the Forestry Step Test. A significant (p = 0.023) linear trend was observed with higher sFSA performance times being associated with a higher proportion of firefighters going on to suffer an ACRE. The estimated VO2max was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the fast group compared to the slow group. There was not a significant (p = 0.70) difference in estimated VO2max between the moderate and slow groups. Estimated VO2max performance and sFSA performance were significantly correlated, with rs(488) = -0.272 and p < 0.001. Poorer sFSA performance was found to be associated with a higher proportion of ACREs. The results suggest that sFSA performance may be a valid indicator of ACRE injury risk and aerobic capacity.

go4cognition: Evaluation of a Newly Developed Multicomponent Intervention in Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Background: Cognitive training and physical exercise show positive effects on cognitive decline in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Multimodal interventions for MCI patients, combining physical and cognitive training in a social context seem to slow down cognitive decline. Objective: Based on a previous study, a new mobile gamification tool (go4cognition; https://www.ontaris.de/go4cognition) has been developed to train cognitive and physical functions simultaneously in a group setting. It involves tasks targeting various cognitive functions (short-term memory, working memory, executive functions). The computer-based setup allows for individual performance analysis. This study evaluated the effects of this tool. Methods: 30 participants with MCI, as defined by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) cut-off-score, aged between 66 and 89 years, trained for one hour two days a week for twelve weeks. Additionally, standard neuropsychological assessment of memory and attention was carried out before and after the intervention. Results: The go4cognition device is highly effective in improving various cognitive functions. A significant improvement in the CERAD total score resulting in re-classification of 70% of former MCI patients into non-MCI patients was found. Additionally, an improvement of verbal fluency, verbal memory, spatial memory, and attention was observed. Furthermore, the CERAD total score was significantly correlated with performance in the go4cognition tool. Conclusions: The results of the intervention support the idea of the effectiveness of a combined cognitive and motor intervention by incorporating neuropsychological paradigms in a group setting and suggest a close relation between combined cognitive and physical exercise and cognitive performance.

Capacidades Físicas y Composición Corporal de los Practicantes Recreativos de Tang Soo Do y de Karate: Una Revisión Sistemática / Physical Abilities and Body Composition of Recreational Practitioners of Tang Soo Do and Karate: A Systematic Review

El Tang Soo Do es un arte marcial versátil que destaca por el uso de la cadera para sus gestos técnicos. El karate es una de las artes marciales más atractivas alrededor del mundo. Tanto karate como Tang Soo Do comparten un estilo firme en sus técnicas y combate. Sin embargo, algunas de las formas en Tang Soo Do poseen un estilo suave similar al kung fu y al tai chi. Por ello, es interesante describir y comparar las capacidades físicas y la composición corporal de los practicantes de Tang Soo Do y karate a nivel recreativo. Para ello, se realizó una búsqueda en Medline® y Web of Science® durante enero de 2021. Se escogieron 10 estudios, organizando sus datos según composición corporal, fuerza muscular, resistencia muscular, flexibilidad y VO2max. Se encontraron 2 estudios en practicantes recreativos de Tang Soo Do y 8 en karate a nivel mundial, por lo que no existen suficientes estudios que permitan describir y comparar adecuadamente las capacidades físicas y la composición corporal entre sus practicantes a nivel recreativo; sin embargo, los resultados encontrados indican que es importante realizar más investigaciones que midan estas variables, con la finalidad de considerar en base a la evidencia alTang Soo Do como una importante opción para el bienestar físico y mental de sus practicantes. Las investigaciones futuras pueden evaluar estos datos en distintos grupos etarios, localización, tiempo de entrenamiento o tipos de competiciones según formas, combate o mixto. Además, se pueden realizar estudios comparativos en los practicantes de Tang Soo Do que permita a este arte marcial ser desde la evidencia una importante opción de práctica en colegios y universidades, así como un estilo de vida para sus practicantes.

SUMMARY: Tang Soo Do is a versatile martial art that stands out for the use of the hip for its technical gestures. Karate is one of the most attractive martial arts around the world. Both karate and Tang Soo Do share a firm style in their techniques and combat. However, some of the forms in Tang Soo Do possess a gentle style similar to Kung Fu and Tai Chi. Therefore, it is interesting to describe and compare the physical abilities and body composition of recreational Tang Soo Do and karate practitioners. A search was carried out in Medline® and Web of Science® during January 2021. Following the search 10 studies were chosen, organizing their data according to body composition, muscular strength, muscular resistance, flexibility and VO2max. Two studies were found on recreational Tang Soo Do practitioners and eight on karate worldwide, hence, there are not enough studies to adequately describe and compare physical abilities and body composition among recreational practitioners; However, the results found, indicate that it is important to conduct further research to measures these variables, in order to consider Tang Soo Do as an important option for the physical and mental well-being of its practitioners. Future research can evaluate these data can be evaluated in different age groups, location, training time or types of competitions according to forms, combat or mixed. In addition, comparative studies can be carried out on Tang Soo Do practitioners that allow this martial art to become an important option for practice in schools and universities, as well as a lifestyle for its practitioners.

Contemporary practices of physical trainers in professional soccer: A qualitative study.

Introduction: Physical trainers (PTs) are integral for managing load, reducing injury and optimizing performance in professional soccer. However, little is known about how this practitioners operate in the applied setting and how some of the nuances experienced influence practice. Methods: This study explored the contemporary practices of PTs in professional soccer. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eight PTs from different professional teams in European and South American leagues. Interview questions were designed to extract information on the evaluation of physical abilities, monitoring and control of training and injury prevention. Subsequently, the interviews were video-recorded, transcribed, translated and analyzed using a content analysis approach. Results: The results suggest that the evaluation of physical capacities is carried out by PTs at the beginning of the preseason. It also appears that it is attempted that this process of regular testing is applied during the competitive period, with most participants conducting partial physiological and physical evaluations at different stages throughout the competitive season. In relation to the monitoring and control of training, subjective feedback scales are used to estimate the internal load, and the use of GPS devices is common to quantify external loads. Injury prevention programmes were implemented by all participants and were generally in a multi-component format focused on preventing or optimizing physical capabilities. Discussion: These insights can be used as a scientific reference point to inform applied practice in professional soccer, especially for practitioners that are inexperienced and aspiring to enhance how they operate in the field. Future investigations should explore the practices of PTs in detail and across a wider network in order to gain deeper and comprehensive insights into the applied soccer environment.

Comparación de la aptitud física entre jóvenes futbolistas colombianos / Comparison of physical fitness among young colombian soccer players / Comparação da aptidão física em jovens futebolistas colombianos

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la aptitud física entre jóvenes futbolistas colombianos y describirlas según el pico de velocidad de crecimiento. Participaron 58 jugadores de edades comprendidas entre 13,46 y 15,31 años. Se evaluó una antropometría básica y se determinó el pico de velocidad de crecimiento PVC, también se aplicaron seis pruebas físicas relacionadas con fuerza, velocidad y agilidad. Se realizaron gráficas de dispersión de las pruebas físicas según el PVC, múltiples correlaciones entre variables y, finalmente, la población se dividió en tres grupos según el club al que pertenecen los jugadores haciendo una comparación ANOVA entre club A, club B y club C. Aparentemente, el PVC describe las pruebas de fuerza-potencia en mayor medida que las pruebas de agilidad según la apreciación de las gráficas de dispersión. En las múltiples correlaciones se evidencia una gran asociación entre el CMJ con las otras pruebas; en la comparación de clubes, el club A tuvo jugadores más altos, más pesados y con un PVC más adelantado, así mismo presentó mejor rendimiento en las pruebas, principalmente en CMJ F=13,813 P<0,01, Lanzamiento Balón Medicinal F = 11,053 P<0,01, Velocidad de Remate F = 18,916 P<0,01, y Repeated Sprint Ability F=12,950 P<0,01. Se concluye que la influencia de las condiciones antropométricas favorables se relaciona con un mejor desempeño en las pruebas físicas en esta población de jóvenes futbolistas que se encuentran en la época del salto de crecimiento.

The purpose of this study was to compare soccer players' physical fitness and describe them according to Peak Height Velocity (PHV). The participants were 58 young soccer players between 13.46 and 15.31 years old. Basic anthropometry was evaluated, and Peak Height Velocity was determined. Also, six physical tests related to strength, speed, and agility were measured. The physical test was plotted according to PHV, with multiple Pearson correlations among variables. Finally, a sample was compared in an ANOVA, considering the club to which each player belonged to (club A, club B, and club C). It seems that PHV describes strength and speed better than the capacity for agility. The CMJ test had strong correlations with other physical tests, and in ANOVA comparisons, club A had taller, stronger players, with an advanced PHV in comparison to clubs B and C. Likewise, Club A had a better performance in physical tests, mainly in the CMJ F=13.813 P<0.01 medicine ball throw F= 11.053 P<0.01, kicking speed F= 18.916 P<0.01, and repeated sprint Ability F=12.950 P<0.01. In conclusion, favorable anthropometric conditions influence better performance in physical tests in this population of young soccer players in their growth spurt period.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a aptidão física entre jovens futebolistas colombianos e descrever a aptidão de acordo com o pico de velocidade de crescimento. Participaram 58 jogadores com idades entre 13,46-15,31 anos. Foi avaliada uma antropometria básica e determinado o pico de velocidade de crescimento PVC, também foram aplicados seis testes físicos relacionados à força, velocidade e agilidade. Foi usado um gráfico de dispersão para os testes físicos de acordo com o PVC e também múltiplas correlações entre as variáveis, finalmente, os participantes foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com o clube que jogavam, fazendo uma comparação ANOVA entre clube A, B e C. Aparentemente o PVC descreve os testes de força-potência melhor que os testes de agilidade. Nas correlações múltiplas fica evidente uma grande associação entre o CMJ e os demais testes; e na comparação de clubes, o clube A teve jogadores mais altos, mais pesados e com PVC mais avançado, e também apresentou melhor desempenho nos testes, principalmente em CMJ F=13,813 P<0,01 lançamento de bola medicinal F= 11,053 P<0,01, velocidade de remate F= 18,916 P<0,01, e nos sprints repetido F=12,950 P<0,01. Conclui-se que a influência das condições antropométricas está relacionada ao melhor desempenho em testes físicos nesta população de jovens futebolistas colombianos que estão no período de velocidade do crescimento.

Assessment of Body Composition and Physical Performance of Young Soccer Players: Differences According to the Competitive Level.

Soccer is a multifactorial sport, in which players are expected to possess well developed physical, psychological, technical, and tactical skills. Thus, the anthropometric and fitness measures play a determinant role and could vary according to the competitive level. Therefore, the present study aimed to verify differences in body composition and physical performance between two soccer team. 162 young soccer players (from the Under 12 to Under 15 age categories; age: 13.01 ± 1.15 years) of different competitive levels (elite­n = 98 and non-elite­n = 64) were recruited. Anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, lengths, widths, circumferences, and skinfold thicknesses (SK)), bioelectrical impedance, physical performance test as countermovement jump (CMJ), 15 m straight-line sprints, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo), and 20 + 20 m repeated-sprint ability (RSA)) were carried out. In addition, Body mass index (BMI), body composition parameters (percentage of fat mass (%F), Fat mass (FM, kg), and Fat-free mass (FFM, kg)) and the areas of the upper arm, calf and thigh were calculated, and the Bioelectric Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) procedures were applied. In addition, a linear discriminant analysis was assessed to determine which factors better discriminate between an elite and non-elite football team. Many differences were observed in body composition between and within each football team's category, especially in triceps SK (p < 0.05), %F (p < 0.05), and all performance tests (p < 0.01). The canonical correlation was 0.717 (F(7,128) = 19.37, p < 0.0001), and the coefficients that better discriminated between two teams were 15 m sprint (−2.39), RSA (1−26), suprailiac SK (−0.5) and CMJ (−0.45). Elite soccer team players present a better body composition and greater physical efficiency. In addition, BIVA outcome could be a relevant selection criterion to scout among younger soccer players.

A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Care Arrangements of Older People with Limited Physical Abilities Living Alone in Italy.

Older people with limited physical abilities, who live alone without cohabiting family members, need support ageing in place and to perform daily living activities. In this respect, both the available informal and formal care seem crucial. The present study aimed to explore the current role of the care arrangements of older people, especially if they have functional limitations. Qualitative interviews were carried out in 2019 within the "Inclusive ageing in place" (IN-AGE) research project, involving 120 older people who lived at home, alone, or with a private personal care assistant (PCA) in three Italian regions (Lombardy, Marche, and Calabria). A mixed-methods analysis was conducted. Results showed that support networks are still mainly made up of family members, but also of domestic home help (DHH) and PCAs, friends/neighbours, and public services, albeit the latter provide support in a residual way, while the former is not as intensive as it was in the past. Frequency and geographical/living proximity of help play a role, emerging also as a territorial differentiation. The paucity or absence of support, especially from the family, risks compromising the ability of ageing in place. It seems, thus, necessary to innovate and improve, in particular, home services, also through real formal and informal care integration.

Aqua-Plyometric Exercises: Potential Implications for Bone Mineral Density, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life in Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

OBJECTIVE: This study endeavored to explore the effect of an aquatic-based plyometric exercise program (Aqua-PLYO) on bone mineralization, functional capacity, and quality of life in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). DATA SOURCES: In a prospective, single-blinded quasi-experimental study, 30 survivors of childhood ALL (63.3% boys; age: 13.1 ± 2.8 years) were allocated to undergo the Aqua-PLYO exercise program (Aqua-PLYO group; n = 15) or the usual physical therapy (Control group; n = 15). Bone mineralization (bone mineral density [BMD], bone mineral content [BMC], BMD Z-score, and BMD volumetric [BMDvol]), functional capacity, and quality of life were assessed prior to, and following 36 treatment sessions, which were undertaken over nonconsecutive days in a 12-week program. With controlling for the pretreatment values, all measures of bone mineralization, functional capacity, and quality of life showed more favorable posttreatment improvement in the Aqua-PLYO group as compared to the control group (all P < .05). CONCLUSION: The Aqua-PLYO exercises, besides the usual physical therapy, can effectively improve bone health, increase functional capacity, and promote a better quality of life in long-term survivors of childhood ALL. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Although survivors of childhood ALL experience reduced BMD, functional ability, and quality of life, Aqua-PLYO exercises can have positive effects on survivors' physical and functional disturbances and can, even more, be enjoyable and increase their motivation and interest in engaging in exercise interventions.

Effect of morning versus evening exercise training on sleep, physical activity, fitness, fatigue and quality of life in overweight and obese adults.

This study compares the effectiveness of a 12-week moderate exercise training program (METP), performed in the morning versus the evening, on sleep, physical activity, physical fitness, sleepiness, fatigue and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in overweight and obese patients. Sedentary and inactive overweight/obese adults (n = 36) were included in METP and randomized into two groups: morning group (GM) and evening group (GE). Twenty-eight participants successfully completed METP (3 × 90 min exercise session per week for 12 weeks, completion rates >80%). Sleep, physical activity, and bedtime temperature were measured using accelerometry and infrared tympanic temperature during 3 separate weeks of the study (Week1, Week6, and Week12). Participants also took part in baseline and endpoint assessments including physical fitness as well as subjective physical activity, chronotype, sleep quality, sleepiness, fatigue and HRQoL. METP did not impact objective sleep quality differently between the two groups (morning vs evening). Bedtime and mid-sleep were advanced when METP was done in the morning whereas they were delayed when METP was practiced in the early evening (p = .003). Beside this finding, no valuable differences between the two groups were noted in all the remaining measures. METP resulted in improvements of body composition, cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance, as well as a favorable impact on subjective sleep quality, diurnal sleepiness, fatigue and HRQoL in both groups (all p < .05). Evening METP could be an effective alternative for overweight/obese adults when morning METP is not possible.

Estudio etnográfico de jóvenes skater: prácticas corporales y urbanas / Ethnographic study of young skaters: body and urban practices

El presente trabajo corresponde a un estudio etnográfico clásico, que tiene como objetivo explorar el espacio de construcción de los nuevos estilos de vida y prácticas corporales en los jóvenes skaters urbanos de Colima. El estudio se realizó en un parque emblemático: La Piedra Lisa, localizado en la capital del estado de Colima, México. La unidad de observación la integraron 50 jóvenes, entre 12 y 20 años, que practican el skate durante la semana. El método utilizado fue el etnográfico, las técnicas de investigación fueron la observación participante ­durante un mes y medio­ y la entrevista informal; y como instrumento de registro se empleó el diario de campo. En la sistematización de la información y clasificación se usó la Guía de Murdock. El estudio describe aspectos identitarios de los jóvenes skaters, información acerca del desarrollo de habilidades físicas coordinativas, condicionales y de experticia skate, lugares de encuentro y apropiación de espacios públicos, clasificación de los skaters por grupos, el equipamiento utilizado, y la percepción social que se tiene de sí mismos, de la sociedad, la familia y de los amigos.

The present work corresponds to a classic ethnographic study, which aims to explore the construction space of new lifestyles and bodily practices in young urban skaters in Colima. The study was conducted in an emblematic park: La Piedra Lisa, located in the capital of the state of Colima, Mexico. The observation unit was made up of 50 young people between 12 and 20 years old, who skate during the week. The method used was ethnographic, the research techniques were participant observations ­for a month and a half­ and the informal interview, and the field newspaper was used as recording instrument. For the systematization of information and classification, the Murdock Guide was used. The study describes identity aspects of young skaters, information about the development of coordinative, conditional and skateboarding physical skills, meeting places and appropriation of public spaces, classification of skaters by groups, the equipment used, and the social perception that it has of itself, society, family and friends.

Physical Activity and Physical Competence in Overweight and Obese Children: An Intervention Study.

With the current obesity epidemic and the decline of fitness among school-aged children, the importance of obesity interventions to promote physical activity and healthy habits has become indisputable. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a school-based multicomponent intervention in increasing physical activity (PA) levels, actual physical abilities, and perceived physical abilities in clinical and nonclinical samples of overweight/obese boys and girls aged 10-12 years. The clinical intervention group (n = 35) participated in a 7-month after-school program in addition to curricular physical education lessons, while the nonclinical control group (n = 29) received usual curricular lessons. Measures included levels of PA and fitness and individual's perceptions of physical ability. After treatment, the intervention group showed improved PA levels, perceived physical ability, and throwing and jumping task performances compared to the control group. Results indicate that a multicomponent program can improve levels of PA, fitness, and perceived competence of overweight participants. Findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive healthy lifestyle program that includes physical, psychosocial, and behavioral factors and suggest practical implications for educators, trainers, and teachers in identifying best practices targeting childhood obesity.

Determinantes sociales de la salud, predictores de la condición física en adolescentes escolares

Introducción. La actividad física (AF) es un factor que condiciona la salud. En adultos, la falta de AF es un determinante de riesgo cardiovascular; en los niños, la evidencia sobre sus efectos es menor, sin embargo, existe relación con el desarrollo de obesidad y con factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Objetivo. Establecer los determinantes sociales de la salud como predictores de la condición física saludable de adolescentes escolares. Metodología. Estudio de tipo descriptivo-transversal con una muestra de 339 estudiantes seleccionados aleatoriamente. Se aplicó la batería Alpha Fitness para determinar la condición física, además del cuestionario sobre determinantes. Resultados. El 84,4% de los escolares presentaron condición física no saludable; los determinantes que mostraron asociación con la condición física fueron el nivel educativo del padre además del cigarrillo. Conclusión. Prevaleció la condición física no saludable en los escolares, donde el nivel educativo del padre y el consumo de cigarrillo fueron las variables predictoras.

Introduction: Physical activity (AF in Spanish) is a factor that subdues health. In adults, the lack of AF is a determinant in cardiovascular risk; in children, the evidence of its effects is less, although there is a relationship between the development of obesity with factors of cardiovascular risk. Objective: To establish social determinants of health as predictors of a physical condition in school teenagers. Method: Descriptive and cross-sectional study with a sample of 339 previously selected students. We applied the Alpha Fitness guide to determine physical condition and a questionnaire about determinants. Results: 84.4% of the school teenagers had an unhealthy physical condition. The determinants associated with the physical condition were the educational level of the father and smoking. Conclusions: An unhealthy physical condition was prevalent in the school teenagers. The educational level of the father and smoking were the predictive variables.

Introdução: a atividade física (AF) é um fator que condiciona a saúde. Em adultos, a falta dela é um de determinante de risco cardiovascular; nas crianças, a evidência sobre seus efeitos é menor; contudo, existe relação com o desenvolvimento da obesidade e com fatores de risco cardiovascular. Objetivo: estabelecer os determinantes sociais da saúde como preditores da condição física saudável em adolescentes escolares. Metodologia: estudo de tipo descritivo-transversal com uma amostra de 339 estudantes selecionados aleatoriamente. Foi aplicada a bateria Alpha Fitness para determinar a condição física, além do questionário sobre determinantes. Resultados: 84,4% dos adolescentes apresentaram condição física não saudável; os determinantes que mostraram associação com a condição física foram o nível educativo do pai e o tabagismo. Conclusões: prevaleceu a condição física nao saudável nos escolares, em que o nível educativo do pai e o consumo de cigarro foram as variáveis preditoras.

Reliability, validity, and minimal detectable change of Side Hop Test in male children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability, measurement error, and construct validity of the Side Hop Test in male children and adolescents. DESIGN: Intra-and inter-rater reliability and construct validity study. SETTINGS: Soccer club. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-six asymptomatic boys, 10-16 years old. MAIN OUTCOME: The intra and inter-rater reliability of the Side Hop Test were analyzed by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and Minimum Detectable Change (MDC). The construct validity of the Side Hop Test in reference to the Single Hop Test, the Standing Long Jump Test, the Shuttle Run, and isometric muscle strength was analyzed. RESULTS: The intra-rater ICC of the Side Hop Test ranged from 0.63 to 0.67, SEM ranged from 1.2 to 2.5 s, and MDC ranged from 2.8 to 5.7 s. The inter-rater ICC ranged from 0.83 to 0.91, SEM ranged from 0.6 to 0.8 s, and MDC ranged from 1.4 to 1.9 s. The Side Hop Test was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with the Single Hop Test (r = -0.49) and the Standing Long Jump (r = -0.47). CONCLUSION: The results support the use of the Side Hop Test to evaluate children and adolescents. The measurements showed good intra-rater and very good inter-rater reliability.

Mobile Application Removes Societal Barriers to P4 Medicine.

The overlap between one innovative paradigm (P4 medicine: predictive, personalized, participatory and preventive) and another (a new definition of "Healthy ageing") is fertile ground for new technologies; a new mobile application (app) that could broaden our scientific knowledge of the ageing process and help us to better analyse the impact of possible interventions in slowing the ageing decline. A novel mobile application is here presented as a game including questions and tests will allow in 10 minutes the assessment of the following domains: robustness, flexibility (lower muscle strength), balance, mental and memory complaints, semantic memory and visual retention. This game is completed by specific measurements, which could allow establishing precise information on functional and cognitive abilities. A global evaluation precedes advice and different types of exercises. The repetition of the tests and measures will allow a long follow up of the individual performances which could be shared (on specific request) with family members and general practitioners.

Construct validity and inter-rater reliability of the Gymnastic Functional Measurement Tool in the classification of female competitive gymnasts in Canada.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the construct validity and the inter-rater reliability of the Gymnastic Functional Measurement Tool (GFMT) within the parameters of the Canadian classification of female competitive gymnasts. DESIGN: Validity and Reliability study. SETTING: The GFMT was administered by evaluators who had no previous knowledge of the competing level of the gymnasts. To determine the construct validity, a multiple linear regression analysis was carried out between the GFMT scores and the gymnasts' competition level to obtain the coefficient of determination. To estimate the inter-rater reliability, gymnasts were simultaneously evaluated by two evaluators. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis was carried out for the individual score of each item as well as for the total score of the GFMT. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety (90) female gymnasts aged between the ages of 8 and 18 years old. MAIN OUTCOME: GFMT total score and individual score of each item. RESULTS: The study demonstrated an excellent relationship between the total GFMT scores and the gymnasts' competition level (r2 = 0.97). The inter-rater reliability analysis of the GFMT total score was excellent with an ICC of 0.98. CONCLUSION: Construct validity and inter-rater reliability of the GFMT in the classification of female competitive gymnasts in Canada has been demonstrated.

A structured assessment of motor function, behavior, and communication in patients with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

The present study aimed to increase the knowledge about Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS), especially concerning motor function, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and adapted behavior, but also regarding clinical symptoms in general. Motor function was evaluated via systematic observation. Standardized assessments such as the Vineland Adapted Behavior Scales II (VABS II), the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) or Adult Behavior Checklist (ABCL) were used for the behavioral assessment. In total, two males and eight females between one and 48 years of age with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of WHS and their parents participated in this study. Deletion sizes were known for seven of the ten patients and varied between 55 Kb and 20 Mb. The chromosome coordinates were known for six of them, and none of those had the same break points in their deletion. The main finding in this study was that patients with WHS may have a better outcome regarding motor skills and expressive communication than previously described. We could confirm the main medical findings described earlier, but found also a population with a less severe dysmorphology, fewer congenital malformations, and fewer medical challenges than expected. Sleep problems may persist into adulthood and need a more thorough investigation. Research on possible indications of ASD is strongly needed for targeted interventions. In conclusion, a more thorough assessment of communication, possible ASD, and sleep in larger groups of patients with WHS are needed to confirm and further investigate the findings from this study and to provide more targeted interventions for WHS patients.

MEASURING SPORT-SPECIFIC PHYSICAL ABILITIES IN MALE GYMNASTS: THE MEN'S GYMNASTICS FUNCTIONAL MEASUREMENT TOOL.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of various field-tests for many competitive sports, a reliable and valid test specifically developed for use in men's gymnastics has not yet been developed. The Men's Gymnastics Functional Measurement Tool (MGFMT) was designed to assess sport-specific physical abilities in male competitive gymnasts. The purpose of this study was to develop the MGFMT by establishing a scoring system for individual test items and to initiate the process of establishing test-retest reliability and construct validity. METHODS: A total of 83 competitive male gymnasts ages 7-18 underwent testing using the MGFMT. Thirty of these subjects underwent re-testing one week later in order to assess test-retest reliability. Construct validity was assessed using a simple regression analysis between total MGFMT scores and the gymnasts' USA-Gymnastics competitive level to calculate the coefficient of determination (r2). Test-retest reliability was analyzed using Model 1 Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Statistical significance was set at the p<0.05 level. RESULTS: The relationship between total MGFMT scores and subjects' current USA-Gymnastics competitive level was found to be good (r2 = 0.63). Reliability testing of the MGFMT composite test score showed excellent test-retest reliability over a one-week period (ICC = 0.97). Test-retest reliability of the individual component tests ranged from good to excellent (ICC = 0.75-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide initial support for the construct validity and test-retest reliability of the MGFMT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.