Design and execution of a verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification plan for a numerical model of left ventricular flow after LVAD implantation.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are implantable pumps that act as a life support therapy for patients with severe heart failure. Despite improving the survival rate, LVAD therapy can carry major complications. Particularly, the flow distortion introduced by the LVAD in the left ventricle (LV) may induce thrombus formation. While previous works have used numerical models to study the impact of multiple variables in the intra-LV stagnation regions, a comprehensive validation analysis has never been executed. The main goal of this work is to present a model of the LV-LVAD system and to design and follow a verification, validation and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) plan based on the ASME V&V40 and V&V20 standards to ensure credible predictions. METHODS: The experiment used to validate the simulation is the SDSU cardiac simulator, a bench mock-up of the cardiovascular system that allows mimicking multiple operation conditions for the heart-LVAD system. The numerical model is based on Alya, the BSC's in-house platform for numerical modelling. Alya solves the Navier-Stokes equation with an Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation in a deformable ventricle and includes pressure-driven valves, a 0D Windkessel model for the arterial output and a LVAD boundary condition modeled through a dynamic pressure-flow performance curve. The designed VVUQ plan involves: (a) a risk analysis and the associated credibility goals; (b) a verification stage to ensure correctness in the numerical solution procedure; (c) a sensitivity analysis to quantify the impact of the inputs on the four quantities of interest (QoIs) (average aortic root flow [Formula: see text], maximum aortic root flow [Formula: see text], average LVAD flow [Formula: see text], and maximum LVAD flow [Formula: see text]); (d) an uncertainty quantification using six validation experiments that include extreme operating conditions. RESULTS: Numerical code verification tests ensured correctness of the solution procedure and numerical calculation verification showed a grid convergence index (GCI)95% <3.3%. The total Sobol indices obtained during the sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the ejection fraction, the heart rate, and the pump performance curve coefficients are the most impactful inputs for the analysed QoIs. The Minkowski norm is used as validation metric for the uncertainty quantification. It shows that the midpoint cases have more accurate results when compared to the extreme cases. The total computational cost of the simulations was above 100 [core-years] executed in around three weeks time span in Marenostrum IV supercomputer. CONCLUSIONS: This work details a novel numerical model for the LV-LVAD system, that is supported by the design and execution of a VVUQ plan created following recognised international standards. We present a methodology demonstrating that stringent VVUQ according to ASME standards is feasible but computationally expensive.

Human biventricular electromechanical simulations on the progression of electrocardiographic and mechanical abnormalities in post-myocardial infarction.

AIMS: Develop, calibrate and evaluate with clinical data a human electromechanical modelling and simulation framework for multiscale, mechanistic investigations in healthy and post-myocardial infarction (MI) conditions, from ionic to clinical biomarkers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Human healthy and post-MI electromechanical simulations were conducted with a novel biventricular model, calibrated and evaluated with experimental and clinical data, including torso/biventricular anatomy from clinical magnetic resonance, state-of-the-art human-based membrane kinetics, excitation-contraction and active tension models, and orthotropic electromechanical coupling. Electromechanical remodelling of the infarct/ischaemic region and the border zone were simulated for ischaemic, acute, and chronic states in a fully transmural anterior infarct and a subendocardial anterior infarct. The results were compared with clinical electrocardiogram and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) data at similar states. Healthy model simulations show LVEF 63%, with 11% peak systolic wall thickening, QRS duration and QT interval of 100 ms and 330 ms. LVEF in ischaemic, acute, and chronic post-MI states were 56%, 51%, and 52%, respectively. In linking the three post-MI simulations, it was apparent that elevated resting potential due to hyperkalaemia in the infarcted region led to ST-segment elevation, while a large repolarization gradient corresponded to T-wave inversion. Mechanically, the chronic stiffening of the infarct region had the benefit of improving systolic function by reducing infarct bulging at the expense of reducing diastolic function by inhibiting inflation. CONCLUSION: Our human-based multiscale modelling and simulation framework enables mechanistic investigations into patho-physiological electrophysiological and mechanical behaviour and can serve as testbed to guide the optimization of pharmacological and electrical therapies.

Pioneering women of microbiology in Spain.

Presented herein are the trajectories of four women who can be considered pioneers of microbiology in Spain. Three of them have been studied before, but never presented as pioneers of microbiology, and their lives are briefly reviewed: Zoe Rosinach Pedrol, a pioneering microbiologist in the health care field; Isabel Torán del Carré, in the agri-food sector; and Luz Zalduegui Gabilondo in the veterinary sciences. Nevertheless, Trinidad del Pan Arana is presented from the first time as pioneering microbiologist in the natural sciences area. All of these women developed their professional activity during the first third of the twentieth century, contributing to the establishment of microbiology as a new scientific discipline in Spain.

A Scoping Review on Para Judo.

ABSTRACT: This scoping review aimed to summarize the literature on Para judo comprehensively. A systematic search on WOS, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus was carried out up to July 2022, combining the key words "judo" and "visual impairment," "visual disability," "visual deficiency," "visually handicapped," "low vision," "sight loss," "blind," "disability," "deficiency," and "Paralympic." The research question was focused on athletes with visual impairment who practiced judo at a competitive level. The following five methodological phases were followed: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting the data, and (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. A total of 44 studies were analyzed. Three lines of research emerged: physical fitness ( n = 18), performance and/or sport class ( n = 15), and physical and mental health ( n = 11). Findings indicated that judokas with visual impairment showed a similar fitness level to able-sighted judokas. In addition, it was observed that Para judo shows a considerable injury incidence, which is not influenced by the degree of visual impairment. The temporal structure of the combats, together with the studies focused on the optimal cutoff points between sports classes, confirmed the appropriateness of the recent changes in the regulations by which partially sighted judokas and functional blind judokas compete separately.

Time-motion analysis in men's breaking: A longitudinal study.

Quantifying the effort of a sport confrontation by determining its temporal structure is of concern to the scientific community. In breaking this has not yet been sufficiently studied. The objectives of the study were to longitudinally analyze the temporal and sequential parameters of male breaking battles to determine the evolution of these parameters and to establish a model of temporal structure. All Red Bull BC One dancers from 2011 to 2021 (n = 152 dancers) participated. By using observational methodology, all battles were analyzed (n = 142). To obtain the results, we employed different analysis techniques: descriptive, normality tests, Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney, one factor ANOVA or Kruskall-Wallis and effect size (Cohen's d or Hedges' g). The significance level established for the study was ρ ≤ 0.05. The results define the temporal and sequential structure of the battles. With these, breaking professionals will be able to develop precise and adequate training for these athletes. We conclude that approaches to dancing and battling have evolved. The effort that the athlete must exert is increasing and will therefore require better preparation to cope with the physical demands required for a sport that will be incorporated into the Olympics program in 2024.

Match analysis and probability of winning a point in elite men's singles tennis.

Notational analysis and new technologies have allowed a better understanding of tactical actions in tennis. In particular, the combined analysis of different variables affecting performance is necessary to understand the relationships between actions in competition. The aim of this research was to analyse the probability of winning a point in men's professional tennis based on the most relevant variables affecting performance in this sport. A total of 4,669 points were analysed on three different court surfaces from the final rounds (from the quarter-finals onwards) of three of the four Grand Slam tournaments in the 2021 season. An observational methodology was applied. Different analysis techniques were used to obtain the results: descriptive and chi-square with a significance level of p<0.05. First serve effectiveness (point won) was 69% on clay, 75% on grass and 75% on hard court. Second serve effectiveness (point won) was around 55% regardless of the surface. The majority of points, between 65% and 77% depending on the court surface, ended with a short rally (between one and four shots). Approximately 80% of the points played with first serve and short rally were won by the serving player. With first serve and medium length rallies, the probability of winning the point is similar between server (range 49-55%) and receiver on any court surface. The study reveals a set of patterns (based on the combination of information from the variables analysed) that determine the probability of winning a point. Descriptive data from this research could help coaches and players on match strategy at the highest levels of elite men's single tennis.

Should Blind Judokas and Partially Sighted Judokas Compete Together? A Reflection from the Study of the Temporal Structure of Combat.

The investigation of the temporal structure of Para judo combat according to sport classes or visual categories (B1, B2 and B3) has only been carried out in women. The objectives of the study were to analyze the differences in the temporal structure of combat between the male para-judokas sport classes, and to determine whether blind judokas and partially sighted judokas should compete together. All para-judokas who competed in the 2018 IBSA Judo World Championships (172 men) participated in the study. Using observational methodology, we analyzed all the combats (n = 232). To obtain the results, we used different analysis techniques: descriptive, one-way ANOVA, t-test for independent samples and effect size. The level of significance established for the study was ρ ≤ 0.05. The results indicate that during pauses, time dedicated to displacement was increased when there was a B1 judoka in the pairing, causing pauses to be significantly longer. Coaches should take this into account. In conclusion, there are differences between particular visual categories. B1 judokas have longer pauses, perform more ground fighting sequences and win fewer combats. The competition is not on equal terms. More research is needed in order to determine if new regulations have modified the combat temporality.

The temporal structure of male freestyle wrestling bouts in 65, 86 and 125 kg categories.

In freestyle wrestling, how regulatory breaks and micro pauses affect the efforts during combat has been studied very little. The objective of the study was to determine the temporal structure of fights in male freestyle wrestling in the 65, 86 and 125 kg categories. All wrestlers from the categories (n = 115) who competed in the 2019 senior wrestling world championship (Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan) participated. Using observational methodology, we analyzed all fights (n = 127). We used different statistical techniques: descriptive, normality tests, Kruskall-Wallis, one-way ANOVA and chi-square. The significance level was ρ<0.05. The results show that most fights finish in the last minute (73.5% in 65 kg, 74.5% in 86 kg and 80.6% in 125 kg) and the total fight time is consumed (67.3% in 65 kg, 70.2% in 86 kg and 77.4% in 125 kg). Differences in 18 variables were found when comparing the three weights were found in the temporal and sequential parameters of the combat. When we compare these parameters to the different fight minutes, we find that there are differences in 17 variables in 65 kg, 20 variables in 86 kg and 10 variables in 125 kg. The results define a temporal structure of male freestyle wrestling bouts in the three categories, and therefore, it will be possible to prepare adequate trainings for these athletes. We conclude that in the three weight categories, they wrestle longer standing than while on the ground. There are clear differences between the three categories. In the 125 kg category, the temporal and sequential parameters are more stable throughout the different minutes of the fight, and in 65 and 86 kg, there is an instability. In the three weights, the regulatory break modulates the duration of the pauses and the actions performed by the wrestlers in different fight minutes.

Effect of Teaching Method on Exercise Execution in Adolescents' Use of Outdoor Fitness Equipment.

The use of outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) is an effective strategy to promote physical activity. The equipment normally includes information panels with phrases and images describing appropriate exercises. However, as using this equipment inappropriately is a potential problem, it is important to find an optimal unsupervised instruction method for correct exercise execution. Our objective in this study was to determine which of several exercise prescription methods, without direct professional supervision, might best instruct adolescents to correctly engage in upper limb motor execution on outdoor flexion-extension equipment. A total of 54 adolescents from a middle socioeconomic level in northwest Spain participated in this descriptive and quasi-experimental study. We randomly assigned members of this convenience sample into three groups who received either video instruction, instruction via images or written panel instructions. We used observational methodology in videographic analysis to evaluate the mistakes participants made in motor execution with each instructional method. We utilized different analytic techniques from observational methodology: statistical analyses (means, standard deviation, confidence intervals, ANOVA, etc.) and detecting T-Patterns with Theme and polar coordinate analysis using HOISAN. Participants who relied on video instructions committed fewer errors than those who relied on panel instructions. The video method prevented loss of information that occurred when instructional images were used. We suggest including a QR code on outdoor fitness equipment in open-air parks to permit users to download an explanatory video to their mobile phones.

Validation and Sensitivity analysis for a nasal spray deposition computational model.

Validating numerical models against experimental models of nasal spray deposition is challenging since many aspects must be considered. That being said, it is a critical step in the product development process of nasal spray devices. This work presents the validation process of a nasal deposition model, which demonstrates a high degree of consistency of the numerical model with experimental data when the nasal cavity is segmented into two regions but not into three. Furthermore, by modelling the flow as stationary, the computational cost is drastically reduced while maintaining quality of particle deposition results. Thanks to this reduction, a sensitivity analysis of the numerical model could be performed, consisting of 96 simulations. The objective was to quantify the impact of four inputs: the spray half cone angle, mean spray exit velocity, breakup length from the nozzle exit and the diameter of the nozzle spray device, on the three quantities of interest: the percentage of the accumulated number of particles deposited on the anterior, middle and posterior sections of the nasal cavity. The results of the sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the deposition on anterior and middle sections are sensitive to injection angle and breakup length, and the deposition on posterior section is only, but highly, sensitive to the injection velocity.

The accuracy and reliability of three instruments used to assign school furniture.

BACKGROUND: Students spend a high number of hours being seated while at school. In order to find the correct adjustment between school furniture and the anthropometric characteristics, specific knowledge and tools are necessary. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the measurers with different instruments, as well as contrast the differences between the values that were obtained by the different examiners. METHODS: Measurements were taken independently by one expert examiner and two inexperienced teachers from the school. They used a measuring tape, a segmometer and an anthropometer for the anthropometric measurements. The statistical tests conducted: Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, Bland and Altman method, Standard Error of Measurement, Technical Error of Measurement and relative TEM with a level of significance of ρ ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 108 students (8.87±1.67 years; 40.7% girls) participated in the study. The non-expert measurers had good accuracy and reliability, but they far exceeded the error percentages of the expert, obtaining the worst results in the shoulder measurement. The instrument with the lowest affinity between the inexperienced measurers was the anthropometer. CONCLUSIONS: In order to assign furniture in the schools, the experts should continue using the anthropometer. The inexperienced measurers can use more accessible instruments in the school environment such as a measuring tape and segmometer.

Match Analysis in Women's Tennis on Clay, Grass and Hard Courts.

(1) Background: Performance indicators in tennis such as service effectiveness, rally length or final shots are key factors in determining the winner of the match, although there is little research in the female category. The purpose of this research is to understand the game model in female tennis based on the type of surface. (2) Methods: A total of 2759 points were analyzed from three Grand Slam tournaments from 2019 on three different surfaces. We used observational methodology. (3) Results: The effectiveness of the first service was 62.4% on clay, 64.2% on grass and 67.5% on hard court. With the second service, effectiveness reduced in 5.5%, 11.2% and 14.5% from the first service, respectively. The service direction determines the efficiency and duration of the rally. The highest efficiency occurs with first serves to the T zone or wide zone (regardless of the service side) in short rallies (from 64.9% on clay to 86.3% on hard court). Serving to the centre reduces the chances of success (between 53.1% and 69.9%) and increases the rally length. Between 64.8% (clay) and 75.9% (hard court) of points played on first serve ended in a short rally, while on second serve it was 56.2% (clay) to 61.7% (grass). (4) Conclusions: The data of the effectiveness of the sequences of specific plays can help in the trainings of professional female tennis players.

Analysis of Injury Patterns in Men's Football between the English League and the Spanish League.

BACKGROUND: Injuries in professional football lead to reduced team performance and large financial losses. The aim of this study was to analyse injuries in the two best team competitions in the world (LaLiga and Premier League), establishing similarities and differences, as well as determining injury causation patterns. METHODS: A total of 277 on-field injuries requiring a substitution were analysed (142 in the Spanish league and 135 in the English league). The analysis was performed using traditional statistical tests (frequency analysis, chi-square test) with SPSS 25 and a T-Patterns sequence analysis with THEME 5.0. RESULTS: In the Spanish league, there were a similar number of injuries in the first part of the season as in the second part of the season, while in the English league, they are more frequent in the first part of the season. In the Spanish league, injuries are more frequent in the first half of the match, while in the English league, they are more frequent in the second half. The type of player most frequently injured was the defender. Most of the injuries occurred without the presence of an opponent. The accumulated minutes during the season affect injuries of the muscular type. CONCLUSIONS: The most common type of injury in both leagues was a strain, followed by a sprain and a contusion. Although common injury patterns can be established between the two leagues, there are notable differences. One of the factors is determined by the English league calendar (many matches at Christmas). In Spain, there were more muscular injuries that were not caused by the opponent, while in England there were more tackling injuries. Age is a risk factor in the Spanish league. In this league, there is a moderately significant relationship between the number of injuries and the points won.

Ball Screens in the Men's 2019 Basketball World Cup.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this research was to analyse the effectiveness and search for successful patterns in ball screens in the men's 2019 Basketball World Cup. METHODS: The sample consisted of 515 ball screens obtained in critical moments. LINCE software was used as a registration instrument by means of an observational instrument designed ad hoc. A descriptive analysis and chi-square tests (χ2) were performed with SPSS 25.0 and a T-patterns analysis with Theme 5 software. RESULTS: The results indicate that the criteria that have the most influence on this type of action are the result of the team executing the screen (winning, losing or tying), the type of offense and the defence used on the ball screen. The most representative patterns of success tend to take place between 9-16 s of possession, with the screeners being inside players and the screened players being outside players, and it is performed in the upper areas of the court against an individual type of defence and ending with the screened player advancing towards the basket or passing to an open teammate. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained will enable the coaching staff to train ball screens in accordance with specific game situations.

The temporal structure of judo bouts in visually impaired men and women.

The aim of this study was to determine the temporal structure of judo bouts in visually impaired men and women (n = 117 judokas in the senior category; 92 men and 25 women). We developed a data recording system based on the temporal parameters of judo and applied it to a broad sample of international bouts (n = 219; 184 between men and 35 between women). The descriptive analysis of frequency of occurrence revealed that most of the bouts ended before the time-up bell sounded (81% men/74% women). Other defining features are shown in the following mean values (for men/women): the total bout time was 266/242 s; the total time paused was 158/172 s; the total time spent in standing combat was 82/54 s (P = 0.008), while that of floor combat was 60/84 s (P = 0.021); each bout had 6.9/5.7 paused sequences with a duration of 19.6/21.1 s, and 12.4/11.7 active sequences with a duration of 22/19.7 s. The sequential analysis by means of T-patterns (THEME) confirmed that the temporal structure of judo is not the same for men and women, thereby highlighting the need for a range of training methods matched to the needs of visually impaired competitors.

[Back pain prevention through the correct allocation of school furniture: validation of two instruments.] / La prevención del dolor de espalda mediante la correcta asignación del mobiliario escolar: validación de dos instrumentos.

OBJECTIVE: At school age pain in the lower back is common. There is evidence that an adequate fit between the dimensions of the school furniture and the anthropometric characteristics will result in an improvement in their posture and a reduction in pain. The objectives of this research were to determine the degree of mismatch of furniture in primary education, check if the sizes of the current regulations are adequate and validate two instruments that allow teachers to correctly assign furniture. METHODS: 92 elementary students participated. Measurements to determine the ideal height of the chair and table were made with an anthropometer in a Galician public school in 2019. The recorded values were compared with those obtained by the two measurement instruments to be validated: TAIS and TAIM. The analysis techniques used were: descriptive, one-way ANOVA, t-test and effect size, significance level ρ<0.05. RESULTS: The mismatch between the furniture used in the classrooms and that calculated as ideal was 93.5% for chairs and 97.6% for tables. In 51% of cases they needed different chair and table sizes. The correlational analysis of the instruments to be validated showed an r=0.994 in the chair and r=0.99 in the table. CONCLUSIONS: The level of mismatch between the furniture and the anthropometric dimensions of the students was high. A reorganization of the sizes in the classroom is necessary, being able to follow the European size regulations and using furniture allocation instruments such as those proposed for their high level of correlation.

OBJETIVO: En edad escolar es común el dolor en la zona lumbar. Existe evidencia de que un ajuste adecuado entre las dimensiones del mobiliario escolar y las características antropométricas repercutirá en una mejora en su postura y reducción del dolor. Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron determinar el grado de desajuste del mobiliario en educación primaria, comprobar si las tallas de las normativas vigentes son adecuadas y validar dos instrumentos que permitan al profesorado una correcta asignación del mobiliario. METODOS: Participaron 92 estudiantes de primaria. Las mediciones para determinar la altura ideal de la silla y la mesa se efectuaron con un antropómetro en un centro público gallego en 2019. Los valores registrados se compararon con los obtenidos por los dos instrumentos de medición a validar: TAIS y TAIM. Las técnicas de análisis empleadas fueron: descriptivo, ANOVA de un factor, prueba t y tamaño del efecto, nivel de significación ρ<0,05. RESULTADOS: El desajuste entre el mobiliario utilizado en las aulas y el calculado como ideal fue del 93,5% en las sillas y 97,6% en las mesas. En un 51% de los casos necesitaron tallas de silla y mesa diferente. El análisis correlacional de los instrumentos a validar mostró un r=0,994 en silla y r=0,99 en mesa. CONCLUSIONES: El nivel de desajuste entre el mobiliario y las dimensiones antropométricas del alumnado fue elevado. Es necesaria una reorganización de las tallas en el aula, pudiendo seguir la normativa de tallas europea y empleando instrumentos de asignación de mobiliario como los propuestos por su alto nivel de correlación.

In-silico human electro-mechanical ventricular modelling and simulation for drug-induced pro-arrhythmia and inotropic risk assessment.

Human-based computational modelling and simulation are powerful tools to accelerate the mechanistic understanding of cardiac patho-physiology, and to develop and evaluate therapeutic interventions. The aim of this study is to calibrate and evaluate human ventricular electro-mechanical models for investigations on the effect of the electro-mechanical coupling and pharmacological action on human ventricular electrophysiology, calcium dynamics, and active contraction. The most recent models of human ventricular electrophysiology, excitation-contraction coupling, and active contraction were integrated, and the coupled models were calibrated using human experimental data. Simulations were then conducted using the coupled models to quantify the effects of electro-mechanical coupling and drug exposure on electrophysiology and force generation in virtual human ventricular cardiomyocytes and tissue. The resulting calibrated human electro-mechanical models yielded active tension, action potential, and calcium transient metrics that are in agreement with experiments for endocardial, epicardial, and mid-myocardial human samples. Simulation results correctly predicted the inotropic response of different multichannel action reference compounds and demonstrated that the electro-mechanical coupling improves the robustness of repolarisation under drug exposure compared to electrophysiology-only models. They also generated additional evidence to explain the partial mismatch between in-silico and in-vitro experiments on drug-induced electrophysiology changes. The human calibrated and evaluated modelling and simulation framework constructed in this study opens new avenues for future investigations into the complex interplay between the electrical and mechanical cardiac substrates, its modulation by pharmacological action, and its translation to tissue and organ models of cardiac patho-physiology.

Validation of Two Instruments for the Correct Allocation of School Furniture in Secondary Schools to Prevent Back Pain.

BACKGROUND: Back pain is common in secondary school students. If we adjust the school furniture to the anthropometric characteristics of the pupils, we will improve their posture and reduce back pain. There is a high degree of mismatch between the furniture used by students and that which should be used. The objectives of this research are to discover the degree of mismatch and validate two instruments that allow a correct allocation of the furniture. METHODS: The selected sample was 132 secondary students (14.08 ± 1.10 years). An anthropometer was used to determine the ideal height of the chair and table; data were taken from body segments. The recorded values were compared with those obtained by the two measurement instruments to be validated. Inter-measurer and intra-measurer reliability and validation were performed using t-tests and Pearson's coefficient, respectively. Different analysis techniques were used: descriptive, one-way ANOVA, t-test, and effect size. The established level of significance was ρ < 0.05. RESULTS: The mismatch between the anthropometric dimensions of the students and the existing furniture in the classrooms was 98.5 % for the chairs and 100 % for the tables. The correlational analysis of the instruments to be validated shows an r = 0.993 in the chair and r = 0.996 in the table. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high degree of mismatch between the furniture and the anthropometric characteristics of the students. The proposed furniture allocation instruments are adequate.

Degree of mismatch between anthropometric characteristics and school furniture in a sample of Spanish students aged 6-12 years old: A pilot study. / Grado de desajuste entre las características antropométricas y el mobiliario escolar en una muestra de estudiantes españoles de 6 a 12 años: estudio piloto.

Introduction: School furniture affects the sitting position of students in the classroom, as well as their health and learning. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the existence of a potential mismatch between school furniture dimensions and students' anthropometric characteristics, as well as to propose dimensions based on classroom actuality and the regulations in place in both Galicia and the European Union. Population and methods: An evaluator with experience in anthropometry measured weight, height, popliteal height, sitting shoulder height, and sitting elbow height using an anthropometer and then compared values with the chairs and desks currently used. Analysis techniques were descriptive (measures of central tendency), single-factor analysis of variance, t test, χ² test (using the SPSS® software), and effect size (Cohen's d test). The significance level was established at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The sample was made up of 108 Spanish children in primary school (aged 6-12 years). Of them, 91.7 % and 97.2 % use, respectively, a chair and a desk that do not adjust to their anthropometric characteristics and use furniture that is larger than what they need. The regulations for furniture dimensions currently in place for the studied population are not adequate because the chairs and desks included are not adequate for the first grades of primary school. Conclusions: There is a high mismatch level between school furniture and students' anthropometric characteristics. We propose the use of the European regulations for furniture dimensions, with varying heights per grade or adjustable furniture that can be adapted to the anthropometric characteristics of all students.

Introducción. El mobiliario escolar influye en la postura sedente que adopta el alumnado en el aula, con efectos en su salud y aprendizaje. Por ello, es preciso determinar la existencia de un posible desajuste entre las dimensiones del mobiliario escolar y la antropometría del alumnado, así como realizar una propuesta de tallas en base a la realidad del aula y las normativas de Galicia y la Unión Europea. Población y métodos. Un evaluador experto en antropometría realizó las mediciones de peso, talla, altura poplítea, hombro y codo sentado, con un antropómetro, comparándolas posteriormente con las sillas y mesas utilizadas actualmente. Las técnicas de análisis empleadas fueron: descriptivo (medidas de tendencia central), análisis de la varianza de un factor, prueba t, prueba de chi cuadrado (en software SPSS®) y tamaño del efecto (d de Cohen). El nivel de significación establecido fue de p ≤ 0,05. Resultados. La muestra se compuso de 108 estudiantes españoles de educación primaria (de entre 6 y 12 años). El 91,7 % y el 97,2 % del alumnado emplea, respectivamente, una silla y una mesa que no se ajusta a sus características antropométricas, y utiliza mobiliario con un tamaño superior al que le corresponde. La normativa de tallas de mobiliario que rige actualmente en la población estudiada no es apropiada, al no tener sillas y mesas adecuadas a los primeros cursos de primaria. Conclusiones. Existe un alto grado de desajuste entre el mobiliario y la antropometría del alumnado. Se propone seguir las tallas de la normativa europea, utilizando varias tallas por curso o mobiliario regulable, para adaptarse a las características antropométricas de todo el alumnado.

Patterns of Injury in the Spanish Football League Players.

BACKGROUND: The study of football injuries is a subject that concerns the scientific community. The problem of most of the available research is that it is mainly descriptive. The objective of this study is to discover and analyse the patterns of injury in the Spanish Football League (2016-2017 season). METHODS: The sample data consisted of 136 given injuries identified by the official physicians of the football clubs. The analysis was performed by using traditional statistic tests, T-pattern detection and polar coordinate analysis. RESULTS: The analysis revealed several patterns of injury: (a) The defender suffered a rupture of the hamstring muscles after a sprint, (b) knee sprains happened due to a received tackle, (c) fibrillar adductor rupture appeared mostly among defenders and (d) fibrillar ruptures took place mostly throughout the first part. CONCLUSIONS: There is a marked shift in the tendency regarding the player who gets more injured, from the midfielder to the defender. The most common injury was fibrillar rupture. The most common scenario in which this injury occurred was that in which the player injured himself after a sprint (24%). A week without competing seems to be insufficient as a prevention mechanism for injuries.