Sprint resisted swimming training effect on the swimmer's hand orientation angles.

The current study aimed to determine the effect of an 11-week sprint resisted swimming training programme on the swimming performance and the orientation angles of the hand. Fourteen young female swimmers were divided into two equivalent groups and were trained with specific sprint training sets. The experimental group performed these sets using a swimming parachute. For the evaluation of the intervention, before and at the end of the 11 weeks period both groups performed 50 m front crawl with maximal intensity and their underwater motion was recorded using four cameras. Their underwater movements were manually digitised using the Ariel Performance Analysis System and the statistical treatment of the data revealed a significant increase of the mean swimming velocity (3.76 ± 0.04 %) and stroke rate (3.09 ± 0.08 %) only in the experimental group. Moreover, a significant reduction of the total stroke duration (-4.26 ± 0.09 %) and the relative duration of the non-propulsive phases (-12.70 ± 0.23 %) was also observed only in the experimental group. The resultant velocity of the hand, and the pitch and sweepback angles of the hand remained unaffected in both groups during the pull and push phases. However, a significant decrease of the pitch angle (-47.44 ± 3.37 %) during the entry & catch phase was observed only in the experimental group. The increased performance and the higher mean swimming velocity after the current sprint resisted training programme was mainly due to the temporal modifications of the stroke, along with the pitch angle reduction during the entry & catch phase.

Gait analysis comparison between manual marking, 2D pose estimation algorithms, and 3D marker-based system.

Introduction: Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Vision (CV) have led to automated pose estimation algorithms using simple 2D videos. This has created the potential to perform kinematic measurements without the need for specialized, and often expensive, equipment. Even though there's a growing body of literature on the development and validation of such algorithms for practical use, they haven't been adopted by health professionals. As a result, manual video annotation tools remain pretty common. Part of the reason is that the pose estimation modules can be erratic, producing errors that are difficult to rectify. Because of that, health professionals prefer the use of tried and true methods despite the time and cost savings pose estimation can offer. Methods: In this work, the gait cycle of a sample of the elderly population on a split-belt treadmill is examined. The Openpose (OP) and Mediapipe (MP) AI pose estimation algorithms are compared to joint kinematics from a marker-based 3D motion capture system (Vicon), as well as from a video annotation tool designed for biomechanics (Kinovea). Bland-Altman (B-A) graphs and Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) are used to identify regions of statistically significant difference. Results: Results showed that pose estimation can achieve motion tracking comparable to marker-based systems but struggle to identify joints that exhibit small, but crucial motion. Discussion: Joints such as the ankle, can suffer from misidentification of their anatomical landmarks. Manual tools don't have that problem, but the user will introduce a static offset across the measurements. It is proposed that an AI-powered video annotation tool that allows the user to correct errors would bring the benefits of pose estimation to professionals at a low cost.

A Comparative Analysis of Symmetry Indices for Spatiotemporal Gait Features in Early Parkinson's Disease.

This study compared the five most commonly used equations for calculating gait symmetry in discrete variables among Parkinson's disease patients. Twelve patients (five women and seven men) performed ten consecutive gait trials on a 10 m walkway. Gait data were collected using eight optoelectronic cameras (100 fr/s). The analysis focused on various spatiotemporal parameters, including cadence, step time, stride time, single support, double support, walking speed, step length, stride length, step width, and foot angle. Five symmetry indices were calculated for each trial rather than averaging the ten recorded trials. The variability in and reliability of each symmetry equation were assessed using the coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Additionally, Bland-Altman plots were produced to visualize the agreement between each pair of methods for each spatiotemporal parameter. The results revealed that the symmetry ratio method exhibited lower variability and higher reliability compared with the other four indices across all spatiotemporal gait parameters. However, it was found that the reliability of a single trial was generally poor, regardless of the symmetry calculation formula used. Therefore, we recommend basing measurements of gait asymmetry in Parkinson's disease on multiple trials.

Analysis of upper limb propulsion in young swimmers in front-crawl through Statistical Parametric Mapping.

This study aimed to: (i) verify the within-subject effect of the dominant and non-dominant upper limb propulsion during consecutive arm-pulls through discrete (average) and continuous analysis (SPM), and; (ii) compare young swimmers' propulsion between both upper limbs through discrete (average) and continuous analysis (Statistical Parametric Mapping - SPM). The sample consisted of 17 young male swimmers (age = 16.02 ± 0.61-years) who regularly participate in national and international level competitions. A set of kinematic and propulsion variables were measured during a 25-m maximal trial in front-crawl. Statistical analysis of propulsion was performed using discrete variables and through SPM. Swimming velocity showed a significant decrease over time. A significant interaction between the "time" (consecutive arm-pulls) and "side" (dominant vs. non-dominant) effects was observed in both statistical analyzes. Only the dominant upper limb demonstrated a significant "time" effect with a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the first and third arm-pulls. SPM indicated that the "time" effect was observed between the âˆ¼ 34% and âˆ¼ 42% of the arm-pull. The differences between the first and third arm-pull were verified between the âˆ¼ 32% and âˆ¼ 43% of the arm-pull. A non-significant "side" effect was verified in both analyzes. Therefore, SPM analysis provided more sensitive and accurate outputs than discrete analysis. This will allow coaches to design specific training drills focused on specific moments of the arm-pull.

Swimming coaches' professional development and training practices: an international survey.

This study investigated swim coaches' perceptions of professional development issues and current training practices according to their coaching experience, education level, and gender. An online survey (January-April 2022) was completed by 123 swim coaches (96 male/27 female) of competitive swimmers based in 41 countries. The survey consisted of 36 questions divided into six sections: (1) background information, (2) developing swim coaching through learning, (3) self-evaluation, (4) interpersonal-intrapersonal interactions, (5) life skills, and (6) analyzing swimming performance. Pearson chi-square assessed the relationship between the frequency of responses and professional background and gender. The survey results indicated that swim coaches' educational level is potentially one of the most influential parameters affecting the coaches' perceptions about their own professional development. The data presented may be used for the future design of coach education programmes as they advance current knowledge on understanding psycho-social issues related to professional development and training perceptions involved in the competitive swimming environment.

A Rigorous and Integrated On-Water Monitoring System for Performance and Technique Improvement in Rowing.

This paper presents a prototype, on-water rowing monitoring system and its testing results for a single scull boat. The proposed system aims at recording critical kinetic (athlete biomechanics and oar/seat movements) and kinematic (boat position, velocity, acceleration, and attitude) parameters for sport performance evaluation and rowing technique improvement. The data acquisition unit is organized in two parts: the first part aims at logging boat kinematics based on GNSS/INS filtering, while the second one facilitates kinetics data recording using a series of analog sensors (potentiometers, strain gauges) installed on the athlete's body and the boat seat and oars. Both parts are connected to a central unit featuring analog voltage digitizers and a micro-PC for device handling and data storing. In order to test the performance of the system a series of field trials were undertaken featuring different observation scenarios as well as intentionally induced errors in the rowing technique. Analysis revealed the high performance of the system in terms of sensor completeness and setup procedures as well as operational efficiency. Moreover, system performance evaluation exercised through studying raw data recordings and resultant parameters at stroke cycle and average (standardized) stroke cycle level confirmed the fruitfulness of the proposed approach and system and its potential for implementation on a broad scale. Finally, the data acquired from the proposed system were used to compute the adopted input parameters and performance indicators to characterize the system in terms of functionality and operational efficiency.

The influence of an 11-week resisted swim training program on the inter-arm coordination in front crawl swimmers.

The purpose was to assess the effect of an 11-week resisted swim training program using a water parachute on the inter-arm coordination in front crawl swimming. Fourteen female swimmers were divided into a control and an experimental group, and followed the same training program, except for the use of a water parachute by the experimental group in specific sprint sets. Before and after the intervention, the underwater motion of the swimmers was recorded using four camcorders and the digitisation process was undertaken manually. The two-way repeated measures analyses of variance revealed a significant increase of the swimming velocity, due to a significant increased stroke rate, because of the significant reduction of the total stroke duration, only in the experimental group. Moreover, their absolute and relative duration of the propulsive pull and push phases increased significantly, while the absolute and relative duration of their non-propulsive entry & catch and recovery phases decreased significantly. These modifications caused a significant increase in the index of coordination. Thus, this 11-week sprint resisted intervention program seems to improve the propulsion continuity and could be considered as an effective form of training, increasing the stroke rate and consequently the swimming velocity.

Comparison of the arm-stroke kinematics between maximal and sub-maximal breaststroke swimming using discrete data and time series analysis.

The aim of the current study was to compare the arm-stroke kinematics during maximal and sub-maximal breaststroke swimming using both discrete and continuous data analysis. Nine male breaststrokers swam 2 × 25 m with maximal and sub-maximal intensity and their full body 3-D kinematics were obtained using eight video cameras. The arm-stroke was divided into five phases: recovery, glide, out-sweep, in & down-sweep and in & up-sweep. The statistical treatment of selected discrete variables was conducted using t-test, while the analysis of their equivalent time series, when applicable, was conducted using Statistical Parametric Mapping. Sub-maximal trial, compared to maximal, presented lower swimming velocity, greater stroke length and less stroke rate. Moreover, the absolute and relative duration of the glide phase was longer, while the relative duration of all the other phases was shorter. The resultant hand velocity during the arm recovery was slower, as well as the hand velocity time series in the transverse and longitudinal axis which were slower from âˆ¼ 45 % to âˆ¼ 60 % and from âˆ¼ 5 % to âˆ¼ 15 % of the stroke cycle, respectively. Both discrete and continuous data analysis revealed that the main discriminating factor between the two conditions concerns to the adjustment of the glide and the recovery phase and consequently the continuation of the propulsive movements.

Does a 4-week training period with hand paddles affect front-crawl swimming performance?

This study investigated the effects of a 4-week training with hand paddles (HPD) on front-crawl swimming performance (SP), clean swimming speed (SPEED), stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL) and tethered force (TF). Twenty swimmers (10 men and 10 women) were paired according to performance and gender, and were randomly assigned to control (CON, 22.4 ± 2.3 years) or HPD (21.8 ± 1.9 years) groups. During 4 weeks both groups performed the same training, except for a sprint training set (3 times/week, 10 × 10 strokes all-out, 1-min rest) completed with (HPD = 320 cm2) and without (CON) paddles. Afterwards, both groups performed the same training over a 2-week taper period. SP, SPEED, SR, SL and TF were assessed before (PRE) and after the 4-week period (POST), after the first (T1) and second taper weeks (T2). Swimmers rated their perceived exertion for the sprint training set (RPETS) and the training session for determining internal training load (ITL). SP, SPEED, SR, SL and TF did not change from PRE to POST, T1 and T2. ITL and RPETS were not different between groups. Training 4 weeks with HPD does not affect swimming performance, so the use of HPD remains unsupported in such period.

Physical activity in pre-school children: Trends over time and associations with body mass index and screen time.

Background: Pre-school years are important for adopting health behaviours; however, today's children seem to be overweight, present low physical activity (PA) levels and exceed screen time (ST) recommendations.Aim: To examine (a) time trends in PA in Greek pre-school children, (b) the associations among PA, body mass index (BMI) and ST and (c) potential PA differences between boys and girls.Subjects and methods: Data from five cross-sectional cohorts (2005 [n = 252]; 2008 [n = 212]; 2011 [n = 187]; 2014 [n = 194]; 2017 [n = 128]) were compared. PA was assessed using Omron HJ-720IT-E2 pedometers, whereas ST was reported by participants' parents. A 4-way ANOVA was applied on children's average week step counts.Results: A significant association (F = 828.90, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.638) between ST and PA was revealed, with children that had ST < 1 hour/day presenting the higher PA levels and being the only ones that met PA recommendations (11,500 steps/day). Statistically significant PA differences, though of no practical importance, were found among cohorts. There were no significant PA differences between boys and girls or among BMI categories. Nevertheless, obesity prevalence was found to exist at alarming levels (24.5% in 2008-41.4% in 2017), and a large percentage of children (23.6% in 2008-63.3% in 2017) presented excessive ST (> 2 hours/day).Conclusion: Effective interventions aiming at reducing ST and enhancing PA seem imperative if children's health is to be safeguarded.

Enhancing Motor Competence and Physical Activity in Kindergarten.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of the "Walk," an 8-month physical activity (PA) program led by classroom and physical education teachers, on the motor competence (MC) and PA of 5- to 6-year-old children. METHODS: A total of 143 children (mean age = 61.51 [1.85] mo) participated in the study and were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Children's MC was assessed by the Körperkoordination Test für Kinder (KTK), and PA was objectively measured by Omron HJ-720IT-E2 pedometers. Measurements were performed at baseline, midintervention, and postintervention. A 1-sample t test computed at baseline step counts revealed that children presented significantly lower PA than recommended for their age (P < .001). To examine the effect of the intervention on children's MC and PA, several repeated-measures analyses of variance were utilized on (1) KTK item scores and (2) pedometer data. RESULTS: The results revealed that the Walk project led to practically significant changes in the experimental group compared with the control group in both MC (P < .001, η2 > .14 for all KTK items) and PA (P < .001, η2 = .23). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the efficacy of a PA project, involving both classroom and physical education teachers, for the enhancement of children's MC and PA.

Effect of an 11-Week In-Water Training Program With Increased Resistance on the Swimming Performance and the Basic Kinematic Characteristics of the Front Crawl Stroke.

Gourgoulis, V, Valkoumas, I, Boli, A, Aggeloussis, N, and Antoniou, P. Effect of an 11-week in-water training program with increased resistance on the swimming performance and the basic kinematic characteristics of the front crawl stroke. J Strength Cond Res 33(1): 95-103, 2019-The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of an 11-week in-water training program with increased resistance on the swimming performance and the basic kinematic characteristics of the front crawl stroke in young female swimmers. Twelve swimmers were matched in pairs according to their best performance in 50-m front crawl swimming and then were randomly assigned to an experimental or to a control group. Both groups followed exactly the same swimming training program. The only exception was that the experimental group performed a sprint training section with increased resistance pulling a water parachute, whereas the control group performed the same section without parachute. Before and after the intervention program, the best performance of both groups in 50-, 100-, and 200-m front crawl swimming were assessed. Moreover, the basic kinematic characteristics of the stroke were calculated during 50-m front crawl swimming with maximal intensity. Two-way repeated measures analyses of variance revealed significant improvement in the best performance in all swimming distances only in the experimental group (3.22-7.26%). As far as the basic kinematic characteristics of the stroke are concerned, significant modifications were found only in the mean swimming velocity in the experimental group (2.18%), whereas no significant changes were observed in the stroke length, the stroke rate, and the duration of the propulsive, and nonpropulsive phases in both groups. Thus, the findings of the current study revealed a positive effect of the in-water resistance training program in the swimming performance of young female swimmers of moderate performance level, without any negative influence in the basic kinematic characteristics of the stroke.

Reproducibility of gait kinematics and kinetics in chronic stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: The search for reliable techniques to assess gait in stroke patients is crucial for the design and follow-up of rehabilitation programs. OBJECTIVE: To assess the reproducibility of kinematic and kinetic gait parameters in chronic stroke patients using a three-dimensional gait analysis system. METHODS: Ten chronic stroke patients were assessed while walking along a 20 m walkway at their natural speed, using a gait analysis system of six infrared cameras and two force plates. Each patient performed 10 gait trials on 2 separate days. Inter-measurement agreement was assessed with the Coefficient of Multiple Correlation, while Root Mean Square Differences were used to quantify the variability of the trials. RESULTS: The majority of kinetics and kinematics showed excellent reproducibility in all patients. Joints' power seemed to be more reliable compared with joints' angle and moment. Most parameters presented greater variability in non-paretic than the paretic leg, while they were less variable in the sagittal compared with the non-sagittal planes. Less than 10 trials were sufficient to obtain excellent reproducibility for most kinematic and kinetic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The reproducibility of movement assessment through three-dimensional gait analysis appears excellent in chronic stroke patients.

Intracyclic Velocity Variation of the Center of Mass and Hip in Breaststroke Swimming With Maximal Intensity.

Gourgoulis, V, Koulexidis, S, Gketzenis, P, and Tzouras, G. Intra-cyclic velocity variation of the center of mass and hip in breaststroke swimming with maximal intensity. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 830-840, 2018-The aim of the study was to compare the center of mass (CM) and hip (HIP) intracyclic velocity variation in breaststroke swimming using 3-dimensional kinematic analysis. Nine male breaststrokes, of moderate performance level, swam 25-m breaststroke with maximal intensity, and their movements were recorded, both under and above the water surface, using 8 digital cameras. Their CM and HIP velocities and their intracyclic variations were estimated after manual digitization of 28 selected points on the body in a complete arm and leg breaststroke cycle. Paired sample t-tests or Wilcoxon tests, when the assumption of normality was broken, were used for statistical analyses. In both, CM and HIP velocity-time curves, the results revealed a similar pattern of 2 clear peaks associated with the leg and arm propulsive phases and 2 minimal velocities that corresponded to the arm and leg recovery phase and the lag time between the leg and arm propulsive phases, respectively. However, despite this similar general pattern, the HIP minimum resultant velocity was significantly lower, whereas its maximal value was significantly greater, than the corresponding CM values. Consequently, the HIP intracyclic swimming velocity fluctuation significantly overestimates the actual variation of the swimmer's velocity in breaststroke swimming.

The parental role in adolescent screen related sedentary behavior.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents spend an increasing amount of their time engaged in screen using activities. The present study aimed at identifying parental factors associated with screen time among Greek adolescents. METHODS: A sample of 1141 adolescents, as well as their parents, participated in this survey. Adolescents were asked to complete a questionnaire about time spent on screen-viewing behaviors. Respectively, parents completed a questionnaire concerning family predictors. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine correlates of adolescent screen-viewing with family predictors. RESULTS: The mean screen time per weekday was 193 min. Adolescents, whose parents had received up to secondary school education, spend more time in screen-viewing compared with the other groups. Controlling adolescents' gender and age, all the family variables (perceived rules, parental modeling, parents' screen related sedentary behavior, parental concern for screen viewing, support for physical activity, parental education) were statistically significant in predicting adolescent screen time with Perceived Rules recording a higher negative beta value (ß=-0.18, p<0.00). CONCLUSION: Perceived parental screen time rules play a role in the amount of screen time among adolescents. Interventions that focus on parental limit setting development and physical activity support may be effective in decreasing screen time among youth aged 13-15 years.

Home and Neighborhood Environment Predictors of Adolescents' Screen Viewing.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the majority of adolescents exceed the AAP guidelines for screen use and this is likely to be a risk factor for obesity. The current study aims at investigating adolescent screen viewing in the context of home and neighborhood environment. METHODS: A sample of 1141 adolescents as well as their parents participated in this survey. Adolescents were asked to complete a questionnaire about time spent on screen viewing behaviors. Respectively, parents completed a questionnaire concerning environmental predictors. RESULTS: Almost two-thirds of the adolescents surveyed spend more than 2 hours per day on screen entertainment, with boys dealing with personal computers (PCs) and electronic games more than girls. The likelihood for an adolescent to exceed 2 hours of screen time is 3.87 times more when he has his meals in front of a TV screen on a daily basis, 1.69 times more when the TV is on, often as not on his return from school and 1.74 times more when there is a PC in the adolescent's bedroom. CONCLUSION: Certain environmental predictors influence adolescents' screen time, as a result, corrective intervention should aim at the family as a whole, as this whole shapes home environment.

Recovery kinetics of knee flexor and extensor strength after a football match.

We examined the temporal changes of isokinetic strength performance of knee flexor (KF) and extensor (KE) strength after a football match. Players were randomly assigned to a control (N = 14, participated only in measurements and practices) or an experimental group (N = 20, participated also in a football match). Participants trained daily during the two days after the match. Match and training overload was monitored with GPS devices. Venous blood was sampled and muscle damage was assessed pre-match, post-match and at 12 h, 36 h and 60 h post-match. Isometric strength as well as eccentric and concentric peak torque of knee flexors and extensors in both limbs (dominant and non-dominant) were measured on an isokinetic dynamometer at baseline and at 12 h, 36 h and 60 h after the match. Functional (KFecc/KEcon) and conventional (KFcon/KEcon) ratios were then calculated. Only eccentric peak torque of knee flexors declined at 60 h after the match in the control group. In the experimental group: a) isometric strength of knee extensors and knee flexors declined (P<0.05) at 12 h (both limbs) and 36 h (dominant limb only), b) eccentric and concentric peak torque of knee extensors and flexors declined (P<0.05) in both limbs for 36 h at 60°/s and for 60 h at 180°/s with eccentric peak torque of knee flexors demonstrating a greater (P<0.05) reduction than concentric peak torque, c) strength deterioration was greater (P<0.05) at 180°/s and in dominant limb, d) the functional ratio was more sensitive to match-induced fatigue demonstrating a more prolonged decline. Discriminant and regression analysis revealed that strength deterioration and recovery may be related to the amount of eccentric actions performed during the match and athletes' football-specific conditioning. Our data suggest that recovery kinetics of knee flexor and extensor strength after a football match demonstrate strength, limb and velocity specificity and may depend on match physical overload and players' physical conditioning level.

Pedometer determined physical activity and obesity prevalence of Greek children aged 4-6 years.

BACKGROUND: Pre-school age is important for developing healthy attitudes towards physical activity (PA). However, research on pre-schoolers' pedometer-determined PA is limited. AIM: To describe pre-schoolers' ambulatory activity; investigate step count differences in respect to Body Mass Index (BMI) categories and examine the prevalence of obesity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Pre-school aged children (n = 250; 5.5 ± 0.4 years) from Komotini (Greece) wore Omron HJ-720IT-E2 pedometers for 10 consecutive days. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. RESULTS: Three-way repeated measures ANOVAs revealed that children performed more steps on weekdays than during weekends (p < 0.001) and during leisure time than school (p < 0.001). Significant differences appeared between normal and obese children's counts on weekdays (p < 0.001), weekend days (p < 0.05), during school (p < 0.001), after school (p < 0.005) and in weekly steps (p < 0.005). No gender differences were detected. Moreover, according to a sample t-test analysis, children's daily steps were significantly different from the 10,000 steps/day guideline, while obesity prevalence was 15.6%. CONCLUSION: School-based ambulatory activity is lower than after school ambulatory activity, independent of BMI-category and gender, although obese children demonstrated fewer steps. Taking into account the high rate of both the obesity prevalence and children not meeting the 10,000 steps/day guideline, the need for preventive policies becomes obvious.

The influence of the hand's acceleration and the relative contribution of drag and lift forces in front crawl swimming.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the hand's acceleration on the propulsive forces and the relative contribution of the drag and lift on their resultant force in the separate phases of the front crawl underwater arm stroke. Ten female swimmers swam one trial of all-out 25-m front crawl. The underwater motion of each swimmer's right hand was recorded using four camcorders and four periscope systems. Anatomical landmarks were digitised, and the propulsive forces generated by the swimmer's hand were estimated from the kinematic data in conjunction with hydrodynamic coefficients. When the hand's acceleration was taken into account, the magnitude of the propulsive forces was greater, with the exception of the mean drag force during the final part of the underwater arm stroke. The mean drag force was greater than the mean lift force in the middle part, while the mean lift force was greater than the mean drag force in the final part of the underwater arm stroke. Thus, swimmers should accelerate their hands from the beginning of their backward motion, press the water with large pitch angles during the middle part and sweep with small pitch angles during the final part of their underwater arm stroke.