Visual Perception in Expert Athletes: The Case of Rock Climbers.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the visual perception system in expert climbers through a psychophysical optical test in a cross-sectional study. Twenty-seven male participants with an International Rock Climbing Research Association (IRCRA) best on-sight lead skill level ranging between 18 and 27 and a best red-point level ranging between 18 and 29 completed a series of psychophysical optic tests assessing their visual field, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. Climbers were divided by their best red-pointed lead level, and, following IRCRA recommendations, two groups were created: an advanced group (IRCRA redpoint level between 18 and 23), and an elite-high elite group (IRCRA redpoint level between 24 and 29). The elite group presented more training days per week (5.25 ± 1.28), best on-sighted lead level (24.63 ± 1.92 IRCRA), and best red-pointed lead level (26.63 ± 2.56 IRCRA) than the advanced group (3.67 ± 0.91 training days per week, 19.50 ± 1.04 IRCRA on-sighted level and 20.67 ± 1.57 IRCRA red-pointed level). Better visual perception outputs were produced by the group of elite climbers in visual field tests; no differences were observed between the two groups for visual acuity and contrast sensitivity tests. Overall, findings indicate that best climbers performed better at the visual perception tasks that tested their visual field. Such better perception from best climbers is discussed given (1) the greater time they spend coercing the visual system during practicing climbing and (2) the specific complexity of the stimuli as they are confronted to harder routes where holds are less perceptible and the time to find best hold sequences is constrained.

Assessment of Spinal Range of Motion and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Forklift Drivers. A Cross-Sectional Study.

Forklifts are commonly used in industrial supply chains to transport heavy loads. Forklift drivers have the risk of developing musculoskeletal discomfort derived from the movement pattern required at work. This research aimed to investigate the spinal range of motion (ROM) and musculoskeletal discomfort of forklift drivers and compare it with a control group. Forklift drivers (39 males) and office workers (31 males) were recruited to assess cervical, thoracic, and lumbar ROM with an electronic double inclinometer. Additionally, musculoskeletal discomfort was registered with the Cornell Discomfort Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Forklift drivers showed a higher cervical discomfort and ROM of lateral lumbar bending than office workers. Both groups reported lower ROM in cervical and lumbar lateral bending on the right side versus the left side. No differences of asymmetry were reported for any variable between groups. Specific exercise programs may correct these mobility imbalances.

Absolute Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the Stryd System for the Assessment of Running Stride Kinematics at Different Velocities.

ABSTRACT: García-Pinillos, F, Roche-Seruendo, LE, Marcen-Cinca, N, Marco-Contreras, LA, and Latorre-Román, PA. Absolute reliability and concurrent validity of the Stryd system for the assessment of running stride kinematics at different velocities. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 78-84, 2021-This study aimed to determine the absolute reliability and to evaluate the concurrent validity of the Stryd system for measuring spatiotemporal variables during running at different velocities (8-20 km·h-1) by comparing data with another widely used device (the OptoGait system). Eighteen trained male endurance runners performed an incremental running test (8-20 km·h-1 with 3-minute stages) on a treadmill. Spatiotemporal parameters (contact time [CT], flight time [FT], step length [SL], and step frequency [SF]) were measured using 2 different devices (Stryd and OptoGait systems). The Stryd system showed a coefficient of variation (CV) <3%, except for FT (3.7-11.6%). The OptoGait achieved CV <4%, except for FT (6.0-30.6%). Pearson correlation analysis showed large correlations for CT and FT, and almost perfect for SL and SF over the entire protocol. The intraclass correlation coefficients partially support those results. Paired t-tests showed that CT was underestimated (p < 0.05, effect size [ES] > 0.7; ∼4-8%), FT overestimated (p < 0.05, ES > 0.7; ∼7-65%), whereas SL and SF were very similar between systems (ES < 0.1, with differences <1%). The Stryd is a practical portable device that is reliable for measuring CT, FT, SL, and SF during running. It provides accurate SL and SF measures but underestimates CT (0.5-8%) and overestimates FT (3-67%) compared with a photocell-based system.

Adapted exercises versus general exercise recommendations on chronic low back pain in industrial workers: A randomized control pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has been demonstrated as effective for the treatment of low back pain (LBP) in workers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an exercise program adapted to the characteristics of the workplace is a useful supplement to general exercise recommendations in assembly line workers with chronic LBP. METHODS: Workers were randomly assigned to intervention group-adapted exercises plus general exercise recommendations (n = 10), and control group-general exercise recommendations (n = 8). Both received 8-week exercise program through a mobile application (APP) to manage the intervention. Outcome was based on lumbar disability (Oswestry Disability Index), interference and lumbar pain intensity (Brief Pain Inventory), and kinematic parameters. RESULTS: Significant differences were obtained for the intervention group in the "pain interference" variable, in the "mood" and "enjoyment" sub-variables, as well as in "flexion angle" variable. For the control group, significant differences occurred in the "pain intensity" variable. Adapted exercise plus general recommendations seems more effective than the general recommendations for the improvement of lumbar flexion. CONCLUSIONS: An adapted exercise program for assembly line workers with chronic LBP could be an effective treatment. Future studies with a larger sample size and with an exhaustive control of the exercise adherence are required to confirm the findings of this pilot study.