Observation system for the technical-tactical analysis of judo by the Rio 2016 Olympic champions.

An observational methodology system has been designed which allows the observation and analysis of the technical-tactical behaviour and interaction of judokas during competition. The observation instrument (JUTACTIC) is composed of 8 fixed criteria that provide information related to the competition and the competitors and 13 variable criteria that, throughout the intrasessional monitoring of each combat, allow the behaviour displayed by both judokas and their interaction to be recorded. From an observational sample consisting of matches from the Rio 2016 Olympic champions and the corresponding samples made using the LINCE PLUS software, evidence of validity, reliability, generalizability and applicability of the observation system is provided. The content validity of the observation instrument has been endorsed by a panel of experts (n = 11). Intra and inter-observer reliability has been guaranteed from the results obtained in the Fleiss Kappa and the Krippendorff Alpha. The generalizability analysis with the design structure [Category] [Participants] / [Matches] has confirmed that around seven matches are needed to accurately analyse the behaviour of the competitor under study. The practical application possibilities of the observation instrument has been shown with an example of the results obtained and the regular behaviour structures detected (T-patterns) using the THEME software.

Temporal demands of elite fencing.

There is no published study that analyses the temporal demands of fencing, in its six Olympic modalities in the same high-level competition. The only existing publications date back decades, with already obsolete regulations, or focus on a specific modality. The aim of this study is to carry out a chronometric analysis of elite fencing at the 2014 Fencing World Championships to determine the existence of differences between its weapons (épée, foil and sabre) and between genders. A total of 96 elite fencers (48 women) of 24 different nationalities were analysed in the final rounds (direct elimination). We undertook observational methodology based on an open and systematic process with ideographic, point and multi-dimensional design. We analysed the work time, rest time, total time, number of stops and work-to-rest ratio. The Lince software was used to record and analyse video data. The coding and recording process of the 83 fights analysed generated a matrix of 5900 records. The quality of the data was verified by checking the validity of the observation instrument and the intraobserver reliability. The mean work time (between Allez and Halte) was 17.9 ± 3.1 s for épée, 5.8 ± 2.5 s for foil and 1 .7 ± 0.4 s for sabre. The fight work-to-rest ratios recorded were 1:0.9, 1:2.6 and 1:9.2 for épée, foil and sabre respectively. The results showed significant differences (p < .05) in the work and rest times between the three fencing weapons. However, there were no differences between fencers of the same weapon according to gender.

Physiological demands and motion analysis of elite foil fencing.

The aim of this study was to determine the physiological demands and motion analysis of a simulated fencing competition. Eighteen fencers each completed 5 'poule' (5 touches) and 'direct elimination (DE)' (15 touches) fights. Expired gases were measured during 1 poule and DE fight. Heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and movement data were recorded throughout all fights. Motion analysis was undertaken using the software LINCE PLUS. Differences between poule and DE fights were determined by either a paired t-test or a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. HR and RPE were significantly greater during DE compared to poule (170 ±10 vs 163 ±13 beats·min-1; P<0.05). A greater distance was covered during a DE fight compared to a poule fight (459.9 ± 117.7 m vs 162.6 ± 74.2 m; P<0.05). The average values of [Formula: see text] were 42.5 ±5.6 ml·kg-1·min-1 in men and 34.4 ±3.2 ml·kg-1·min-1 in women. Work-to-rest ratios reduced during the DE fights along with a lower average speed and increased max speed (11.7 ± 2.8 km∙h-1 vs 9.6 ± 1.6 km∙h-1; P<0.05). In conclusion, there is an increased physiological demand during a DE fight accompanied by a reduction in average speed and decreased work-to-rest ratio.

Comparing walking with knee-ankle-foot orthoses and a knee-powered exoskeleton after spinal cord injury: a randomized, crossover clinical trial.

Recovering the ability to stand and walk independently can have numerous health benefits for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Wearable exoskeletons are being considered as a promising alternative to conventional knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) for gait training and assisting functional mobility. However, comparisons between these two types of devices in terms of gait biomechanics and energetics have been limited. Through a randomized, crossover clinical trial, this study compared the use of a knee-powered lower limb exoskeleton (the ABLE Exoskeleton) against passive orthoses, which are the current standard of care for verticalization and gait ambulation outside the clinical setting in people with SCI. Ten patients with SCI completed a 10-session gait training program with each device followed by user satisfaction questionnaires. Walking with the ABLE Exoskeleton improved gait kinematics compared to the KAFOs, providing a more physiological gait pattern with less compensatory movements (38% reduction of circumduction, 25% increase of step length, 29% improvement in weight shifting). However, participants did not exhibit significantly better results in walking performance for the standard clinical tests (Timed Up and Go, 10-m Walk Test, and 6-min Walk Test), nor significant reductions in energy consumption. These results suggest that providing powered assistance only on the knee joints is not enough to significantly reduce the energy consumption required by people with SCI to walk compared to passive orthoses. Active assistance on the hip or ankle joints seems necessary to achieve this outcome.

Physiological demands of standing and wheelchair fencing in able-bodied fencers.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the cardiorespiratory demands of standing and wheelchair (seated) fencing in a group of able-bodied fencers during simulated competitive bouts. METHODS: Participants were ten male able-bodied fencers of regional level with previous training experience in wheelchair fencing. After a standardized warm-up, participants performed two series of simulated competitive épée bouts (5 and 15 touches) in a random order, either while standing or while sitting in a wheelchair. Expired gas was analyzed for oxygen consumption (V̇O2) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and heart rate were continually monitored. Energy expenditure (EE) was subsequently calculated. RESULTS: V̇O2, HR and EE peak responses were greater during standing than seated fencing (P<0.05). Mean V̇O2 during all ST bouts (5- and 15-touch) was 43% greater than in wheelchair fencing (44.2±7.8 vs. 25.1±5.4 mL/kg/min). Mean HR during the standing 5- and 15-touch bouts was 91±20% and 84±7%, respectively, of that recorded during the seated bouts. HR, V̇O2 and EE data also indicated that the 15-touch bouts were more physiologically demanding than the 5-touch bouts (P<0.01). The HR-V̇O2 relationship was similar between both fencing modes. The duration of the 5- and 15-touch bouts were shorter for the seated than the standing bouts (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The physiological demands of wheelchair fencing are lower than those for standing fencing. Furthermore, the physiology of 5 versus 15-touch bouts, similar to those undertaken in fencing competition, also differs.

Analysis of diachronic relationships in successful and unsuccessful behaviors by world fencing champions using three complementary techniques / Análisis de las relaciones diacrónicas en los comportamientos de éxito y fracaso de campeones del mundo de esgrima utilizando tres técnicas complementarias

The aim of this study was to investigate diachronic relationships in successful and unsuccessful behaviors by world fencing champions using three complementary techniques: T-pattern analysis, lag sequential analysis, and polar coordinate analysis. We employed a nomothetic, point, multidimensional observational design in which we analyzed 24 bouts fenced by six world fencing champions in 2014. The actions were recorded and coded using LINCE software. The results revealed a series of behaviors that were significantly associated with successful outcomes, and also identified actions that contributed to poorer performance. One key conclusion to be drawn from the study is that the use of these complementary techniques is perfectly feasible and holds great potential in the field of sport. Lag sequential analysis of occurrences at lag 0 (co-occurrences) and analysis of basic T-patterns provided tactical insights into the different fencing actions employed. This analysis is focused on the actions and reactions of each fencer and his rival during each exchange. Insights into combat strategy, by contrast, were provided by lag sequential analysis of occurrences at lags -1 to -5 and lags +1 to +5, analysis of T-pattern clusters, and polar coordinate analysis. In the last case, we observed how prospective and retrospective behaviors, reflected in the modification or extension of certain behaviors during each bout, improved the efficacy of actions performed throughout the competition (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las posibles relaciones diacrónicas en las conductas de éxito y fracaso en campeones del mundo de esgrima desde tres técnicas analíticas complementarias: detección de Tpatterns, análisis secuencial de retardos y análisis de coordenadas polares. Se utilizó un diseño observacional nomotético, puntual y multidimensional en el registro de 24 asaltos de los seis esgrimistas campeones del mundo de 2014. Se utilizó como instrumento de registro el software LINCE. Los resultados revelaron una serie de comportamientos que estaban estadísticamente asociados con la mejora del rendimiento deportivo y también se identificaron acciones que contribuyeron a empeorarlo. Una de las principales conclusiones que pueden extraerse de este estudio es que el uso de estas técnicas complementarias de análisis es perfectamente factible y tiene un gran potencial en el ámbito del deporte. El análisis secuencial en el retardo 0 (coocurrencias) y de las configuraciones básicas de los T-patterns proporcionan conocimientos tácticos sobre las diferentes acciones de esgrima empleadas. Este análisis se produce en el marco de la interacción entre las técnicas ejecutadas por cada tirador y su rival en cada acción del asalto. El análisis secuencial en los retardos -1 a -5 y +1 a +5, las agrupaciones de clusters de los T-patterns y el análisis de coordenadas polares contribuyen al análisis de la estrategia de combate. En este caso, se observaron cómo las conductas prospectivas y retrospectivas determinaron la consolidación o modificación de ciertos comportamientos durante cada asalto, con el fin de mejorar la eficacia de las acciones realizadas a lo largo de toda la competición (AU)

Complementariedad entre las relaciones diacrónicas de los T-Patterns y los patrones de conducta en acciones de esgrima de espada masculina de élite / Complementarity between diachronic T-pattern relationships and behavioral patterns in elite male fencing / Complementaridade entre as relações diacrónicas dos T-Patterns e os padrões de conduta em ações de esgrima de espada masculina de elite

El objetivo de este artículo es establecer las posibles relaciones diacrónicas detectadas en el análisis táctico de los asaltos de esgrima de espada masculina, desde tres técnicas analíticas complementarias. Se utilizó un diseño observacional nomotético, puntual y multidimensional en el registro de ocho asaltos de dos esgrimistas finalistas en los mundiales de Budapest 2013 y Kazán 2014. Se utilizó el instrumento de observación ESGRIMOBS. En el muestreo observacional realizado con LINCE v.1.1 se registraron 407 frases de armas. El análisis metodológico se realizó con los programas THEME v.6 Edu, GSEQ5 y HOISAN. Los resultados concluyen el interés de este análisis complementario a través de dos claras orientaciones. En primer lugar, un análisis táctico (intra-frase de armas), que vincula el pensamiento táctico con la ejecución técnica específica y su eficacia. Este análisis intra-frase de armas se lleva a cabo mediante el análisis secuencial del Retardo 0 (análisis de coocurrencias) y las configuraciones de los T-Patterns. En segundo lugar, un análisis estratégico (inter-frases de armas) que nos informa de la relación bidireccional, prospectiva y retrospectiva, de las acciones de esgrima en relación a su eficacia. Este análisis inter-frases de armas se realiza mediante el análisis secuencial en los retardos -1 a -5 y +1 a +5, las agrupaciones de clusters de los T-Patterns y el análisis de coordenadas polares. Estas herramientas nos permiten establecer relaciones directas entre las distintas acciones tácticas y su eficacia en el marcador, así como sobre las operaciones estratégicas de los tiradores durante la competición, pudiendo constituir un excelente complemento para la mejora de la toma de decisiones de los esgrimistas

The aim of this study was to establish possible diachronic relationships in the tactical analysis of assaults in male fencing using three complementary methods. We employed a nomothetic, point, multidimensional observational design in which we analysed eight assaults by two fencers in the final stages of the Men's World Fencing Championships in Budapest (2013) and Kazan (2014). The ESGRIMOBS observation instrument was used. A total of 407 phrases (sets of related actions and reactions in a fencing conversation) were recorded and coded in LINCE v.1.1. The methodological analysis was performed with the software THEME v.6 Edu, GSEQ5 and HOISAN. This complementary analysis provided interesting tactical and strategic insights. The tactical analysis (intra-phrase analysis) established links between tactical thinking and technical execution (and efficacy). This analysis was performed by lag sequential analysis at lag 0 (co-occurrences) and T-pattern analysis. The strategic analysis (inter-phrase analysis) provided information about the bidirectional relationship (prospective and retrospective) between fencing actions in relation to their efficacy. The inter-phrase analysis was performed by lag sequential analysis at lags -1 to -5 and +1 to +5, analysis of T-pattern clusters, and polar coordinate analysis. The above tools allowed us to identify direct relationships between different tactical actions and their efficacy (in terms of score) and provided information on successful strategies used by fencers during competitions. Information of this kind could help fencers to take better decisions during assaults

O objetivo deste artigo é estabelecer as possíveis relações diacrónicas detetadas na análise tática dos assaltos de esgrima de espada masculina a partir de três técnicas analíticas complementárias. Utilizou-se um desenho observacional nomotético, pontual e multidimensional no registo de oito assaltos de dois esgrimistas finalistas dos mundiais de Budapeste 2013 e Kazan 2014. Utilizou-se o instrumento de observação ESGRIMOBS. Na amostra observacional realizada com LINCE v.1.1 registou-se 407 frases d'armas. A análise metodológica foi realizada com o software THEME v.6 Edu, GSEQ5 e HOISAN. Os resultados concluem o interesse desta análise complementaria através de duas orientações evidentes. Em primeiro lugar, uma análise tática (intra-frase de armas), que vincula o pensamento tático com a execução técnica específica e sua eficácia. Esta análise intra-frase de armas leva-se a cabo mediante a análise de retardo 0 (análise de coocurrencias) e as configurações dos T-Patterns. Em segundo lugar, uma análise estratégica (inter-frases de armas) que informa-nos da relação bidirecional, prospetiva y retrospetiva das ações de esgrima em relação à sua eficácia. Esta análise inter-frase d'armas realiza-se através da análise sequencial dos retardos -1 a -5 e +1 a +5, dos agrupamentos de clusters dos T-Patterns e da análise de coordenadas polares. Estas ferramentas permitem estabelecer relações diretas entre as distintas ações táticas e a sua eficácia no marcador, assim como as operações estratégicas dos lançadores durante a competição, podendo constituir um excelente complemento para a melhora da tomada de decisões dos esgrimistas

Análisis de patrones en asaltos de espada de alto nivel / Analysis of patterns in bouts elite epee

El objetivo de este estudio fue la caracterización técnico-táctica de las acciones de combate en asaltos de esgrima de competición, determinando su eficacia en función del período del asalto en que se realizan, analizando el tiempo efectivo de combate y de pausa, e identificando si existen regularidades en las conductas de los esgrimistas en competición. Para ello se utilizó un diseño observacional puntual, nomotético y multidimensional. El instrumento observacional ESGRIMOBS fue validado mediante un panel de expertos compuesto por 17 especialistas. Se utilizó como instrumento de registro el programa LINCE, y los registros obtenidos fueron tratados y recodificados a través del programa Microsoft Office Excel 2013. El análisis estadístico descriptivo e inferencial se realizó mediante el programa PASW Statistics para Windows y el análisis de patrones a través de Theme. La fiabilidad en la observación se determinó mediante el grado de concordancia intra e interobservador. Se analizaron 14 asaltos del Campeonato del Mundo de espada masculina de categoría absoluta. El 43,1 % (±13,3) de las acciones analizadas fueron eficaces, apreciándose un claro incremento de la eficacia en el transcurso del asalto. A medida que avanza el asalto el tiempo efectivo de combate disminuye y se alargan los tiempos de pausa. Se identificaron 72 T-Patterns que mostraron distintas regularidades en los 14 combates analizados. En conclusión, se dispone de una herramienta válida para el análisis técnico-táctico y de la estructura temporal de asaltos de esgrima, pudiendo configurarse la detección de T-Patterns como una nueva estrategia cualitativa en el análisis táctico de la esgrima (AU)

The present study intended to characterize the tactical and the technical fighting actions during fencing competition bouts, determining the respective efficacy regarding the period that actions tended to occur. For that, the time of pause and the time of effective fighting, as well as the regularities found on fencers’ behaviour were analysed. A punctual, nomothetic and multidimensional study design was used. ESGRIMOBS observational tool, validated by 17 experts, and LINCE recording instrument were applied. Data was treated and recodify through Microsoft Office Excel 2013. Data descriptive and inferential analyses were performed with the use of PASW Statistics for Windows, and T-Patterns detection was made by Theme software. Reliability was determined through intra and inter-observer agreement. 14 bouts of male epee World Cup of the absolute category were analysed. We verified that 43,1% (±13,3) of the analysed actions proved effective; consequently an increase of the efficacy all over the bout was found. Also, during the bout, its effective time decreased and, contrarily, increased the pause periods. 72 T-Patterns were identified, showing different regularities in the 14 studied bouts. We conclude that tools applied in the present study are valid to perform tactical and technical analysis, as well as to identify temporal structures in fencing rounds. Thus, T-Patterns detection can be performed with the above-referred instruments, being a new qualitative strategy to analyse tactics in fencing sport (AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi a caracterização técnico-tática das ações de combate em assaltos de esgrima de competição, determinando-se a sua eficácia em função do período em que se realizam. Para isso, analisou-se o tempo de pausa e de combate efetivo, bem como se indagaram as regularidades existentes nas condutas dos esgrimistas de competição. Utilizou-se um desenho observacional pontual, nomotético e multidimensional. O instrumento de observação utilizado designa-se por ESGRIMOBS, tendo sido validado por um painel composto por 17 especialistas, enquanto que o instrumento de registo foi o programa LINCE. Os dados recolhidos foram tratados e recodificados através do programa Microsoft Office Excel 2013. A análise descritiva e inferencial dos dados realizou-se com o recurso ao software PASW Statistics para Windows, enquanto que a análise de padrões temporais efetuou-se através do software Theme. A fiabilidade dos dados foi determinada através do grau de con- cordância intra e inter-observadores. Analisaram-se 14 assaltos do Campeonato do Mundo de espada masculina de categoria absoluta. Verificou-se que 43,1% (±13,3) das ações analisadas revelaram-se eficazes, compreendendo-se portanto um claro aumento da eficácia no decurso do assalto. À medida que o combate decorre, o tempo efetivo do assalto diminui e aumentam os tempos de pausa. Identificaram-se 72 T-Patterns, que mostraram distintas regularidades nos 14 combates analisados. Conclui-se que as ferramentas utilizadas no presente estudo são válidas para a análise técnico-tática e das estruturas temporais em assaltos de esgrima, podendo assim configurar-se a deteção de T-patterns como uma nova estratégia qualitativa para a análise tática em esgrima (AU)

La expedición Balmis-Salvany de vacunación contra la viruela / The Balmis-Salvany expedition for vaccination against smallpox

Trata de la expedición para vacunar a los habitantes de la América española contra la viruela, campaña de salud pública de proporciones gigantescas. Un grupo pequeño zarpó con rumbo a los actuales territorios de Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Panamá, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Chile y Bolivia, llevando la vacuna y administrándola en los pueblos y ciudades por los que pasaba. Los expedicionarios viajaron en embarcaciones fluviales primitivas y a lomo de mula, cuando el terreno era demasiado accidentado para los caballos.(AU)