The Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge: Development, Implementation, Uptake, and Reflections on the Inaugural Program.

Biomechanics as a discipline is ideally placed to increase awareness and participation of girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A nationwide Biomechanics and Research Innovation Challenge (BRInC) centered on mentoring and role modeling was developed to engage high school girls (mentees) and early-mid-career women (mentors) in the field of biomechanics through the completion of a 100-day research and/or innovation project. This manuscript describes the development, implementation, and uptake of the inaugural BRInC program and synthesizes the research and innovation projects undertaken, providing a framework for adoption of this program within the global biomechanics community. Eighty-seven high school girls in years 9 and 10 (age range: 14-16 y) were mentored in teams (n = 17) by women in biomechanics (n = 24). Using a design thinking approach, teams generated solutions to biomechanics-based problem(s)/research question(s). Eight key reflections on program strengths, as well as areas for improvement and planned changes for future iterations of the BRInC program, are outlined. These key reflections highlight the innovation, impact, and scalability of the program; the importance of a program framework and effective communication tools; and implementation of strategies to sustain the program as well as the importance of diversity and building a sense of community.

The immediate effect of multidirectional elastic tape on the passive mechanical properties of the ankle joint.

This study examined the immediate effects of multidirectional elastic tape (MET) on passive ankle joint torque in healthy adults. A randomised crossover trial evaluated four tape conditions (no-tape-NT, low-tension-LT, medium-tension-MT, and high-tension-HT) at two angular speeds on peak dorsiflexion torque, low- (stiffness 1) and high-torque stiffness (stiffness 2), area under the loading curve (AUC) and hysteresis. Twenty-two adults completed the study (17 females; mean (SD): age 26.0 (6.9) years, height 1.7 (0.1) m, body mass 71.1 (20.2) kg. There was no significant condition-by-speed interaction for any ankle torque variable. There was a significant main effect of condition on peak dorsiflexion torque, stiffness 1, and AUC, but not stiffness 2 or hysteresis. Post-hoc tests revealed that peak dorsiflexion torque, stiffness 1 and AUC were significantly lower in the NT condition, compared to the three taped conditions, and between the LT and HT conditions, though the effect sizes were considered small. MET applied with increasing levels of pre-tension, led to a small and incremental increase in stretch resistance and elastic energy stored (range 5.5% to 12.5%) during passive ankle dorsiflexion. Importantly, effect sizes were small and may not translate to measurable improvements in muscle-tendon unit performance during dynamic exercise.

Effects of multidirectional elastic tape on pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A randomised crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of multidirectional elastic tape on pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised crossover trial. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. SUBJECTS: 27 participants (11 females, mean (SD) age: 48.6 (11.9) years) with clinically diagnosed lateral elbow tendinopathy of at least six weeks' duration. INTERVENTIONS: Tensioned multidirectional elastic tape applied over the wrist, compared to control tape (untensioned), and no tape conditions. MAIN MEASURES: Pain-free grip strength and pressure pain threshold were recorded at three timepoints for each condition: baseline, post-application, and following an exercise circuit. Change scores were calculated as the post-application or post-exercise value minus baseline. Repeated-measure analyses of variance were used to examine differences between conditions. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in pain-free grip strength between conditions (flexed position: F2,52 = 0.02, p = 0.98; extended position: F2,52 = 2.26, p = 0.12) or across timepoints (post-application vs post-exercise) (flexed position: F1,26 = 0.94, p = 0.34; extended position: F1,26 = 0.79, p = 0.38). Seven participants (26%) increased pain-free grip strength above the minimal detectable change following application of multidirectional elastic tape. There were no statistically significant differences in pressure pain threshold between conditions (affected lateral epicondyle: F1.51,39.17 = 0.54, p = 0.54) or across timepoints (affected lateral epicondyle: F1,26 = 0.94, p = 0.34). CONCLUSION: Tensioned multidirectional elastic tape may not immediately improve pain-free grip strength or pressure pain threshold in our lateral elbow tendinopathy population; however, individual variation may exist.

Pain-free grip strength in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy: Between- and within-session reliability of one versus three trials.

BACKGROUND: Pain-free grip strength is an important outcome measure in lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET); yet, the reliability and minimum detectable change (MDC) in functional positions are unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the between- and within-session pain-free grip strength reliability and MDC in LET. METHODS: Twenty-three individuals with LET completed three pain-free grip strength trials with the elbow flexed and extended. The first trial and the mean of three trials were analyzed. Between-session data were collected 2-28 days apart. Within-session data were collected 20-30 min apart. RESULTS: Between-session intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were good (ICC2,1 = 0.75) for single trials (flexed), excellent (ICC2,1 = 0.89-0.94) for single trials (extended), and excellent for the mean of three trials (both positions). Within-session ICCs were excellent for single (ICC2,1 = 0.89-0.91) and the mean of three trials (ICC2,3 = 0.96-0.98) in both positions. Between-session flexed MDCs were 133 N (single) versus 90 N (mean) and extended MDCs were 118 N (single) versus 92 N (mean). Within-session flexed MDCs were 79 N (single) versus 52 N (mean) and extended MDCs were 125 N (single) versus 46 N (mean). CONCLUSIONS: Using the mean of three trials is recommended, and clinicians can be confident of true change if between-session differences are >92 N and within-session differences are >52 N.

Effects of multidirectional elastic tape on forearm muscle activity and wrist extension during submaximal gripping in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A randomised crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Lateral elbow tendinopathy is associated with changes to forearm muscle activity and wrist posture during gripping. Multidirectional elastic tape is thought to exert a deloading effect on underlying musculotendinous structures, which could potentially alter muscle activity or wrist posture. METHODS: This single-blinded randomised crossover trial compared the immediate effects of tensioned multidirectional elastic tape, untensioned control tape, and no tape, in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy. Muscle activity of extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris, and extensor digitorum and wrist extension angle were recorded during a submaximal gripping task. Muscle activity was normalised to the maximum amplitude recorded during maximal grip. Change scores were calculated (post-condition minus baseline). Repeated-measure analyses of variance were used to examine between-condition differences. FINDINGS: 27 participants (16 males, mean age (SD): 48.6 (11.9) years) underwent all conditions. Extensor digitorum muscle activity was reduced during the multidirectional elastic tape, compared to control tape and no tape (MD -5.6% [95%CI: -9.9 to -1.3], MD -5.8% [95%CI: -10.2 to -1.4], respectively). Extensor carpi ulnaris muscle activity was reduced during the multidirectional elastic tape, compared to the control tape (mean difference [MD] -3.2% [95%CI: -5.3 to -1.1]), but increased during the control tape, compared to the no tape (MD 2.9% [95%CI: 0.8 to 5.0]). No differences were observed in extensor carpi radialis brevis or longus muscle activity, or extension wrist angle between conditions. INTERPRETATION: A decreased in extensor carpi ulnaris and extensor digitorum muscle activity during multidirectional elastic tape may be evidence of a deloading effect during submaximal gripping.

The biomechanical effects of 3D printed and traditionally made foot orthoses in individuals with unilateral plantar fasciopathy and flat feet.

BACKGROUND: Foot orthoses (FOs) are used to manage foot pathologies such as plantar fasciopathy. 3D printed custom-made FOs are increasingly being manufactured. Although these 3D-printed FOs look like traditionally heat-moulded FOs, there are few studies comparing FOs made using these two different manufacturing processes. RESEARCH QUESTION: How effective are 3D-printed FOs (3D-Print) compared to traditionally-made (Traditional) or no FOs (Control), in changing biomechanical parameters of flat-footed individuals with unilateral plantar fasciopathy? METHODS: Thirteen participants with unilateral plantar fasciopathy walked with shoes under three conditions: Control, 3D-print, and Traditional. 2 × 3 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVAs) with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to compare discrete kinematic and kinetic variables between limbs and conditions. Waveform analyses were also conducted using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). RESULTS: There was a significant condition main effect for arch height drop (p = 0.01; ηp2 =0.54). There was 0.87 mm (95% CI [-1.84, -0.20]) less arch height drop in 3D-print compared to Traditional. The SPM analyses revealed condition main effects on ankle moment (p < 0.001) and ankle power (p < 0.001). There were significant differences between control condition and both 3D-print and Traditional conditions. For ankle moment and power, there were no differences between 3D-print and Traditional conditions. SIGNIFICANCE: 3D-printed FOs are more effective in reducing arch height drop, whist both FOs lowered ankle plantarflexion moment and power compared to no FOs. The results support the use of 3D-printed FOs as being equally effective as traditionally-made FOs in changing lower limb biomechanics for a population of flat-footed individuals with unilateral plantar fasciopathy.

Validity of the PUSH band 2.0 and Speed4lifts to measure velocity during upper and lower body free-weight resistance exercises.

Accuracy and test-retest reliability were assessed for two devices, PUSH Band 2.0 (PUSH) and Speed4lifts. Two identical sessions were performed 6-8 days apart. Twenty rugby league players performed three repetitions with 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% of estimated one repetition maximum for back squat (BS), front squat (FS), and bench press (BP). Velocity was recorded using PUSH, Speed4lifts and 3D motion analysis system (gold standard). Passing-Bablok regression analysis assessed agreement of velocity measures with the gold standard. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficients of variation (CV) assessed test-retest reliability. PUSH and Speed4lifts were accurate for BS velocities <1.00 m/s and FS velocities <0.65 m/s. PUSH was accurate for BP velocities <0.65 m/s. Speed4lifts was accurate for BP velocities between 0.65-1.00 m/s. PUSH was reliable at all loads (ICC = 0.79-0.92; CV = 2.63-6.89%) except for 20% FS and BP (ICC = 0.49-0.64; CV = 3.13-3.62%). Speed4lifts was reliable at all loads (ICC = 0.70-0.96; CV = 2.57-4.26%) except for 20% BP (ICC = 0.59; CV = 4.59%). These results suggest that both devices are unsuitable for measuring the velocity of BS, FS and BP at faster velocities and at lighter loads.

Immediate comfort perception of 3D-printed foot orthoses in individuals with unilateral heel pain.

BACKGROUND: Custom-made foot orthoses (FOs) play an integral part in managing foot disorders. Traditional FO fabrication is time-consuming and labor intensive. Three-dimensional (3D) printed FOs save time and cost compared with the traditional manufacturing process. To date, the differences in dimensions and comfort perception of these orthoses have not been compared in a pathological population. OBJECTIVE: Compare the dimensions between 3D-printed and traditionally made FOs and comfort perception between 3D-printed, traditionally made, and no FOs in individuals with flatfeet and unilateral heel pain. STUDY DESIGN: Within-subject single-blinded randomized crossover study design. METHODS: Thirteen participants had custom-made FOs using 3D-printing and traditional processes. Orthotic lengths, widths, arch heights, and heel cup heights were compared. Participants performed walking trials under three conditions: (1) no orthoses, (2) 3D-printed orthoses, and (3) traditionally made orthoses. Comfort perception was recorded. Orthotic dimensions were compared using paired t tests, and comfort perception were compared using one-way multiple analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests. RESULTS: Three-dimensional-printed orthoses were wider, have higher arch heights, and heel cup heights compared with traditionally made FOs (medium to large effect sizes). There was a difference in comfort perception between the three orthotic conditions, F(12,62) = 1.99, P = 0.04; Wilk Λ = 0.521, ηp2= 0.279. Post hoc tests show that there is no difference in comfort perception between the 3D-printed and traditionally made FOs. Both FOs were significantly more comfortable than no orthoses. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional printing seems to be a viable alternative orthotic fabrication option. Future studies should compare the biomechanical effects of 3D-printed and traditionally made FOs.

An Investigation of Maximal Strength of the Upper Limb Bilaterally in Individuals With Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is evidence of bilateral upper limb strength deficits in individuals with unilateral lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). METHODS: The electronic databases Medline via Ovid, PubMed, and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2020. Included studies encompassed maximal strength outcomes of any upper limb and appendicular musculature in individuals with LET and an asymptomatic comparator. Study quality was rated using a modified version of the Epidemiological Appraisal Instrument. Hedges g effect sizes (ES) and 95% CIs were calculated for comparisons of maximal strength in the LET group and an asymptomatic control group. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was performed when possible. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included. Quality appraisal resulted in a mean Epidemiological Appraisal Instrument score of 46% (SD = 10%). Meta-analysis revealed strength deficits in shoulder abduction (pooled ES = -0.37 [95% CI = -0.62 to -0.12]) and shoulder external rotation (pooled ES = -0.55 [95% CI = -0.83 to -0.28]) of the symptomatic limb compared with an asymptomatic control group. Meta-analysis also revealed maximal strength deficits in the upper trapezius (pooled ES = -0.26 [95% CI = -0.49 to -0.02]) of the asymptomatic limb compared with an asymptomatic control group. There was also consistent evidence for strength deficits in the serratus anterior, lower trapezius, and wrist extensor muscles and deficits in grip strength of the symptomatic limb as well as strength deficits in the wrist extensor muscles of the asymptomatic limb in individuals with unilateral LET. CONCLUSION: In individuals with LET, there were maximal strength deficits in shoulder abduction, shoulder external rotation, serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscles, and wrist extension, as well as deficits in grip strength of the symptomatic limb compared with an asymptomatic control group. In addition, there appeared to be strength deficits in the upper trapezius muscle, wrist extension, and metacarpophalangeal joint flexion and extension, as well as deficits in grip strength of the asymptomatic limb in individuals with LET compared with an asymptomatic control group. These results suggest bilateral strength deficits. IMPACT: These findings highlight the importance of a thorough physical examination and appropriate strengthening intervention for the upper limb with a focus on shoulder and scapular stabilizers, in addition to forearm muscles, in individuals with LET. LAY SUMMARY: In people with tennis elbow, widespread strength deficits, including weakness of the shoulder, forearm, and wrist muscles, may exist. Interestingly, some of these weaknesses appear on both the affected and the unaffected sides in people with tennis elbow. A physical therapist can help strengthen these areas.

Back squat velocity to assess neuromuscular status of rugby league players following a match.

OBJECTIVES: Back squat mean concentric velocity (MV) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance were examined in sub-elite rugby league players post-match to monitor changes in neuromuscular status (NMS) from baseline. Relationships between changes in back squat MV and CMJ performance variables were used to compare back squat MV to an established method to monitor NMS. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational design. METHODS: 18 male sub-elite rugby league players (mean±SD, 20.5±2.4 yr; 180.0±6.7cm; 93.3±11.2kg) performed 3 repetitions of CMJ and back squat with an individualised, pre-determined load at -2h (baseline), +30min, +24h, and +48h in relation to a match. Back squat MV, CMJ height, CMJ peak power, and CMJ peak velocity were measured with a linear position transducer. RESULTS: Significant (p<0.05), small to large decreases (ES=0.52-1.24) were observed in back squat MV up to +48h post-match. Significant (p<0.05), small to moderate decreases (ES=0.52-0.70) in CMJ height were also observed up to +24h post-match, returning to baseline at +48h. CMJ peak power and peak velocity post-match changes were not significant compared to baseline (p>0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between changes in back squat MV and CMJ height at +30min (r=0.59; p=0.009) and +48h (r=0.51; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest back squat MV may be a suitable alternative or addition to CMJ testing for monitoring NMS in rugby league players.

Validity and Reliability of Using Load-Velocity Relationship Profiles to Establish Back Squat 1 m·s-1 Load.

ABSTRACT: Elsworthy, N, Callaghan, DE, Scanlan, AT, Kertesz, AHM, Kean, CO, Dascombe, BJ, and Guy, JH. Validity and reliability of using load-velocity relationship profiles to establish back squat 1 m·s-1 load. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 340-346, 2021-Although measuring movement velocity during resistance exercise is being increasingly used to monitor player readiness for competition in team sports, the validity and reliability of using set target velocities has not been examined. This study examined test-retest reliability of the load-velocity relationship during the back squat to predict loads corresponding to a mean velocity of 1 m·s-1 (V1Load), test-retest reliability of mean concentric velocity at V1Load, and criterion validity of mean concentric velocity at V1Load. Twenty-seven resistance-trained male rugby league players completed 2 testing sessions on separate days to establish individualized back squat load-velocity relationship profiles (30, 40, 60, and 80% estimated 1 repetition maximum). Velocity during the back squat was assessed at each load and V1Load derived using individualized linear regression equations. A subset of subjects (n = 18) also performed the back squat at predicted V1Load to examine the test-retest reliability and compare the mean concentric velocity with the predicted target of 1 m·s-1. The mean concentric velocity was consistent across all loads during load-velocity relationship testing (p > 0.05, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] ≥0.75, coefficient of variation [CV] ≤5.7%, effect size [ES] ≤0.27), and for predicting V1Load (p = 0.11, ICC = 0.95, CV = 3.9%, ES = 0.11). The mean concentric velocity at V1Load was reliable (ICC = 0.77; CV = 2.6%; ES = 0.39) and not significantly different (p = 0.21) to the target velocity, supporting criterion validity. Individualized load-velocity profiles for the back squat can accurately predict V1Load, and subsequent use of V1Load to assess back squat velocity is valid and reliable. Using V1Load to assess changes in back squat velocity may have application in measuring changes in strength and power or readiness to train.

Therapeutic tape use for lateral elbow tendinopathy: A survey of Australian healthcare practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is a common musculoskeletal condition that can be treated with therapeutic tape. However, little is known of taping practices for LET in a clinical setting. OBJECTIVES: To examine Australian healthcare practitioners' taping techniques, clinical reasoning, and information sources regarding therapeutic tape use for LET. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed between September 2018 and February 2019. Respondents answered questions about demographics, frequency of tape use, techniques, reasons for application, factors influencing clinical decision-making, and information sources, related to tape for LET. RESULTS/FINDINGS: 188 Australian healthcare practitioners completed the survey. The majority of respondents were physiotherapists (n = 132, 70%) with the remainder of respondents being chiropractors (21%), myotherapists (3%), exercise physiologists (3%), or osteopaths (3%). 51% of respondents use tape as part of their management for LET at least half the time. The most popular taping technique used is a transverse band of rigid tape across the forearm (n = 78, 55% of respondents who use tape). The most common reasons for tape application are to reduce pain during occupational tasks (n = 123, 65%), and during sport/hobbies (n = 101, 54%). Respondents predominately rely on experience and patient preference to guide tape use. 63% of all respondents (n = 118) sought information about tape from professional development courses. CONCLUSION: A wide range of tape techniques are used to treat LET, despite limited evidence for efficacy. Justification for tape is largely based on experience and patient preference; with information mostly gained from professional development courses. More research is required to understand the relationship between the evidence and clinical use of tape to treat LET.

Evaluating the immediate effect of forearm and wrist orthoses on pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Lateral elbow tendinopathy is associated with pain during gripping, with forearm/wrist orthoses prescribed for treatment. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the immediate effects of forearm and/or wrist orthoses on outcome measures of pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy. DESIGN: Systematic review METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched to identify randomised controlled trials reporting the immediate effects of forearm and/or wrist orthoses on pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy. The quality of evidence was rated from high to very low, using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) for the primary outcomes. Where possible, standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare post measures between forearm and/or wrist orthoses and control/placebo conditions. RESULTS: The search revealed 1965 studies, of which, seven randomised crossover trials were included. Using the GRADE approach there was low quality evidence revealing a significant decrease in pain during contraction (SMD range -0.65 to -0.83) with forearm orthoses compared to a control/placebo condition. Low quality evidence revealed improvements in pain-free grip strength with the use of a forearm orthosis (SMD range 0.24-0.38), but not maximal grip strength (SMD range 0.14-0.15). Low quality evidence revealed a static wrist orthosis did not improve pain-free grip strength (SMD -0.08) or maximal grip strength (SMD -0.22). CONCLUSION: There is low quality evidence that forearm orthoses can immediately reduce pain during contraction and improve pain-free grip strength but not maximal grip strength in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy.

Let's take the dog for a gait .

BACKGROUND: In 1872, Eadweard Muybridge was hired to research unsupported transit in horses, i.e. the trot and the gallop. This research was the first instance of the use of photography to analyse movement and was the ultimate precursor to motion capture for biomechanical assessment of movement utilised today. With the expansion of the field continuing, the term "gait" has become synonymous with walking and is often used interchangeably. In this editorial, we discuss the term "gait" and its' origin in the context of scientific research and aim to address the heterogeneous taxonomy associated with the ambiguous use of the term "gait". RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the ambiguous use of the term gait? METHODS: A non-systematic review was conducted of the original research and short communications in the 2019 issues of Gait and Posture RESULTS: A total of 219 titles were characterised as directly addressing locomotion. Of these, a total of 108 titles quantified the form of locomotion (e.g. walk/ing, run/ing) and 111 titles utilised the word "gait" to describe the task. However, 104 of these clarified the form of locomotion either within the abstract or the main text of the manuscript. SIGNIFICANCE: "Gait" is not mutually exclusive to humans nor walking. The ambiguity associated with the use of this term demonstrates the importance of quantifying the type of locomotion being studied. Ultimately, such efforts will allow the streamlining search strategies for appropriate research for academics, clinicians, and scientists alike.

Sticking to the facts: A systematic review of the effects of therapeutic tape in lateral epicondylalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify, appraise, and examine evidence regarding the effects of therapeutic tape on pain and function in individuals with lateral epicondylalgia (LE). METHODS: Five electronic databases were systematically searched up to March 2018. Full-text, peer-reviewed, English-language studies were included if they had an LE population, a standalone tape condition, and an outcome related to pain or function. RESULTS: Eight out of 2022 screened studies were included. Three studies demonstrated immediate (i.e. within 1 h) improvements in pain and pain-free grip strength following diamond deloading rigid tape. One study reported immediate improvements in proprioception following transverse rigid tape. The immediate effects of longitudinal kinesiotape were inconsistent. One study reported improvements in pain and pain-free grip strength, while another study reported no effect on pain, strength, or muscle activity. Two studies examined short-term (i.e. within six weeks) kinesiotape application. One study reported two weeks of longitudinal kinesiotape improved pain and maximum grip strength. The other study reported one week of diamond kinesiotape improved patient-reported pain and function, but not maximum grip strength. CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with LE, diamond deloading rigid tape may immediately improve pain and strength. There is conflicting evidence regarding kinesiotape effects in both immediate and short-term timeframes.

Influence of Different Methods to Determine Maximum Heart Rate on Training Load Outcomes in Basketball Players.

Berkelmans, DM, Dalbo, VJ, Fox, JL, Stanton, R, Kean, CO, Giamarelos, KE, Teramoto, M, and Scanlan, AT. Influence of different methods to determine maximum heart rate on training load outcomes in basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3177-3185, 2018-The summated-heart-rate-zones (SHRZ) approach uses heart rate (HR) responses relative to maximum HR (HRmax) to calculate the internal training load (TL). Age-predicted, test-derived, and session-based approaches have all been used to determine HRmax in team sports. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of using age-predicted, test-derived, and session-based HRmax responses on SHRZ TL in basketball players. Semiprofessional, male basketball players (N = 6) were analyzed during the preparatory training phase. Six age-based approaches were used to predict HRmax including Fox (220 - age); Hossack (206 - [0.567 × age]); Tanaka (208 - [0.7 × age]); Nikolaidis (223 - [1.44 × age]); Nes (211 - [0.64 × age]); and Faff (209.9 - [0.73 × age]). Test-derived HRmax was taken as the highest HR during the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (Yo-Yo IRT), whereas session-based HRmax was taken as the higher HR seen during the Yo-Yo IRT or training sessions. Comparisons in SHRZ TL were made at group and individual levels. No significant group differences were evident between SHRZ approaches. Effect size analyses revealed moderate (d = 0.60-0.79) differences between age-predicted, test-derived, and session-based methods across the group and individually in 2 players. The moderate differences between approaches suggest age-predicted, test-derived, and session-based methods to determine HRmax are not interchangeable when calculating SHRZ. Basketball practitioners are encouraged to use individualized HRmax directly measured during field-based tests supplemented with higher HR responses evident during training sessions and games when calculating the SHRZ TL to ensure greatest accuracy.

Decrements in knee extensor and flexor strength are associated with performance fatigue during simulated basketball game-play in adolescent, male players.

This study quantified lower-limb strength decrements and assessed the relationships between strength decrements and performance fatigue during simulated basketball. Ten adolescent, male basketball players completed a circuit-based, basketball simulation. Sprint and jump performance were assessed during each circuit, with knee flexion and extension peak concentric torques measured at baseline, half-time, and full-time. Decrement scores were calculated for all measures. Mean knee flexor strength decrement was significantly (P < 0.05) related to sprint fatigue in the first half (R = 0.65), with dominant knee flexor strength (R = 0.67) and dominant flexor:extensor strength ratio (R = 0.77) decrement significantly (P < 0.05) associated with sprint decrement across the entire game. Mean knee extensor strength (R = 0.71), dominant knee flexor strength (R = 0.80), non-dominant knee flexor strength (R = 0.75), mean knee flexor strength (R = 0.81), non-dominant flexor:extensor strength ratio (R = 0.71), and mean flexor:extensor strength ratio (R = 0.70) decrement measures significantly (P < 0.05) influenced jump fatigue during the entire game. Lower-limb strength decrements may exert an important influence on performance fatigue during basketball activity in adolescent, male players. Consequently, training plans should aim to mitigate lower-limb fatigue to optimise sprint and jump performance during game-play.

Heart Rate Monitoring in Basketball: Applications, Player Responses, and Practical Recommendations.

Berkelmans, DM, Dalbo, VJ, Kean, CO, Milanovic, Z, Stojanovic, E, Stojiljkovic, N, and Scanlan, AT. Heart rate monitoring in basketball: applications, player responses, and practical recommendations. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2383-2399, 2018-The aims of this review were to collate the existing literature encompassing heart rate (HR) monitoring in basketball to (a) identify the applications of HR measurement; (b) report HR responses in male and female players during training and game-play; (c) evaluate use of current HR-based training load models; and (d) provide recommendations for future research and best practice approaches for basketball practitioners. Heart rate monitoring in basketball carries 3 primary applications: (a) monitoring exercise intensity; (b) assessing player fatigue status; and (c) quantifying internal training load. When interpreting the available training and game-play HR data in basketball players, key differences have been observed between playing positions and playing levels. Sex- and age-based differences in HR responses during basketball training and game-play are apparent across separate studies; however, further research exploring HR responses in wider player groups is needed, especially in female and junior players. There is also a lack of research directly comparing player HR responses during training and game-play to ascertain the effectiveness of different drills in preparing players for competition. Heart rate-based models have been frequently used to quantify the internal training load in basketball players, including Banister's Training Impulse (TRIMP), Lucia's TRIMP, and Edwards' Summated-Heart-Rate-Zones (SHRZ). The SHRZ model seems to hold practical advantages and better detect changes in player responses across training cycles compared with other approaches. Practical outcomes of this review center on recommendations for position-specific training plans, drills to promote desired cardiovascular stress, analysis of HR outcome measures, and ideal training load monitoring approaches.

The role of biomaterials in the treatment of meniscal tears.

Extensive investigations over the recent decades have established the anatomical, biomechanical and functional importance of the meniscus in the knee joint. As a functioning part of the joint, it serves to prevent the deterioration of articular cartilage and subsequent osteoarthritis. To this end, meniscus repair and regeneration is of particular interest from the biomaterial, bioengineering and orthopaedic research community. Even though meniscal research is previously of a considerable volume, the research community with evolving material science, biology and medical advances are all pushing toward emerging novel solutions and approaches to the successful treatment of meniscal difficulties. This review presents a tactical evaluation of the latest biomaterials, experiments to simulate meniscal tears and the state-of-the-art materials and strategies currently used to treat tears.