Associations between biological maturation, physical performance, postural control, and mathematical achievement in youth soccer players.

This investigation explored relationships between biological maturation, physical and academic performance in young male soccer players. Thirty-eight players (age: 9.79 ± 1.21 years; body mass index (BMI): 20.4 ± 2.39 kg/m2; body fat: 16.8 ± 2.21%) participated. Measures of anthropometry used for body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and BMI as well. Postural control, 15 m sprint, squat jumps and counter-movement jumps (SJ, CMJ), and T-half test for change-of-direction (CoD) were parameters of physical performance. The grade point average (GPA) of mathematics determined academic attainment. Moore's equations were used to estimate their maturity status (PHV). Biological maturation was highly correlated with most (not 15 m sprint) physical and academic performance parameters, especially CMJ (r = -0.812) and mathematics (r = -0.781). Academic performance showed the largest relations to the jumping performance (CMJ: r = 0.771; SJ: r = 0.723). In contrast, anthropometric and fatness parameters were not relevantly (r ≥ 0.5) correlated with any other parameters. The largest correlations were calculated for sitting height vs. SJ (r = -0.408), sitting height vs. postural control (r = -0.355), leg length vs. postural control (r = -0.339). As a result, it is essential to take biological maturation inconsideration while assessing the physical and academic achievement of young soccer players. In consequence, soccer coaches and physical education (PE) teachers should be cognizant of the impact of biological maturity on physical and academic performance to assist fair and equal opportunities for achievement in young players.

A 10-week FIFA 11+ program improves the short-sprint and modified agility T-test performance in elite seven-a-side soccer players.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of 10 weeks of FIFA 11+ training on the physical performance of elite seven-a-side soccer players. Methods: Twenty-five seven-a-side soccer players were recruited from two senior national teams. The players completed the following protocols during 10 weeks of training: a) FIFA 11+: The FIFA group (n = 13) underwent the FIFA 11+ program combined with regular soccer training; b) Dynamic conventional warm-up: The control group (n = 12) underwent regular soccer training. Their ability was validated using a pre-test followed by a post-test to measure the sprint performance (5-, 10-, and 20-m sprints), a modified agility T-test (MAT), and a five-jump test (FJT). Results: A comparison of pre- and post-tests for physical performance in each group demonstrated that the FIFA 11+ warm-up significantly improved the 10-m sprinting performance (p = 0.034; F = 5.04; ηp 2 = 0.17) and reduced the time spent to perform the MAT (p = 0.000; F = 23.16; ηp 2 = 0.52) in the FIFA group compared with the control group; however, no significant changes were observed in the 5- and 20-m sprints and FJT. Conclusion: The main findings of this research showed that the 10-week FIFA 11+ program led to significant improvements in the 10-m sprint and MAT compared to regular training among elite seven-a-side soccer players. Given these positive outcomes, further studies on the practical implementation and optimization of the FIFA 11+ program are warranted to provide valuable guidance for coaches and athletes, seeking to maximize its benefits in real-world settings.

Successful long-term control of poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) infestations in floor-kept laying hens via integrated pest management-a case report.

This case report describes the successful control of poultry red mite [PRM] (Dermanyssus gallinae) infestations in an experimental laying hen house via a combined use of cleaning and disinfection measure, the preventive application of a synthetic silica-based acaricide and frequent mite monitoring. The high number of PRM in the laying hen house was reduced by 99.8% by treatment with fluralaner (Exzolt®, MSD Animal Health Unterschleißheim, Germany; 0.5 mg/kg body weight via drinking water twice, 7 days apart). After the laying hens were removed, the hen house was dry-cleaned, wet-cleaned and disinfected. After drying, synthetic amorphous silica (Fossil Shield® instant white, Bein GmbH, Eiterfeld, Germany) was applied as a preventive measure before the hen house was restocked with pullets for two housing periods of 58 and 52 weeks. Over these periods (i.e. more than 2 years), no PRM was detected during mite monitoring at two-week intervals via tube traps and visual monitoring. This result therefore suggests that the combined use of appropriate chemical and physical prevention measures within an integrated pest management regime can be successfully used for the long-term control of PRM. This could reduce the use of acaricidal drugs, thereby helping maintain their efficacy.

Investigation of the Proliferative Potential of FGF21 or FGF19 in Liver-Specific FGFR4-Deficient Mice.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and FGF15/FGF19 belong to the same subgroup of FGFs and are believed to have therapeutic potential in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and associated metabolic dysfunctionalities and pathological conditions. FGF19 has been proposed to induce hyperplasia and liver tumors in FVB mice (named after its susceptibility to Friend leukemia virus B), mediated by the FGF receptor 4 (FGFR4). The goal of this work was to investigate whether FGF21 might also have a potential proliferative effect mediated via FGFR4 using liver-specific Fgfr4 knockout (KO) mice. We conducted a mechanistic 7-day study involving female Fgfr4 fl/fl and Fgfr4 KO mice with a treatment regimen of twice daily or daily subcutaneous injections of FGF21 or FGF19 (positive control), respectively. The Ki-67 liver labeling index (LI) was evaluated by a semi-automated bioimaging analysis. The results showed a statistically significant increase in FGF21- and FGF19-treated Fgfr4 fl/fl mice. Interestingly, in Fgfr4 KO mice, this effect was absent following both treatments of FGF19 and FGF21, indicating that not only the FGFR4 receptor is pivotal for the mediation of hepatocellular proliferation by FGF19 leading finally to liver tumors but it seems also that FGFR4/FGF21 signaling has an impact on the hepatocellular proliferative activity, which does not promote the formation of hepatocellular liver tumors based on the current knowledge.

Differences in body composition, static balance, field test performance, and academic achievement in 10-12-year-old soccer players.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare 10-12-year-old Qatari male soccer players (n = 45) regarding different dimensions (anthropometric, academic and physical performance). Methods: Anthropometric parameters (body mass, fat percentage (%BF), body mass index (BMI)) academic achievement (mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) and physical performance [Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat jumps (SJ), counter-movement jumps (CMJ), stork balance test, 10 and 15 m sprint tests, T-half test for change-of-direction (CoD) ability, hand-grip strength, medicine ball throw (MBT)] were measured. Schoolchild soccer players were divided into three groups: 12-year-old players (U12; n = 16), 11-year-old players (U11; n = 14), 10-year-old players (U10; n = 15). Results: Apart from mathematics, Yo-Yo IR1 and 10 m sprint, all performance parameters showed significant age effects. The largest age-related difference was observed for 15 m sprint (p < 0.001). Both adjacent age groups displayed significant differences for 15 sprint (U10 vs. U11: p = 0.015; U11 vs. U12: p = 0.023). Concerning academic performance, a significant age effect was found for science (p < 0.001). There was a main age effect on academic performance difference between U10 and U11 (p = 0.007). Academic parameters did not correlate with any physical performance parameter or anthropometric parameter. The strongest correlations were detected for body height and agility T-half test (r = -0.686) and medicine ball throw (r = 0.637). The biological maturity was strongly correlated with handgrip strength (r = -0.635). Discussion: Soccer coaches and physical education teachers can use these data as reference values for evaluation of school-aged soccer players, and for ascertaining specific training targets. Obviously, short sprinting ability and aerobic capacity are not functions of age and need a specific training for significant improvements.

Histopathological Analysis of the Degree of Tendinosis in Failed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Grafts. / Histopathologische Analyse des Tendinosegrades nach Transplantatversagen vorderer Kreuzbandplastiken.

INTRODUCTION: After reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, the modification processes in the transplanted tendon tissue directly influence the biomechanical properties of the knee. The histopathological alterations in failed grafts have hardly been studied. OBJECTIVE: Our study focused on examining the presence and extent of tendinosis (low or high grade) in the tendon tissue of failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. We considered its relationship to the type of transplant, the symptoms, the arthroscopic appearance, the mode of trauma, and the timing of the failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tendon tissue of failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions in 30 patients was gathered during revision surgery and its histopathology was analysed for the occurrence of structural alterations. The classification of the tendinosis as low or high grade was semiquantitative based on five qualities. We used a standardised questionnaire to collect patient data and we used the Marburg Arthroscopy Score for the intraoperative evaluation of the graft. RESULTS: We found histological vitality and, except for two samples, structural alterations consistent with tendinosis, predominantly high grade, in all failed anterior cruciate ligament grafts. No direct link could be proved between the degree of tendinosis and the type of graft used, the symptoms (except for instability) or the timing of the graft failure, the mode of trauma, or the arthroscopic appearance of the failed plasty. However, the accumulation of high-grade tendinosis in patients with hamstring tendons, subjective instability, and graft failure between 1 to 5 years postoperatively was noteworthy. CONCLUSION: Structural alterations consistent with tendinosis could be detected, with different expressions, in the vital tendon tissue of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. This indicates that the graft is subject to repetitive microtrauma. However, it is still unclear how tendinosis influences the failure of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.

Highly sensitive and quick in ovo sexing of domestic chicken eggs by two-wavelength fluorescence spectroscopy.

The in ovo sexing of chicken eggs is a current task and a prerequisite to overcome the mass killing of male day-old chicks from laying lines. Although various methods have been developed and tested in recent years, practicable methods for sex determination are still missing which can be applicated in poultry hatcheries before the chicken embryo is capable of nociception and pain sensation. Optical spectroscopic methods enable an early determination of the sex. In this study, a novel method based on two-wavelength in ovo fluorescence excitation is described. More than 1600 eggs were examined. In ovo fluorescence was sequentially excited at 532 nm and 785 nm. The fluorescence intensities of the spectral regions behave inversely with respect to sex. It is shown that the observed sex-related differences in the fluorescence intensities are based on the embryonic hemoglobin synthesis. The accuracy of sex determination is 96% for both sexes. The hatching rate is not reduced compared to an equivalent reference group.

Short-time cold atmospheric pressure plasma exposure can kill all life stages of the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, under laboratory conditions.

In the present study, the acaricidal effects of cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on poultry red mites of different developmental stages have been investigated under laboratory conditions using a dielectric barrier discharge system. A total of 1890 poultry red mites and 90 mite eggs, respectively, were exposed to the plasma under various parameter settings with a single plasma pulse generated using the gas mixture of the ambient air at atmospheric pressure. The results showed that all developmental stages of the poultry red mite could be killed by cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment. Plasma exposure to mite eggs resulted in a complete 100% hatch inhibition regardless of the parameter settings. Post-exposure mortality rates of larvae, nymphs and adults showed significant differences after utilization of plasma at 10 W for 1.0 s. In addition, the mortality rate increased with progressing time after plasma exposure. An average mortality rate of 99.7% was observed after 12 h in all mites exposed to plasma, regardless of the selected plasma parameter, developmental stage, and nutritional status of the mites. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma has an acaricidal effect on all developmental stages of Dermanyssus gallinae, suggesting that it could be developed to an effective method for the control of poultry red mites in laying hen husbandry.

Standing Steadiness and Asymmetry after High Tibial Osteotomy Surgery: A 2 Year Follow-Up Study.

(1) Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a serious orthopedic problem. In this context, the high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an established surgical procedure to reduce the load and degeneration of the affected compartment. The aim of this investigation was to judge standing steadiness and asymmetry, pain intensity and quality of life among patients who underwent HTO surgery. (2) Methods: Twenty-five male patients with medial tibiofemoral OA finished this 2 year follow-up study. Standing balance was captured using force plates with four uniaxial sensors before, 6 weeks after, 1 year after, and 2 years after HTO surgery. The percentage weight (PW) under the foot at one side, the stability (ST) index and the weight distribution (WD) index were the main outcomes. Comparisons were conducted using repeated measures analyses of variance. (3) Results: Over time, the PW under the foot at the HTO side increased on average (p < 0.001). In terms of standing steadiness, the average ST remained similar over the time points (p = 0.71). The WD index was affected by time (p = 0.003). (4) Conclusions: In order to judge short-term effects, the PW is recommended, whereas long-term effects can be identified either through the PW or the WD index.

Fitness, Fatness, and Academic Attainment in Male Schoolchildren from a Soccer Academy.

This investigation explored the association between anthropometric measures, fitness, and academic attainment (mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) in male schoolchildren from a soccer academy. Thirty-one males (age: 10.3 ± 1.19 years; body mass: 41.7 ± 6.5 kg; height: 1.43 ± 0.07 m; body mass index (BMI): 20.2 ± 2.8 kg/m2) participated. Body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and BMI were used as measures of anthropometry. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat and counter-movement jumps (SJ and CMJ), static balance, 10 and 15 m sprint, and a T-half test for change-of-direction (CoD) performance were used to measure fitness parameters. The GPA of mathematics and science determined academic attainment. All physical performance tests showed excellent relative reliability. ICC was between 0.87 (10 m sprint) and 1.00 (15 m sprint, CMJ). Regarding correlations between fatness and academic attainment, we found three correlations of practical value (r > 0.5), but only for mathematics (BMI: r = 0.540, subscapular skinfold: r = 0.589, body fat: r = 0.560). Mathematics was relevantly correlated with 15 m sprint (r = 0.574) and Yo-Yo IR1 test (r = 0.770). Only static balance (r = 0.428) did not reach the relevance criteria (r > 0.5). Science only showed large correlations with static balance (r = 0.620) and Yo-Yo IR1 test (r = 0.730). In conclusion, fatness and fitness are related to academic attainment in schoolchildren. In addition, except for static balance, all physical performance parameters were relevantly (r > 0.5) correlated with mathematics.

Combined Plyometric and Short Sprint Training in U-15 Male Soccer Players: Effects on Measures of Jump, Speed, Change of Direction, Repeated Sprint, and Balance.

This study examined the effect of 8 weeks of biweekly combined plyometric and short sprint training into the typical within-season training schedule of youth male soccer players. Participants were allocated at random to an experimental group (EG; n = 17, age: 14.6 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 60.5 ± 7.1 kg, height: 1.64 ± 0.08 m, body fat: 11.3 ± 1.4%) and a control group (CG; n = 17, age: 14.6 ± 0.4 years, body mass: 61.0 ± 3.9 kg, height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m, body fat: 11.8 ± 1.4%). Measures obtained pre- and post-intervention included vertical and horizontal jump performances (i.e., squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump with aimed arms (CMJA), and five-jump test (FJT)) and sprint performances (i.e., 10 and 30 m sprint). In addition, change-of-direction ability (sprint with 90° Turns (S90°) and sprint 9-3-6-3-9 m with backward and forward running (SBF)), repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA), and dynamic balance performance (Y balance test) were measured pre- and post-intervention. The EG experienced higher jump (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.71), sprint (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.64), change-of-direction ability (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.66), RSSA (all parameters except the fatigue index p < 0.01; d ≥ 0.71), and dynamic balance (all p ≤ 0.05; d ≥ 0.50) improvement compared to the CG. Adding biweekly combined plyometric and short sprint training to standard training improves the athletic performance of youth male soccer players (under 15 (U15)).

Foot tapping and unilateral vertical jump performance in athletes after knee surgery: an explorative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Guiding athletes through the rehabilitation process and judging the time at which return to sports can be enabled after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are still challenging processes. The purpose of this explorative cross-sectional study was to retrospectively compare unilateral vertical jump as well as vertical foot tapping outcomes in athletes returned to sports after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with uninjured athletes. METHODS: Seven-teen ACLR athletes (male/female: 12/5) were examined 11 (6-23) months after their ACL injury and after return to sport clearance together with 67 uninjured athletes (male/female: 51/16). Seventeen age and stature matched controls were selected from the sample of uninjured athletes. Participants unilaterally performed acyclic (squat jump, SJ; drop jump, DJ) and cyclic (foot tapping, FT) tests. SJ peak power, DJ take-off efficiency (TOE) and FT coefficients (FTC) were compared between ACLR and matched as well as unmatched control groups. Limb symmetry index (LSI) as well as performance score were calculated. RESULTS: Analyses of the SJ peak power revealed moderate effects of group (right: P < 0.09, ηp2 = 0.06; left: P < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.08). The TOE was largely affected by group (right: P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.12; left: P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.13). No effect of group was found on the FTC (P > 0.8, ηp2 < 0.01). The SJ peak power LSI (r = 0.46, P < 0.07) and TOE LSI (r = 0.38, P = 0.13) were positively associated with the performance score of the ACLR group. CONCLUSION: Although already returned to sports, the ACLR group underperformed the matched and unmatched control groups significantly. Unilaterally performed vertical jumps may provide additional information on athletes' rehabilitation progress and help to manage the rehabilitation process and decisions on potential readiness after ACLR. More attention should be paid to the direction of the LSI results.

An 8-Week Program of Plyometrics and Sprints with Changes of Direction Improved Anaerobic Fitness in Young Male Soccer Players.

This study examined the effects of 8 weeks of twice-weekly combined plyometric and sprint with change-of-direction (CPSCoD) training into habitual training regimes of young male soccer players. Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 17, age: 14.6 ± 0.44 years, body mass: 61.2 ± 7.34 kg, height: 1.67 ± 0.09 m, body fat: 11.2 ± 1.56%) and a control group (n = 16, age: 14.6 ± 0.39 years, body mass: 61.1 ± 3.96 kg, height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m, body fat: 11.8 ± 1.47%). Measures obtained pre- and post intervention included vertical and horizontal jump performance (i.e., squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and standing long jump (SLJ)), and sprint performance (i.e., 5 m and 20 m sprint). In addition, Measures obtained pre- and post-intervention included change-of-direction ability (4 × 5 m sprint test (S 4 × 5 m) and sprint 9-3-6-3-9 m with backward and forward running (SBF)), repeated change of direction (RCoD), and static balance performance (stork balance test). The training group experienced superior jump (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.61), sprint (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.58), change-of-direction (CoD) ability (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.58), RCoD (all parameters except the fatigue index p < 0.01; effect size (d) ≥ 0.71), and static balance (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.66) improvement. Adding twice-weekly CPSCoD training to standard training improves the anaerobic performance of U15 male soccer players.

Development and Validation of an Image Analysis System for the Measurement of Cell Proliferation in Mammary Glands of Rats.

Reliable detection and measurement of cell proliferation are essential in the preclinical assessment of carcinogenic risk of therapeutics. In this context, the assessment of mitogenic potential on mammary glands is crucial in the preclinical safety evaluation of novel insulins. The existing manual counting is time-consuming and subject to operator bias. To standardize the processes, make it faster, and resistant to errors, we developed a semiautomated image analysis system (CEPA software, which is open-source) for counting of proliferating cells in photomicrographs of mammary gland sections of rats labeled with Ki-67. We validated the software and met the predefined targets for specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility. In comparison to manual counting, the respective mean differences in absolute labeling indices (LIs) for CEPA software were 3.12% for user 1 and 3.05% for user 2. The respective regression analysis revealed a good correlation between the CEPA software user and manual counting. Moreover, the CEPA software showed enhanced reproducibility between independent users. The interuser variability is centered around 0 and the absolute difference was about 0.53% LI. Based on validation data, our software has superiority to the manual counting and is a valid and reliable tool for the routine analysis of cell proliferation in mammary glands from rats exposed to insulin analogs.

Postural stability and regulation before and after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction - A two years longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate postural regulation and stability among patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and rehabilitation over a two-year follow-up period. DESIGN: Longitudinal; SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory; PARTICIPANTS: 30 ACLR patients (32.0 ±â€¯12.2 years, 14 males) with isolated ACL rupture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postural regulation was tested before ACLR, as well as at six-weeks, twelve-weeks, six-months, one-year and two-years post-ACLR and standardized rehabilitation. Postural regulation was measured for stability indicator (ST), weight distribution index (WDI), synchronization (foot coordination) and sway intensities (postural subsystems). RESULTS: Significant time effects (pre-vs. two-years postoperative) were found for WDI (ηp2 = 0.466), synchronization (ηp2 = 0.368), mediolateral weight distribution (ηp2 = 0.349), ST (ηp2 = 0.205), visual/nigrostriatal systems (ηp2 = 0.179) and peripheral-vestibular system (ηp2 = 0.102). The largest difference (preoperative: ηp2 = 0.180) to the matched sample was calculated for WDI. The most significant differences to the matched sample were observed for ST (preoperative: ηp2 = 0.126; six-weeks postoperative: ηp2 = 0.103) and WDI (preoperative: ηp2 = 0.180; six-weeks postoperative: ηp2 = 0.174). CONCLUSION: ACLR and rehabilitation influence postural subsystems, postural stability, weight distribution and foot synchronization. Normalization of mediolateral weight distribution requires one year following ACLR. The ACLR leads to a suppression of the somatosensory and cerebellar system which was compensated by a higher activity of the visual and nigrostriatal systems.

Relationships Between Olympic Weightlifting Exercises, Peak Power of the Upper and Lower Limb, Muscle Volume and Throwing Ball Velocity in Elite Male Handball Players.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate relationships between peak power (PP) as measured by upper limb (PPUL) and lower limb (PPLL) force velocity tests, maximal upper limb force assessed by clean and jerk (1RMCJ) and snatch (1RMSE) exercises, estimates of local muscle volume and throwing ball velocity. METHODS: Thirty elite male handball players volunteered for the investigation (age: 20.3 ±â€Š2.1 years; body mass: 82.5 ±â€Š10.5 kg; height: 1.85 ±â€Š0,07 %; body fat: 13.1 ±â€Š2.1 %). Lower and upper limb force velocity tests were performed on appropriately modified forms of a Monark cycle ergometer with measurement of PPUL and PPLL, and the corresponding respective maximal forces (F0UL and F0LL) and velocities (V0UL and V0LL). Snatched (SN) and clean and jerk (CJ) exercises were performed to one repetition maximum (1RM). Handball throwing velocity was measured with jump shot (JS) without run-up (TW) and 3 steps shot (T3 step). Muscle volumes of the upper and lower limbs were estimated with a standard anthropometric kit. RESULTS: The 1RM CJ proved to be the most important predictor for throwing velocity. All types of throwing showed a high correlation with this parameter (JS: r = 0.75; TW: r = 0.62; T3 step: r = 0.66). The highest relation was detected between jump shot and 1RM snatch technique (r = 0.82). The PPUL muscle volume correlated highly with PPUL absolute power (r = 0.70). In contrast, we did not find any comparable relations for the lower limb (muscle volume vs. PPUL absolute power: r = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the contribution of both lower and upper limbs to handball throwing velocity, suggesting the need for coaches to include upper and lower limb strength weightlifting exercises and power programs when improving the throwing velocity of handball players.

Reliability of an ice hockey-specific complex test.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the intra-rater reliability of an ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT) that reflects the intense multidirectional and intermittent efforts required in ice hockey. METHODS: Twenty professional players executed the IHCT twice over an interval of 2 days. Load parameters included a 10-m sprint, a 30-m transition with and without a puck, as well as slap and wrist shots. Stress parameters were lactate concentrations and heart rates. RESULTS: The intrarater reliability (ICC) ranged from 0.54 to 0.98 for load parameters, and from 0.26 to 0.87 for stress parameters. 33 % (3/9) of stress parameters and 82 % (18/22) of load parameters had an ICC > 0.75. The largest limits of agreement were 41.6 for slap shot 1 after test and 50.4 for 6-min heart rate recovery. The smallest were 0.40 (10-m sprint without a puck) and 5.36 (resting lactate). The intra-rater reliability as shown by the coefficient of variation (CV) was lower for stress than for load parameters (mean CV: 13.4 vs. 4.7). 68 % (15/22) of load parameters and 11 % (1/9) of stress parameters showed a CV below 5 %. CONCLUSION: The IHCT is currently the only ice hockey-specific complex test with scientifically tested reliability and validity that can analyze performance under conditions similar to competition. It is suggested that coaches, fitness coaches and sports scientists explore use of this test as a valid tool to assess players' performance and the effectiveness of training interventions.

Validity of a basketball-specific complex test in female professional players.

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of a new basketball-specific complex test (BBCT) based on the ascertained match performance.Fourteen female professional basketball players (ages: 23.4 ±â€Š1.8 years) performed the BBCT and a treadmill test (TT) at the beginning of pre-season training. Lactate, heart rate (HR), time, shooting precision and number of errors were measured during the four test sequences of the BBCT (short distance sprinting with direction changes, with and without a ball; fast break; lay-up parcours; sprint endurance test). In addition, lactate threshold (LT) and HR were assessed at selected times throughout the TT and the BBCT and over 6 (TT) or 10 (BBCT) minutes after the tests. The match performance score (mps) was calculated on specific parameters (e. g. points) collected during all matches during the subsequent season (22 matches). The mps served as the "gold standard" within the validation process for the BBCT and the TT.TT parameters demonstrated an explained variance (EV) between 0 % (HR recovery) and 11 % (running speed at 6 mmol/l LT). The EV from the BBCT was higher and ranged from 0 % (HR recovery 6 minutes after end of exercise) to 28 % (sprint endurance test after 8 of 10 sprints). Ten out of 21 BBCT parameters (48 %) and 2 out of 5 TT parameters (40 %) demonstrated an EV higher than 10 %. Average EV for all parameters was 12 % (BBCT) and 6 % (TT), respectively. The BBCT had a higher validity than the TT for predicting match performance. These findings suggest that coaches and scientists should consider using the BBCT testing protocol to estimate the match performance abilities of elite female players.

Pre- and postoperative postural regulation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

There are currently no longitudinal data describing the pre- and postoperative postural regulation and stability of patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate postural regulation and stability prior to and during rehabilitation following surgery of the ACL. Fifty-four physically active subjects (age: 30.5±10.9 years, 29 male subjects) were examined with the Interactive Balance System pre-, 6, and at 12 weeks following surgical reconstruction of the ACL using a hamstring tendon graft. The average period of time from injury to surgery was 27 days. Data were calculated with unifactorial and univariate analysis of variance. Significant effects were found for the somatosensory system (η2=0.115), stability indicator (η2=0.123), weight distribution index (η2=0.176), and synchronization (foot coordination) (η2=0.249). Involved side weight distribution (parameter: left) increased significantly (patients with left-sided/right-sided injury: η2=0.234/0.272). Load distribution to the heel remained stable during all three examination periods (η2=0.035 and η2=0.071), although a remarkable load at forefoot was observed. In seven out of 10 parameters partial effects were seen during the first 6 weeks after surgery. The results of this study indicated that injury of the ACL and subsequent surgical reconstructions result in postural regulation, with improvements in somatosensory system function, postural stability, weight distribution index, and foot coordination. Also, overloading of the injured side on the feet reduces significantly during rehabilitation. Thus, the initial phase of rehabilitation (weeks 1 to 6) seems to be more effective than the second period (weeks 6 to 12) postoperatively.

Sexing of chicken eggs by fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy through the shell membrane.

In order to provide an alternative to day-old chick culling in the layer hatcheries, a noninvasive method for egg sexing is required at an early stage of incubation before onset of embryo sensitivity. Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy of blood offers the potential for precise and contactless in ovo sex determination of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus f. dom.) eggs already during the fourth incubation day. However, such kind of optical spectroscopy requires a window in the egg shell, is thus invasive to the embryo and leads to decreased hatching rates. Here, we show that near infrared Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy can be performed on perfused extraembryonic vessels while leaving the inner egg shell membrane intact. Sparing the shell membrane makes the measurement minimally invasive, so that the sexing procedure does not affect hatching rates. We analyze the effect of the membrane above the vessels on fluorescence signal intensity and on Raman spectrum of blood, and propose a correction method to compensate for it. After compensation, we attain a correct sexing rate above 90% by applying supervised classification of spectra. Therefore, this approach offers the best premises towards practical deployment in the hatcheries.