Implementing a free lending of sports and leisure equipment service: a cross-sectional survey exploring user characteristics, utilization patterns, and significance among children and youth.

BACKGROUND: The escalating costs of sports equipment, coupled with socioeconomic disparities, hinder children's participation in physical activities. The Leisure Equipment Library (LEL), a unique service in Sweden, addresses this challenge by providing free equipment lending. This study investigated the significance of providing free lending of sports and recreational equipment for children's and youth's opportunities to engage in physical activities during leisure time. METHOD: Utilizing a cross-sectional survey during the summer-2022 period, the study is based on data from 427 LEL users aged 7 to 25 years. User characteristics (demography, socioeconomic status, physical activity profiles), equipment usage patterns and perceived significance are also analyzed. The findings are discussed using the concept of consumer-brand identification. RESULTS: The results showed that LEL reaches a broad and diverse group of children and young people in terms of gender, age, socioeconomic status, and physical activity profile. The borrowed equipment, primarily used for play and recreation, serves as an essential resource for children and youths and, in particular, for those with low socioeconomic status. LEL is considered highly important by all user groups, with a majority emphasizing its significance in facilitating leisure activities. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests LEL's success lies in its accessibility and that users identify with the brand of LEL. Users perceive LEL as a service catering to various recreational needs rather than sports, fostering inclusivity. The localization of stores in various types of areas, combined with high-quality products, enable children and young people from different socioeconomic areas to use the service. LEL's success hinges on maintaining a positive brand image and promoting a recreation-oriented identity. Opportunities exist to strengthen emotional bonds with users, enhance branding strategies, and position LEL as a valuable resource for inclusive recreational activities. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of free lending services, such as LEL, to bridge socioeconomic gaps in the promotion of physical activity among children and young people.

The Future of Graphene: Preparation from Biomass Waste and Sports Applications.

At present, the main raw material for producing graphene is graphite ore. However, researchers actively seek alternative resources due to their high cost and environmental problems. Biomass waste has attracted much attention due to its carbon-rich structure and renewability, emerging as a potential raw material for graphene production to be used in sports equipment. However, further progress is required on the quality of graphene produced from waste biomass. This paper, therefore, summarizes the properties, structures, and production processes of graphene and its derivatives, as well as the inherent advantages of biomass waste-derived graphene. Finally, this paper reviews graphene's importance and application prospects in sports since this wonder material has made sports equipment available with high-strength and lightweight quality. Moreover, its outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity is exploited to prepare wearable sensors to collect more accurate sports data, thus helping to improve athletes' training levels and competitive performance. Although the large-scale production of biomass waste-derived graphene has yet to be realized, it is expected that its application will expand to various other fields due to the associated low cost and environmental friendliness of the preparation technique.

Global research trends of studies related to mouthguards and dental injuries in sports activities: a bibliometric analysis.

Mouthguards (MGs) are essential devices for the protection of sports-related orofacial injuries. Mapping of the literature on this subject may help to guide future studies; therefore, this review aimed to characterize the research trends of studies related to MGs and dental injuries in sports activities through bibliometric analysis of in vivo studies concerning the frequency of MG use; knowledge, awareness, perception, and/or attitude about MGs; and adaptation (fit) of MGs in the mouth and/or prevention of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). A literature search was performed in 6 databases for studies published up to April 2022. Text mining and analysis software was used to extract and evaluate data related to the study author, country, keywords, journal of publication, and year. Additionally, data related to the type of study, outcome, study population, age group, evaluation method, type of MG, sport classification, and sport category were extracted and analyzed. Of 6140 records identified, 222 were included in the analysis. Most of the articles came from the United States (n = 39; 17.5%) and dentistry journals (n = 145; 65.3%). The journal Dental Traumatology (n = 60; 27.0%) presented the highest number of publications. Most studies were observational (n = 195; 87.8%) and evaluated the frequency of MG use (n = 163; 44.4%). Studies were carried out in athletes (n = 181; 82.6%) and adults (n = 169; 49.1%) using questionnaires or interviews for assessment (n = 206; 84.1%). Only 89 (40.1%) studies evaluated the type of MG, mostly involving contact sports. Custom-made MGs were most commonly studied. More studies involving coaches, dentists, and child and teenaged athletes are warranted to help prevent sportsrelated TDIs in young teeth, mainly through interventional studies on the perceptions of and knowledge about MGs among these populations.

Effect of scaling basket height for young basketball players during the competition: seeking out positive sport experiences.

Proper scaling of sports equipment is necessary to ensure an optimal teaching-learning process . This study aimed to analyse the effect of reducing basket height on the technical-tactical actions, physical participation, self-efficacy, cooperation and enjoyment of young basketball players in the competition. 51 under-14 male basketball players from four teams were chosen as the sample. The data collection included 2,286 attack phases during 12 matches. All players competed in two tournaments using official basketball rules but different basket heights (official basket height, 3.05 metres, and modified basket height, 2.80 metres). The dependent variables were: a) types of shooting actions, shot efficacy, and shooting conditions; b) the duration, type, number of passes done, and efficacy of the attack phases; c) heart rate values; and d) perception of specific and physical self-efficacy, collective efficacy, cooperation, and enjoyment. The results show that the scaled basket promoted game styles that increased the occurrence of fast-breaks and long positional attack phase. Shot efficacy for all shot types improved (not-significantly) and brought change in players' specific self-efficacy and enjoyment. These findings show that scaling equipment can help the transition from mini-basket to regular basket (under-14 age group) by generating better conditions for players' development.

Validation of a Unique Boxing Monitoring System.

Much development work and scientific research has been conducted in recent years in the field of detecting human activity and the measurement of biomechanical performance parameters using portable sensor technologies, so-called wearable systems. Despite the fact that boxers participating in one of the most vigorous and complex disciplines of all sports, it is one of the disciplines where no noteworthy, advanced performance analytic tools are used for training or for competition purposes worldwide. This research aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive punch performance sensor system for the measurement and analysis of biomechanical parameters in the sport of boxing. A comprehensive validation study on linear regression was conducted following the development of the sensor system, between the gold standard of a Kistler force plate and Vicon motion capture system, to compare sensor-derived measurements with the gold standard-derived measurements. The developed sensor system demonstrated high accuracies ranging from R2 = 0.97 to R2 = 0.99 for punch force, acceleration, velocity and punch-time data. The validation experiments conducted demonstrated the significant accuracy of the sensor-derived measurements for predicting boxing-specific biomechanical movement parameters while punching in field use. Thus, this paper presents a unique sensor system for comprehensive measurements of biomechanical parameters using the developed mobile measurement system in the field of combat sports.

Continuous Analysis of Running Mechanics by Means of an Integrated INS/GPS Device.

This paper describes a single body-mounted sensor that integrates accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, barometers, a GPS receiver, and a methodology to process the data for biomechanical studies. The sensor and its data processing system can accurately compute the speed, acceleration, angular velocity, and angular orientation at an output rate of 400 Hz and has the ability to collect large volumes of ecologically-valid data. The system also segments steps and computes metrics for each step. We analyzed the sensitivity of these metrics to changing the start time of the gait cycle. Along with traditional metrics, such as cadence, speed, step length, and vertical oscillation, this system estimates ground contact time and ground reaction forces using machine learning techniques. This equipment is less expensive and cumbersome than the currently used alternatives: Optical tracking systems, in-shoe pressure measurement systems, and force plates. Another advantage, compared to existing methods, is that natural movement is not impeded at the expense of measurement accuracy. The proposed technology could be applied to different sports and activities, including walking, running, motion disorder diagnosis, and geriatric studies. In this paper, we present the results of tests in which the system performed real-time estimation of some parameters of walking and running which are relevant to biomechanical research. Contact time and ground reaction forces computed by the neural network were found to be as accurate as those obtained by an in-shoe pressure measurement system.

The mechanics of American football cleats on natural grass and infill-type artificial playing surfaces with loads relevant to elite athletes.

This study quantified the mechanical interactions of 19 American football cleats with a natural grass and an infill-type artificial surface under loading conditions designed to represent play-relevant manoeuvres of elite athletes. Variation in peak forces and torques was observed across cleats when tested on natural grass (2.8-4.2 kN in translation, 120-174 Nm in rotation). A significant (p < 0.05) relationship was found between the peak force and torque on natural grass. Almost all of the cleats caused shear failure of the natural surface, which generated a divot following a test. This is a force-limiting cleat release mode. In contrast, all but one of the cleat types held fast in the artificial turf, resulting in force and torque limited by the prescribed input load from the test device (nom. 4.8 kN and 200 Nm). Only one cleat pattern, consisting of small deformable nubs, released on the artificial surface and generated force (3.9 kN) comparable to the range observed with natural grass. These findings (1) should inform the design of cleats intended for use on natural and artificial surfaces and (2) suggest a mechanical explanation for a higher lower-limb injury rate in elite athletes playing on artificial surfaces.

Does Headgear Prevent Sport-Related Concussion? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Including 6311 Players and 173,383 Exposure Hours.

CONTEXT: A sport-related concussion (SRC) is a traumatic brain injury that is caused by biomechanical stresses and results in a complex pathophysiological process in the brain. Some in the sporting community believe that headgear (HG) can prevent SRC, and several professional Australian sports organizations, including rugby, football, and soccer clubs, recommend its use. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether HG is effective in lowering the prevalence of SRC in sports. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search for related studies published between 1985 and 2023 was conducted using the following databases: Cochrane Library, AMED, PubMed, Web of Science, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). STUDY SELECTION: Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effectiveness of HG in reducing SRC rate were included. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1a. DATA EXTRACTION: Two researchers independently completed the title and abstract search and performed full-text reviews. A third reviewer was consulted to reach a consensus if any discrepancies were noted. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included RCTs. Data recorded from each study included authors, year of publication, type and number of players, study design, duration of the study, injury rate, compliance (%), sports/level, and exposure hours. RESULTS: The pooled results of 6311 players and 173,383 exposure hours showed 0% SRC reduction per 1000 hours of exposure in the experimental group compared with the control group, with an injury risk ratio of 1.03 (95% CI, 0.82-1.30; P = 0.79). CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that HG does not prevent SRC among soccer and rugby players, and therefore the findings from this meta-analysis do not currently support the use of HG to prevent SRC in soccer or rugby.

A comparison of sub-concussive impact attenuating capabilities of ice hockey helmets with and without XRD foam.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the impact attenuating capabilities between ice hockey helmets manufactured with and without XRD impact protection foam, worn with and without a XRD skullcap, at reducing sub-concussive head accelerations. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental laboratory. METHODS: Ice hockey helmets were fit onto a Hybrid III 50th Head Form Head and dropped 25 times onto the left temporal side for each condition: XRD foam helmet, XRD foam helmet with XRD skullcap adjunct, non-XRD foam helmet, and non-XRD foam helmet with XRD skullcap adjunct. The helmets were dropped from a height that resulted in sub-concussive linear accelerations (25-80 g's). Using a tri-axial accelerometer, peak linear accelerations (g) were measured, and the average was used to compare impact attenuation properties across the four conditions. RESULTS: The highest linear accelerations were observed in the XRD foam helmet without skullcap (32.97 ±â€¯0.61 g) and were significantly greater (p < 0.001) than the XRD helmet with skullcap (21.38 ±â€¯0.76 g). The helmet without XRD foam elicited the lowest peak linear accelerations (16.10 ±â€¯0.73 g) which were significantly lower than the XRD foam helmet regardless of whether the skullcap was added (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although sub-concussive loads are potentially just as dangerous, much of the research regarding helmet and skullcap efficacy appears to be at high concussive impacts; <70 g's. The findings suggest that helmets with incorporated XRD foam, either within the design or added as an adjunct, are less effective at attenuating linear accelerations at sub-concussive levels than the low-density foam helmet.

Biodegradable Polylactic Acid and Its Composites: Characteristics, Processing, and Sustainable Applications in Sports.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polyester polymer that is produced from renewable resources, such as corn or other carbohydrate sources. However, its poor toughness limits its commercialization. PLA composites can meet the growing performance needs of various fields, but limited research has focused on their sustainable applications in sports. This paper reviews the latest research on PLA and its composites by describing the characteristics, production, degradation process, and the latest modification methods of PLA. Then, it discusses the inherent advantages of PLA composites and expounds on different biodegradable materials and their relationship with the properties of PLA composites. Finally, the importance and application prospects of PLA composites in the field of sports are emphasized. Although PLA composites mixed with natural biomass materials have not been mass produced, they are expected to be sustainable materials used in various industries because of their simple process, nontoxicity, biodegradability, and low cost.

EFFECT OF WRIST WRAP IN HANDGRIP STRENGTH IN CROSSFIT.

Objectives: Analyze wrist wrap influence on the values of maximum handgrip strength and dynamic resistance. Methods: A controlled randomized cross-over trial including 54 Crossfit participants randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 began the series of tests with control wrapping, and Group 2 started with functional wrapping. Alternate series of four dynamic grip strength resistance tests were performed, and the resistance and fatigue values were calculated. Results: The values obtained from the grip tests did not indicate any effect from the wrist wrap for an increase in maximum grip strength (35.7 vs. 35.6 kg; p=0.737) or greater endurance (78.2 vs. 77.8%; p=0.549). Fatigue was also equal in both groups (mean differences between the groups: 0.1 kg, CI= -0.7-0.8; p=0.779). Conclusion: The hypothesis that using a wrist wrap increases maximum strength and dynamic handgrip endurance was rejected in this study. Evidence Level I; Randomized control trial .

Objetivos: Analisar a influência do uso da munhequeira no valor máximo de força e na resistência dinâmica de preensão palmar. Métodos: Foi feito um ensaio controlado randomizado cruzado (cross-over) incluindo 54 praticantes de Crossfit. Os participantes foram alocados em dois grupos de forma aleatorizada. O grupo 1 iniciou a bateria de testes com enfaixamento placebo e o grupo 2 iniciou com enfaixamento funcional. Séries alternadas de quatro testes dinâmicos de resistência foram realizadas e os valores de resistência e fadiga foram calculados. Resultados: Os resultados apontaram para uma ausência de efeito do enfaixamento do punho tanto para um suposto aumento da força máxima de preensão (35,7 vs 35,6 kg; p=0,737) quanto para uma maior resistência (78,2 vs 77,8%; p=0,549). A fadiga também foi igual entre os dois grupos (média das diferenças entre os grupos: 0,1kg, CI: -0,7 ­ 0,8; p=0,779). Conclusão: A hipótese de que o uso da munhequeira aumenta o valor máximo de força e a resistência dinâmica de preensão palmar foram rejeitadas neste estudo. Nível de evidência I; Estudo clínico randomizado .

Research on the development and testing methods of physical education and agility training equipment in universities.

Introduction: Because of the problems of insufficient funds and traditional training methods in college sports agile training, an agile training system based on a wireless ad hoc network was developed to evaluate the effect of improving the sensitive quality of ordinary college students. Based on the ESP-MESH network, the lower computer realizes automatic networking between devices and tests the performance of the mesh network. Fourteen male college students received 9 weeks of agility training, with seven students in each of two groups: traditional agility training and agile equipment training. The researchers evaluated the performance of both groups in rapid disguise, body coordination, changing movements, and predictive decision-making. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups before training, but there were significant differences in the four abilities after training (p < 0.01). The experimental group had significant differences in rapid direction change and physical coordination (p < 0.05), and in changing movement and predictive decision-making ability (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Both traditional training and agile equipment training improve the agility quality of college students, and the latter shows better results in certain abilities. However, limited by other physical qualities, the improvement of motor changes and predictive decision-making ability is not as obvious as the other two abilities.

Heel riser height and slope gradient influence the physiology of ski mountaineering-A laboratory study.

In ski mountaineering it is the goal to reach the top of a mountain by sheer muscle force. The specific equipment (flexible boot, only toe fixated binding, and a skin on the ski to prevent from slipping backwards) enables the skier to move up the hill ergonomically, where the heel part of the binding offers a special adaptation possibility. The so-called riser height supports the heel standing height and can be adjusted to individually preferred settings. General recommendations suggest using lower heel support in flat ascents and higher heel support in steep ascents to maintain upright posture and lower the strain. Still, it remains unclear whether the application of riser height affects the physiological response during ski mountaineering. This study was designed to investigate the effects of riser height on physiological response during indoor ski mountaineering. Nineteen participants took part in the study and walked on a treadmill with ski mountaineering equipment. The three available riser heights (low, medium, and high) were applied randomized at 8%, 16%, and 24% gradient. Results show that global physiological measurements like heart rate (p = 0.34), oxygen uptake (p = 0.26) or blood lactate (p = 0.38) values were not affected by changes in riser height. But local measurements of muscle oxygen saturation were affected by the riser height. Additionally comfort and rating of perceived exertion were also prone to changes in riser height. These results suggest differences on local measurements and perceived parameters, while global physiological measurements did not change. The results are in line with the existing recommendations but need to be confirmed in an outdoor setting as well.

Impact of floor covering on wheelchair rugby players: analysis of rolling performance.

Introduction: Despite the increased interest in indoor wheelchair sports in many countries, research on the effect of floor coverings on sports performance is limited. Currently, there are no specific guidelines for covering characteristics for wheelchair sports, whether for competitive or recreational purposes. This study aimed to determine the impact of floor coverings on the biomechanical parameters of manual wheelchair propulsion for wheelchair rugby practice. Methods: Ten wheelchair rugby players performed 6 maximum-velocity sprints over 20 meters, with a 20-second recovery time between sprints, on 3 different coverings, using their personal sports wheelchairs. The coverings were: wood parquet, Gerflor TX System Endurance®, and a plastic synthetic covering (balatum). Performance and propulsion technique variables were collected using inertial measurement units (265 Hz, Kinvent, France). Additionally, rolling resistance quantification tests were conducted on each covering. Results: Rolling resistance was lowest on the wood parquet, with an average value of 3.98 ± 0.97 N. Best sprint performance was achieved on the wood parquet. The fatigue index on the parquet was significantly lower than on the balatum (p < 0.05). Discussion: Our results highlight that floor surface influences both performance and propulsion technique variables. Therefore, we recommend performing wheelchair rugby training on wood parquet to optimize performance. It is also important to consider the impact of different coverings on sprint performance when organizing player rotations to maintain a high level of competition during tournaments.

Application of conjugated materials in sports training.

In recent years, with the rapid development of the sports industry, the quality of sports training products on the market is uneven. Problems such as inaccurate detection of athletes' physical indicators, low comfort of sportswear, and reduced satisfaction with sports equipment often occur. To this end, this article proposes to apply conjugated materials with excellent optical, electrical, thermal and other properties to sports training and sports products, by summarizing the properties of conjugated materials and their applications in sports training, explores the potential of conjugated materials in improving athletes' training effects, monitoring sports status, and improving sports equipment. This article rates the application of conjugated materials in sports training products in terms of comfort, waterproofness, portability, lightness, aesthetics and breathability. The results showed that the average scores of the 20 sports participants on sportswear were 9.0475, 9.0075, 9.01, 9.025, 9.0325 and 9.04 respectively; the average scores on sports shoes were 9.035, 9.055, 9.02, 9.085, 9.0175 and 8.9975 respectively. Research shows that applying conjugated materials to sports training can improve athletes' performance and contribute to the better development of sports.

Research on the correlation between the processing technology of conjugated nanomaterials and the design of sports equipment.

The processing technology of conjugated nanomaterials and the design of sports equipment are often regarded as two independent fields, resulting in poor performance in sports equipment design. Analyze the characteristics, preparation methods, and potential applications of conjugated nanomaterials, and use the unique properties of conjugated nanomaterials to improve the performance of sports equipment. Graphene conducts electricity very well and is the hardest among nanomaterials. Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit good thermal conductivity. Therefore, this paper proposes to use CNT and graphene materials in Natural Rubber (NR) composites in sports equipment, and explores the relationship between the two. The experimental results showed that after 1,200 cycles, the CNT capacitances of M-120//GO, M-160//GO, and M-180//GO reached 43.3%, 87.3%, and 46.5% of the initial specific capacitance, respectively, indicating that the electrochemical storage performance of M-160//GO capacitor is good and the stability is high. The application in sports equipment can improve the battery capacity and enhance the practicability of the equipment.

Long-Term Effects of a Kinematic Bikefitting Method on Pain, Comfort, and Fatigue: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the long-term riders' subjective responses to a standardized bikefitting method on their bicycles. Eighty-six amateur mountain bikers had their riding posture and bicycle components ergonomically adjusted through a 3D kinematic bikefitting method. Validated subjective scales (Feeling, OMNI, and Numerical Rating Pain Scale) were used to assess their overall riding comfort and fatigue along with localized pain for six body parts. Data were collected just before intervention (baseline or pre), immediately after (or post), and 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after the bikefit session. A Student's t-test comparing before bikefit and after 120 days showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in localized pain for all six body parts and riding comfort along with a large effect size effect (d = 1.18) for riding comfort. Although initially reduced, fatigue scores gradually increased over the months, showing a high correlation (r = 0.946) with increased monthly training volume. In conclusion, overall riding discomfort and pain were significantly decreased after a standardized kinematic bikefit session even after 120 days post intervention. However, fatigue scores began to rise after 30 days, showing a high correlation with increasing monthly training volume.

Green and Low-Cost Natural Lignocellulosic Biomass-Based Carbon Fibers-Processing, Properties, and Applications in Sports Equipment: A Review.

At present, high-performance carbon fibers (CFs) are mainly produced from petroleum-based materials. However, the high costs and environmental problems of the production process prompted the development of new precursors from natural biopolymers. This review focuses on the latest research on the conversion of natural lignocellulosic biomass into precursor fibers and CFs. The influence of the properties, advantages, separation, and extraction of lignin and cellulose (the most abundant natural biopolymers), as well as the spinning process on the final CF performance are detailed. Recent strategies to further improve the quality of such CFs are discussed. The importance and application of CFs in sports equipment manufacturing are briefly summarized. While the large-scale production of CFs from natural lignocellulosic biomass and their applications in sports equipment have not yet been realized, CFs still provide a promising market prospect as green and low-cost materials. Further research is needed to ensure the market entry of lignocellulosic biomass-based CFs.