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From the author of the classic Farseer trilogy, Ship of Magic is is the first part of the Liveship Traders.
Set in a land bordering the Six Duchies, it tells of a group of sea traders, purveyors of rare goods which often border on the magical. Wizardwood, a sentient wood. The most precious commodity in the world. Like many other legendary wares, it comes only from the Rain River Wilds. But how can one trade with the Rain Wilders, when only a liveship, fashioned from wizardwood, can negotiate the perilous waters of the Rain River? Rare and valuable, a liveship will quicken only when three members, from successive generations, have died on board.
The liveship Vivacia is about to undergo her quickening, as Althea Vestrit's father is carried on deck in his death-throes. Althea waits fo the ship that she loves more than anything else iin the world to awaken. Only to discover that the Vivacia has been signed away in her father's will to her brutal brother-in-law, Kyle Haven...
Others plot to win, or steal, a liveship. The Paragon, known by many as the Pariah, went mad, turned turtle and drowned his crew. Now he lies, blind, lonely and broken on a deserted beach. But greedy men have designs to restore him, to sail the waters of the Rain Wild River once more.
About the Author
Robin Hobb lives and writes in Tacoma, Washington. Robin is best known as the author of the Farseer Trilogy (Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin and Assassin's Quest.) Other works include The Liveship Traders Trilogy, the Tawny Man Trilogy, and the Soldier Son trilogy. The Rain Wilds Chronicles is now complete, published as Dragon Keeper and Dragon Haven. A story collection, The Inheritance, showcases my work as both Robin Hobb and Megan Lindholm. In April of 2012, City of Dragons was published as the 3rd volume in the Rain Wilds Chronicles. That tale will conclude in April 2013 with the publication of the final volume, Blood of Dragons. Robin Hobb also writes as Megan Lindholm.
A short story, Words Like Coin, is available as an illustrated e-book from Subterranean Books. Soon, a Six Duchies novella, The Wilful Princess and the Piebald Prince, will also be published by Subterranean.
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Comments about Ship of Magic:
I started reading the series because I was given them as a gift and since then I haven't been able to stop. Robin Hobb is able to capture you in the book and you feel like you are there watching the book unfold before your eyes. I can read this book for hours on end and it only gets better.
'Hobb is one of the great modern fantasy writers' The Times 'Even better than the Assassin books. I didn't think that was possible' George R R Martin 'Hobb is a remarkable storyteller' Guardian
Series: Liveship Traders
Audience: General
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 896
Published: 3rd July 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Country of Publication: GB
Dimensions (cm): 19.8 x 13.0 x 4.9
Weight (kg): 0.62


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Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley reported that Travis A. Buchanan, 31, of Beaver Creek Rd., Brookfield, was charged with multiple Vehicle and Traffic charges after he crashed his four wheel ATV in an apparent attempt to flee a Deputy's patrol car.
At about 2:16 a.m., Jan. 22, a Deputy Sheriff on patrol observed Buchanan on Skaneateles Turnpike in the town of Brookfield operating a four wheel ATV on the highway. The deputy activated the emergency roof lights in an attempt to stop the ATV when Buchanan allegedly accelerated in what appeared to be an attempt to flee a Deputy after the ATV entered Church Street.
Within seconds after entering Church Street, the ATV operated by Buchanan rounded a curve, left the highway and flipped over, ejecting Buchanan.
Buchanan complained of should pain and was transported to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Utica for treatment.
Buchanan was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, both misdemeanors. In addition, he was issued summons for Operating an unregistered and uninsured ATV, Speed not reasonable nor prudent, unlawful operation on a public highway and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.
Buchanan is to answer to the charges in the town of Brookfield Court at a later date.
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The iron law of the supermarket always says things cost less when sold in bulk; it's why a six-pack of Dr. Pepper costs more per ounce than a two-liter. What's less well known is how that same law applies to some cars, like the upcoming 2015 Audi Q3, which will arrive this fall as a slightly smaller but more expensive take on the Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV.
On sale in Europe since 2011, the Q3 was part of the wave of luxury small SUVs that has now grown to include the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, BMW X1 and the upcoming Lincoln MKC. (The product planners have designs for even smaller SUVs, with Audi already confirming a wee Q1 will roll into Europe in 2016.) Each has tried to take what's essentially a compact car body and make it seem like a mini luxury car, from interior appointments to relatively powerful engines tied to all-wheel-drive systems powering larger, shinier wheels.
In this, the Q3 goes along with the crowd, touting up to 19-inch wheels, 12-way power seats, a Bose 465-watt sound system, and many other features of numerical significance. But at least in its early version, the Q3's strongest competitor will not be any luxury make, but the Tiguan, which shares not just a chassis but a 2-liter, 200-hp engine — and which offers more passenger and cargo room than the Q3 coupe-like body, for less money.
Audi dealers will likely have the patter about the Q3 using a wholly different suspension setup and more luxury touches by the time it hits the showroom floor. But it will take a little more space between its VW counterpart — or perhaps one of the more powerful engines sold in European models — for the Q3 to really get up to speed on these shores.


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For all the spectacle-wearing, sack-dancing, award-winning fun Von Miller had as a rookie for the Broncos last season, he is working on something bigger.
More sacks. More defensive snaps and tackles. More fashion-forward eye-glass frames to add to his ever-growing collection. The completion of his new house in Denver, and, for this former Texas A&M poultry science major, the purchase of his first two-dozen chickens.
As Miller moves into year No. 2 in the NFL, he's hoping to prove he's more than just a pass-rush demon and sidekick to Elvis Dumervil.
"I'm trying to branch out, just go all over," Miller said.
Miller, the No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft, approached so much of his rookie experience with the wide-eye enthusiasm of a child.
Training camp? Cool! First NFL sack? Awesome! The Pro Bowl? This is the most amazing thing ever!
It was a refreshing take in the typical all-business, all-the-time No Fun League.
The pass rush came easily for Miller, who racked up six sacks in the team's first six games and finished with 12½, including one in the postseason. He became only the second Bronco voted to the Pro Bowl as a rookie, and he easily won the NFL's defensive rookie of the year award.
Yet it was obvious, to him and to observers, that there were plenty of times when Miller struggled, especially late in the season when he played with a bulky cast on his right hand after injuring ligaments in his thumb. As he learned how to be a true linebacker, and not just a hand-in-the-dirt pass rusher, Miller often was pulled off the field for extended stretches in favor of backup Mario Haggan. Haggan didn't have the pure physical talent of Miller, but he had a veteran's savvy and proved better at stopping the opposition's running game.
This year, there is no safety net. The Broncos did not re-sign Haggan in free agency, and he wound up in St. Louis. Miller's backup is Mike Mohamed, another 2011 draft pick who spent much of last season on the practice squad and played in only two games on special teams.
"I can't come off the field this year. I don't want to come off the field. I want to play every down," Miller said. "I want to always be on the field, always have an effect on the play, even if it's not coming my way."
Jack Del Rio remembers being blown away watching film of Miller when he was scouting 2011 draft prospects for Jacksonville. When Del Rio took over as the Broncos' defensive coordinator in late January and began breaking down game film from 2011, Miller was one of the two players (the other was Champ Bailey) who immediately drew his attention.
"There aren't many guys that come along that have that combination of quickness and strength and flexibility to finish like he does," Del Rio said. "For us, and for him, the desire is to build on that and continue to work and grow and really begin to tap some of that potential and become a dominant player."
That process began while Miller spent much of his winter in Miami, training with a group of NFL players that included Jason Pierre-Paul, the New York Giants defensive end who had 16½ sacks last season, his second in the NFL.
There, Pierre-Paul invited Miller to join him in the yoga studio.
Miller had done some yoga while in college at Texas A&M, but it became a primary piece of his offseason regimen. He returned to Denver feeling like "Gumby," he joked last week, his already lanky limbs feeling that much looser. He's working now on rebuilding his cardiovascular endurance at altitude. He has resumed his habit of postpractice solo wind sprints and said he's hoping to hit his conditioning peak in early September, rather than in early August.
"I'm still in a developmental stage, but I'm trying to speed up the process," Miller said.
The obvious love for all things football, that overt joy that helped Miller so quickly endear himself to teammates and fans a year ago, remains. He's still the one dancing through a walk-through practice and wearing neon socks, even if his attire violates uniform rules.
Though Miller was, and continues to be, one of Tim Tebow's biggest advocates, he's enjoying everything about the new-look Broncos under Peyton Manning, so much so that he's begun lobbying coaches to let him take some snaps on offense.
"We've got a great quarterback over there, and I want to catch passes from him too. I got to be not only in great shape, but elite shape so I can go out there and play first down, off the ball, second down, off the ball, and then come down and pass rush. When we get down there to the goal line, put me in like (former Patriots linebacker) Mike Vrabel," Miller said. "I want to do it all."
Lindsay H. Jones: 303-954-1262, email@example.com or twitter.com/lindsay_h_jones
No time to rest
There was no "off" in Von Miller's offseason. A look at what the Broncos linebacker has been up to since his 2011 rookie season ended:
Training: Spent much of the offseason in Miami, working with a personal trainer and going to a yoga studio with New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. Miller added weight and wants to be at 250 pounds. He weighed 237 pounds as a rookie.
Fandom: At the Pro Bowl in January, Miller met two of his favorite current players — Carolina quarterback Cam Newton and Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware. "I'm their biggest fan," Miller said.
Fashion: Miller has spurned sponsorship offers to get lasik eye surgery and instead continues to build his collection of prescription glasses. He said he has enough to wear a different set of frames every day for a month. He also has relationships with five upstart fashion companies.
Home life: Miller's first home in Denver is under construction, and he studied what it would take to include a chicken coop on the property. He has plans to purchase about 25 chickens (mostly hens and a couple of roosters) in Texas. He hopes someday to own more than 20,000 chickens. "It's a $44 billion industry," Miller said.
Lindsay H. Jones, The Denver Post


text: Sports http://www.mdpi.com/journal/sports Latest open access articles published in Sports at http://www.mdpi.com/journal/sports http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/4/1/9 Single and continuous vertical jumping tests, as well as the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), are commonly used to assess the short-term muscle power of female volleyball players; however, the relationship among these tests has not been studied adequately. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of single and continuous vertical jumps with the WAnT in female volleyball players. Seventy adolescent (age 16.0 ± 1.0 years, body mass 62.5 ± 7.1 kg, height 170.4 ± 6.1 cm, body fat 24.2% ± 4.3%) and 108 adult female volleyball players (age 24.8 ± 5.2 years, body mass 66.5 ± 8.7 kg, height 173.2 ± 7.4 cm, body fat 22.0% ± 5.1%) performed the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), Abalakov jump (AJ), 30 s Bosco test and WAnT (peak power, Ppeak; mean power, Pmean). Mean power in the Bosco test was correlated (low to large magnitude) with Pmean of the WAnT (r = 0.27, p = 0.030 in adolescents versus r = 0.56, p < 0.001 in adults). SJ, CMJ and AJ also correlated with Ppeak (0.28 ≤ r ≤ 0.46 in adolescents versus 0.58 ≤ r ≤ 0.61 in adults) and with Pmean (0.43 ≤ r ≤ 0.51 versus 0.67 ≤ r ≤ 0.71, respectively) of the WAnT (p < 0.05). In summary, the impact of the Bosco test and WAnT on muscle power varied, especially in the younger age group. Single jumping tests had larger correlations with WAnT in adults than in adolescent volleyball players. These findings should be taken into account by volleyball coaches and fitness trainers during the assessment of short-term muscle power of their athletes. Sports 2016-02-05 4 1 Article 10.3390/sports4010009 9 2075-4663 2016-02-05 doi: 10.3390/sports4010009 Pantelis Nikolaidis Jose Afonso Vicente Clemente-Suarez Jose Alvarado Tarak Driss Beat Knechtle Gema Torres-Luque http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/4/1/8 Abnormal scapulothoracic mechanics and scapulohumeral rhythm are implicated in shoulder pathologies, including glenohumeral impingement and rotator cuff tears. Upward scapula rotation, specifically asymmetry of scapula motion and associations of patterns through range with injury, was investigated in dominant and non-dominant limbs of nationally ranked junior and Paralympic swimmers during competition season. The static and throughout phases measures of upward scapula rotation were: Phase I (start position, 45°), Phase II (45° to 90°), Phase III (90° to 135°) and Phase IV (135° to max). Injury was assessed with a validated questionnaire. Differences between side (dominant and non-dominant), group (junior and Paralympic), and phase were examined. Significant differences (P < 0.05) between groups were identified for dominant side at rest, 45° and 135°, and in phases II and IV (including range). Scapulohumeral rhythm was higher in the non-dominant limb of Paralympic swimmers but in the dominant limb of junior swimmers. Greatest differences in upward rotation between injured and non-injured swimmers were found in Phase 1: 43.6% (3.3°) Paralympic; 73.1% (8°) junior. Results suggest asymmetry of movement in both limbs, through all phases, and at single points in range, should be investigated for assessing injury and developing preventive strategies and rehabilitation protocols. Sports 2016-01-28 4 1 Article 10.3390/sports4010008 8 2075-4663 2016-01-28 doi: 10.3390/sports4010008 Jo Brown Rebecca Mellifont Brendan Burkett http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/4/1/7 Short-term resistance training has been shown to increase isokinetic muscle strength and performance after only two to nine days of training. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of three days of unilateral dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) training and detraining on the strength of the trained and untrained legs. Nineteen men were randomly assigned to a DCER training group or a non-training control group. Subjects visited the laboratory eight times, the first visit was a familiarization session, the second visit was a pre-training assessment, the subsequent three visits were for training sessions (if assigned to the training group), and the last three visits were post-training assessments 1, 2, and 3 (i.e., 48 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks after the final training session). Strength increased in both trained and untrained limbs from pre- to post-training assessment 1 for the training group and remained elevated at post-training assessments 2 and 3 (p ≤ 0.05). No changes were observed in the control (p > 0.05). Possible strength gains from short-term resistance training have important implications in clinical rehabilitation settings, sports injury prevention, as well as other allied health fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training. Sports 2016-01-27 4 1 Article 10.3390/sports4010007 7 2075-4663 2016-01-27 doi: 10.3390/sports4010007 Pablo Costa Trent Herda Ashley Herda Joel Cramer http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/4/1/6 Generally in sports, there is a strong assumption of a connection between skill level in young age and adulthood. Studies have mainly focused on the coaches' understanding and role in identifying and developing talent. In this article we turn our attention towards the athletes' perspectives, interviewing talented young football players (five boys and five girls) about their perceptions of their own talent and development. The objective of the article is to investigate how boys and girls perceive their talent and to discuss how various perceptions influence coaching practice in talent development. We introduce the following questions: (a) do the players use a static or dynamic perception of their own talent and (b) do the players consider specific or general skills to be most important in their skill development? Results show that the boys have a more static perception of talent compared to the girls. Furthermore, the boys in this study stress the importance of highly specified skills. The girls have a more balanced view on what is important, but tend to stress the importance of basic skills. The study suggests two potential implications. First, the coaches should be aware of the possible vulnerability following players' static perception of talent. Second, an exclusive focus on specified skills might make for less optimal preparation for the changing demands young players meet when moving through the different levels of play on their way to high level football. In future research it would be interesting to investigate how players with a lower skill level, not yet regarded as talent, perceive their talent and skill development. Sports 2016-01-27 4 1 Article 10.3390/sports4010006 6 2075-4663 2016-01-27 doi: 10.3390/sports4010006 Stig Sæther Ingar Mehus http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/4/1/5 Physical inactivity is a major public health concern since it increases individuals' risk of morbidity and mortality. A subgroup at particular risk is postmenopausal overweight women. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and effect of a 12-week ZumBeat dance intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness and psychosocial health. Postmenopausal women with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 or a waist circumference >94 cm who were not regularly physically active were asked to complete a 12-week ZumBeat dance intervention with instructed and home-based self-training sessions. Before and after the intervention, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) was assessed on a treadmill; and body composition and several psychometric parameters (including quality of life, sports-related barriers and menopausal symptoms) were investigated. Of 17 women (median age: 54 years; median BMI: 30 kg/m2) enrolled in the study, 14 completed the study. There was no apparent change in VO2peak after the 12-week intervention period (average change score: −0.5 mL/kg/min; 95% confidence interval: −1.0, 0.1); but, quality of life had increased, and sports-related barriers and menopausal symptoms had decreased. A 12-week ZumBeat dance intervention may not suffice to increase cardiorespiratory fitness in postmenopausal overweight women, but it increases women's quality of life. Sports 2016-01-25 4 1 Article 10.3390/sports4010005 5 2075-4663 2016-01-25 doi: 10.3390/sports4010005 Anja Rossmeissl Soraya Lenk Henner Hanssen Lars Donath Arno Schmidt-Trucksäss Juliane Schäfer http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/4/1/4 The editors of Sports would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...] Sports 2016-01-21 4 1 Editorial 10.3390/sports4010004 4 2075-4663 2016-01-21 doi: 10.3390/sports4010004 Sports Editorial Office http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/4/1/3 Physical literacy is the degree of fitness, behaviors, knowledge, and fundamental movement skills (agility, balance, and coordination) a child has to confidently participate in physical activity. Active video games (AVG), like the Nintendo Wii, have emerged as alternatives to traditional physical activity by providing a non-threatening environment to develop physical literacy. This study examined the impact of AVGs on children's (age 6–12, N = 15) physical literacy. For six weeks children played one of four pre-selected AVGs (minimum 20 min, twice per week). Pre and post measures of motivation, enjoyment, and physical literacy were completed. Results indicated a near significant improvement in aiming and catching (p = 0.06). Manual dexterity significantly improved in males (p = 0.001), and females felt significantly less pressured to engage in PA (p = 0.008). Overall, there appears to be some positive impact of an AVG intervention on components of physical literacy. Sports 2016-01-15 4 1 Article 10.3390/sports4010003 3 2075-4663 2016-01-15 doi: 10.3390/sports4010003 Amanda George Linda Rohr Jeannette Byrne http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/4/1/2 Insufficient data on adolescent athletes is contributing to the challenges facing youth athletic development and accurate talent identification. The purpose of this study was to model the progression of male sub-elite swimmers' performances during adolescence. The performances of 446 males (12–19 year olds) competing in seven individual events (50, 100, 200 m freestyle, 100 m backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, 200 m individual medley) over an eight-year period at an annual international schools swimming championship, run under FINA regulations were collected. Quadratic functions for each event were determined using mixed linear models. Thresholds of peak performance were achieved between the ages of 18.5 ± 0.1 (50 m freestyle and 200 m individual medley) and 19.8 ± 0.1 (100 m butterfly) years. The slowest rate of improvement was observed in the 200 m individual medley (20.7%) and the highest in the 100 m butterfly (26.2%). Butterfly does however appear to be one of the last strokes in which males specialise. The models may be useful as talent identification tools, as they predict the age at which an average sub-elite swimmer could potentially peak. The expected rate of improvement could serve as a tool in which to monitor and evaluate benchmarks. Sports 2016-01-14 4 1 Article 10.3390/sports4010002 2 2075-4663 2016-01-14 doi: 10.3390/sports4010002 Shilo Dormehl Samuel Robertson Craig Williams http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/4/1/1 This study investigated the trainability of decision-making and reactive agility via video-based visual training in young athletes. Thirty-four members of a national football academy (age: 14.4 ± 0.1 years) were randomly assigned to a training (VIS; n = 18) or a control group (CON; n = 16). In addition to the football training, the VIS completed a video-based visual training twice a week over a period of six weeks during the competition phase. Using the temporal occlusion technique, the players were instructed to react on one-on-one situations shown in 40 videos. The number of successful decisions and the response time were measured with a video-based test. In addition, the reactive-agility sprint test was used. VIS significantly improved the number of successful decisions (22.2 ± 3.6 s vs. 29.8 ± 4.5 s; p < 0.001), response time (0.41 ± 0.10 s vs. 0.31 ± 0.10 s; p = 0.006) and reactive agility (2.22 ± 0.33 s vs. 1.94 ± 0.11 s; p = 0.001) pre- vs. post-training. No significant differences were found for CON. The results have shown that video-based visual training improves the time to make decisions as well as reactive agility sprint-time, accompanied by an increase in successful decisions. It remains to be shown whether or not such training can improve simulated or actual game performance. Sports 2015-12-31 4 1 Article 10.3390/sports4010001 1 2075-4663 2015-12-31 doi: 10.3390/sports4010001 Alfred Nimmerichter Nikolaus Weber Klaus Wirth Andreas Haller http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/4/369 This study examined patterns of responses for physiological and perceptual variables during cycle ergometry at a constant rate of perceived exertion (RPE) within the moderate and heavy exercise intensity domains. Nineteen (mean age 21.3 ± 0.5 years; 43.4 ± 2.0 mL·kg−1·min−1 V ˙ O 2 Peak ) moderately trained cyclists performed an incremental test to exhaustion and two 60 min constant RPE rides at the RPE corresponding to the gas exchange threshold (RPEGET) and 15% above the GET (RPEGET+15%). Oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), minute ventilation ( V ˙ E ), breathing frequency ( ℱ b ), and power output (PO) were monitored throughout the rides. Polynomial regression analyses showed V ˙ O2, RER, HR, and V ˙ E (correlation = −0.85 to −0.98) tracked the decreases in PO required to maintain a constant RPE. Only ℱ b tracked RPE during the moderate and heavy intensity rides. Repeated measures ANOVAs indicated that V ˙ O2 during the 60 min rides at RPEGET was not different (p > 0.05) from V ˙ O2 at GET from the incremental test to exhaustion. Thus, monitoring intensity using an RPE associated with the GET is sustainable for up to 60 min of cycling exercise and a common mechanism may mediate ℱ b and the perception of effort during moderate and heavy intensity cycle ergometry. Sports 2015-12-14 3 4 Article 10.3390/sports3040369 369 382 2075-4663 2015-12-14 doi: 10.3390/sports3040369 Kristen Cochrane Terry Housh Ethan Hill Cory Smith Nathaniel Jenkins Joel Cramer Glen Johnson Richard Schmidt http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/4/358 Recent studies in adults have shown that the critical intensity during running and cycling estimated from three prediction trials interspersed by 30 min is valid and reliable. To establish the reliability of the single-visit field test to determine critical speed (CS) and the distance above critical speed (D′) in adolescents, 29 trained and 14 untrained participants (mean ± SD age: 17.5 ± 0.5 years) performed three tests on a 400-m outdoor track separated by 48 h. Each test consisted of three distances selected to result in finishing times between 2 and 15 min that must be completed as fast as possible. CS and D′ were modeled using the linear 1/time model (Speed = D′(1/t) + CS). While the coefficient of variation (CV) of CS was between 2.4% and 4.3%, the CV of D′ was 9.3% to 13.6%. Also the intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.919 to 0.983 for CS and from 0.325 to 0.828 for D′. The results show that the single-visit field test provides reliable estimates of CS but not D′ in trained and untrained adolescents. Sports 2015-12-08 3 4 Article 10.3390/sports3040358 358 368 2075-4663 2015-12-08 doi: 10.3390/sports3040358 Alfred Nimmerichter Mathias Steindl Craig Williams http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/4/346 Puberty is characterized by a large number of physiological modifications that translate into increased neuromuscular fatigue during high-intensity exercise in adolescents compared to prepubertal children. This greater neuromuscular fatigue in adolescents could be attributed to peripheral (i.e., muscular) and central (i.e., nervous) factors that change through puberty. Among the peripheral changes are muscle mass, fiber type composition, energy metabolism and musculo-tendinous stiffness. Among the central modifications are the voluntary activation level, the antagonist co-activation and a differential interplay between central and peripheral fatigue. The objective of this review article will be to underline the importance of these factors on the development of neuromuscular fatigue during high-intensity exercise throughout puberty and to highlight that the adolescents could be physiologically less protected against fatiguing high-intensity exercise than their prepubertal counterparts. Sports 2015-12-04 3 4 Review 10.3390/sports3040346 346 357 2075-4663 2015-12-04 doi: 10.3390/sports3040346 Sébastien Ratel Vincent Martin http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/4/335 Aim: An effective catch in sculling is a critical determinant of boat velocity. This study used rowers' performance-based judgments to compare three measures of catch slip efficiency. Two questions were addressed: (1) would rower-judged Yes strokes be faster than No strokes? and (2) which method of quantifying catch slip best reflected these judgements? Methods: Eight single scullers performed two 10-min blocks of sub maximal on-water rowing at 20 strokes per minute. Every 30 s, rowers reported either Yes or No about the quality of their stroke at the catch. Results: It was found that Yes strokes identified by rowers had, on average, a moderate effect advantage over No strokes with a standardised effect size of 0.43. In addition, a quicker time to positive acceleration best reflected the change in performance; where the standardised mean difference score of 0.57 for time to positive acceleration was larger than the scores of 0.47 for time to PowerLine force, and 0.35 for time to 30% peak pin force catch slip measures. For all eight rowers, Yes strokes corresponded to time to positive acceleration occurring earlier than No strokes. Conclusion: Rower judgements about successful strokes was linked to achieving a quicker time to positive acceleration, and may be of the most value in achieving a higher average boat velocity. Sports 2015-11-10 3 4 Project Report 10.3390/sports3040335 335 345 2075-4663 2015-11-10 doi: 10.3390/sports3040335 Sarah-Kate Millar Anthony Oldham Patria Hume Ian Renshaw http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/4/325 Athletes have preferences for the way in which they internalize and process information, whether that is visual, aural, by-doing (kinesthetic), reading or a mixture of preferences. Health professionals that interact with athletes rarely consider the individual learning style prior to any communication or education, despite mounting evidence for the benefits of learning-style tailored education. The aim of this study was to characterize athletes with regards to their preferred learning style. Athletes (n = 93) from 24 sports and various sport achievement levels completed a questionnaire, including the visual (V), auditory (A), reading/writing (R), kinesthetic (K)/(VARK) Questionnaire for Athletes. Questionnaire outcomes were analysed by X2 analysis on SPSS. The main findings were: (1) very few athletes have a visual learning-style preference; (2) there was a significant relationship between gender and VARK preference (X2 = 13.84, p = 0.003); (3) and between athletic status and VARK preference (X2 = 9.2, p = 0.025); (4) there was a trivial association between individual/ team sport athletes and assessed VARK preference (X2 = 3.95, p = 0.265). Our findings show significant variation in learning-style preference between males and females, and those of different athletic status. Health professionals should be aware of the inadequacy of visual information presentation when working with athletes. Furthermore, health professionals working with elite and female athletes should be comfortable using a mixture of learning styles (multi-modal). Sports 2015-11-09 3 4 Article 10.3390/sports3040325 325 334 2075-4663 2015-11-09 doi: 10.3390/sports3040325 Andrea Braakhuis Tea Williams Elizabeth Fusco Shawn Hueglin Alex Popple http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/4/312 Exercise performance is partially limited by the functionality of the respiratory musculature. Training these muscles improves steady-state exercise performance. However, less is known about the efficacy of executing a respiratory muscle warm-up (RWU) immediately prior to high-intensity exercise. Our study purpose was to use a practitioner-friendly airflow restriction device to investigate the effects of a high, medium, or low intensity RWU on short, high-intensity exercise and pulmonary, cardiovascular, and metabolic function. Eleven recreationally active, males (24.9 ± 4.2 y, 178.8 ± 9.0 cm, 78.5 ± 10.4 kg, 13.4% ± 4.2% body fat) cycled at 85% peak power to exhaustion (TTE) following four different RWU conditions (separate days, in random order): (1) high; (2) medium; (3) low airflow inspiration restriction, or no RWU. When analyzed as a group, TTE did not improve following any RWU (4.73 ± 0.33 min). However, 10 of the 11 participants improved ≥25 s in one of the three RWU conditions (average = 47.6 ± 13.2 s), which was significantly better than (p < 0.05) the control trial (CON). Neither blood lactate nor perceived difficulty was altered by condition. In general, respiratory exchange ratios were significantly lower during the early stages of TTE in all RWU conditions. Our findings suggest RWU efficacy is predicated on identifying optimal inspiration intensity, which clearly differs between individuals. Sports 2015-11-05 3 4 Article 10.3390/sports3040312 312 324 2075-4663 2015-11-05 doi: 10.3390/sports3040312 Taylor Thurston Jared Coburn Lee Brown Albert Bartolini Tori Beaudette Patrick Karg Kathryn McLeland Jose Arevalo Daniel Judelson Andrew Galpin http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/4/302 American adults and an increasing number of children, are not meeting the recommended amounts of daily physical activity. Research has documented the effects of low activity on health and increasingly new research has shown that low activity levels now impact academic achievement. Physical education (PE) can play an important role if the children participating are obtaining enough physical activity while in class and the PE program has not been targeted with cutbacks. The purpose of this study was to identify the amount and intensity of activity in PE classes. The results indicate that on average students at all levels are not meeting the activity requirements. In addition, PE teachers' perceptions of physical activity in their own class does not match actual activity levels. PE teachers must do a better job of increasing activity levels in their classrooms. Mounting research indicates students perform better academically if they are physically active. PE is the only subject where teachers can organize activities that meet both activity and intensity requirements. Sports 2015-10-29 3 4 Article 10.3390/sports3040302 302 311 2075-4663 2015-10-29 doi: 10.3390/sports3040302 Dean Culpepper Lorraine Killion http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/4/281 There is growing evidence to support change in the rehabilitation strategy of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) from traditional quadriceps strengthening exercises to inclusion of hip musculature strengthening in individuals with PFPS. Several studies have evaluated effects of quadriceps and hip musculature strengthening on PFPS with varying outcomes on pain and function. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesize outcomes of pain and function post-intervention and at follow-up to determine whether outcomes vary depending on the exercise strategy in both the short and long term. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, Pedro database, Proquest, Science direct, and EBscoHost databases were searched for randomized control trials published between 1st of January 2005 and 31st of June 2015, comparing the outcomes of pain and function following quadriceps strengthening and hip musculature strengthening exercises in patients with PFPS. Two independent reviewers assessed each paper for inclusion and quality. Means and SDs were extracted from each included study to allow effect size calculations and comparison of results. Six randomized control trials met the inclusion criteria. Limited to moderate evidence indicates that hip abductor strengthening was associated with significantly lower pain post-intervention (SMD −0.88, −1.28 to −0.47 95% CI), and at 12 months (SMD −3.10, −3.71 to −2.50 95% CI) with large effect sizes (greater than 0.80) compared to quadriceps strengthening. Our findings suggest that incorporating hip musculature strengthening in management of PFPS tailored to individual ability will improve short-term and long-term outcomes of rehabilitation. Further research evaluating the effects of quadriceps and hip abductors strengthening focusing on reduction in anterior knee pain and improvement in function in management of PFPS is needed. Sports 2015-10-23 3 4 Article 10.3390/sports3040281 281 301 2075-4663 2015-10-23 doi: 10.3390/sports3040281 Adebisi Bisi-Balogun Firdevs Torlak http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/4/269 This study compared electromyographic (EMG) amplitude, the number of repetitions completed, and exercise volume during three sets to failure of high- (80% 1RM) versus low-load (30% 1RM) forearm flexion resistance exercise on a subject-by-subject basis. Fifteen men were familiarized, completed forearm flexion 1RM testing. Forty-eight to 72 h later, the subjects completed three sets to failure of dumbbell forearm flexion resistance exercise with 80% (n = 8) or 30% (n = 7) 1RM. EMG amplitude was calculated for every repetition, and the number of repetitions performed and exercise volume were recorded. During sets 1, 2, and 3, one of eight subjects in the 80% 1RM group demonstrated a significant linear relationship for EMG amplitude versus repetition. For the 30% 1RM group, seven, five, and four of seven subjects demonstrated significant linear relationships during sets 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The mean EMG amplitude responses show that the fatigue-induced increases in EMG amplitude for the 30% 1RM group and no change in EMG amplitude for the 80% 1RM group resulted in similar levels of muscle activation in both groups. The numbers of repetitions completed were comparatively greater, while exercise volumes were similar in the 30% versus 80% 1RM group. Our results, in conjunction with those of previous studies in the leg extensors, suggest that there may be muscle specific differences in the responses to high- versus low-load exercise. Sports 2015-09-25 3 4 Article 10.3390/sports3040269 269 280 2075-4663 2015-09-25 doi: 10.3390/sports3040269 Nathaniel Jenkins Terry Housh Samuel Buckner Haley Bergstrom Kristen Cochrane Cory Smith Ethan Hill Richard Schmidt Joel Cramer http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/3/258 The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different rest intervals following whole-body vibration on counter-movement vertical jump performance. Sixteen females, eight recreationally trained and eight varsity athletes volunteered to participate in four testing visits separated by 24 h. Visit one acted as a familiarization visit where subjects were introduced to the counter-movement vertical jump and whole-body vibration protocols. Visits 2–4 contained 2 randomized conditions. Whole-body vibration was administered in four bouts of 30 s with 30 s rest between bouts. During whole-body vibration subjects performed a quarter squat every 5 s, simulating a counter-movement vertical jump. Whole-body vibration was followed by three counter-movement vertical jumps with five different rest intervals between the vibration exposure and jumping. For a control condition, subjects performed squats with no whole-body vibration. There was a significant (p < 0.05) main effect for time for vertical jump height, peak power output, and relative ground reaction forces, where a majority of individuals max jump from all whole-body vibration conditions was greater than the control condition. There were significant (p < 0.05) group differences, showing that varsity athletes had a greater vertical jump height and peak power output compared to recreationally trained females. There were no significant (p > 0.05) group differences for relative ground reaction forces. Practitioners and/or strength and conditioning coaches may utilize whole-body vibration to enhance acute counter-movement vertical jump performance after identifying individuals optimal rest time in order to maximize the potentiating effects. Sports 2015-09-18 3 3 Article 10.3390/sports3030258 258 268 2075-4663 2015-09-18 doi: 10.3390/sports3030258 Nicole Dabbs Jon Lundahl John Garner http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/3/246 The purpose of this study was to compare the throwing kinematics and kinetics of youth catchers and pitchers. It was hypothesized that catchers and pitchers would exhibit differences throughout the throwing motion. Descriptive statistics were used to investigate kinematics during the four events of throwing: foot contact (FC), maximum shoulder external rotation (MER), ball release (BR) and maximum shoulder internal rotation (MIR). Additionally, kinetics were investigated within phases of the events: Phase 1 (cocking; FC to MER), Phase 2 (acceleration; MER to BR) and Phase 3 (deceleration; BR to MIR). Results revealed significant difference in torso flexion, lateral flexion, pelvis lateral flexion and segment velocities between the catchers and pitchers. Based on data from the current study, it appears that the youth catchers execute their throw as they have been instructed. It is unclear if the throwing mechanics displayed by these youth are efficient for a catcher, thus further investigation is needed to determine long-term injury susceptibility. Sports 2015-09-01 3 3 Article 10.3390/sports3030246 246 257 2075-4663 2015-09-01 doi: 10.3390/sports3030246 Gretchen Oliver Keith Lohse Sarah Gascon http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/3/236 Although side-to-side asymmetry of the shoulder rotators calculated by independent peak torque (IPT) has been used for interpretation of injury risks in athletes, it may not measure strength through the entire range of motion (ROM) tested. The aim of this study was to compare side-to-side asymmetry of the shoulder rotators between independent peak torque (IPT) and ten-degree angle specific torque (AST). Twenty healthy adult males (24.65 ± 2.4 years) performed concentric and eccentric internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) of the preferred and non-preferred arms on an isokinetic dynamometer at 60°/s through 150° of total ROM. The total ROM was divided into 14 ten-degree angles of the physiological ROM from −90° of ER to 60° of IR. Concentric and eccentric IR IPT (10.5% ± 8.7% and 12.1% ± 7.2%) and ER IPT (13.6% ± 9.8% and 8.7% ± 5.6%) were significantly less than AST at several angles (p < 0.05). IPT might lead to erroneous interpretations of side-to-side asymmetry in the shoulder rotators and does not represent the entire ROM tested. This information could be used to prescribe strength exercises to enhance overhead performance and reduce risk of shoulder injuries. Sports 2015-08-31 3 3 Article 10.3390/sports3030236 236 245 2075-4663 2015-08-31 doi: 10.3390/sports3030236 Cassio Ruas Ronei Pinto Eduardo Cadore Lee Brown http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/3/219 Extensive challenges are often encountered when recruiting participants to chronic exercise (training) studies. High participant burden during chronic exercise training programmes can result in low uptake to and/or poor compliance with the study. The aim of this qualitative study was to identify factors affecting adolescent girls' recruitment and adherence to chronic exercise training research studies. Twenty-six adolescent girls (aged 12 to 15 years) participated in one of five focus groups discussing recruitment and retention to exercise physiology research involving a chronic exercise training programme. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and eight final themes were inductively identified. Seven evidence-based practical recommendations are suggested to improve the recruitment and retention of participants for prospective, chronic exercise training studies. Successful recruitment requires: (i) the defining of exercise-related terms; (ii) appropriate choice of recruitment material; and (iii) an understanding of participant motivations. Retention strategies include: (iv) regular monitoring of participant motives; and (v) small groups which foster peer and researcher support. Finally, (vi) friendship and ability groups were favoured in addition to (vii) a variety of activities to promote adherence to an exercise training programme. Sports 2015-08-26 3 3 Article 10.3390/sports3030219 219 235 2075-4663 2015-08-26 doi: 10.3390/sports3030219 Rachel Massie Brett Smith Keith Tolfrey http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/3/209 Taper, or reduced-volume training, improves competition performance across a broad spectrum of exercise modes and populations. This article aims to highlight the physiological mechanisms, namely in skeletal muscle, by which taper improves performance and provide a practical literature-based rationale for implementing taper in varied athletic disciplines. Special attention will be paid to strength- and power-oriented athletes as taper is under-studied and often overlooked in these populations. Tapering can best be summarized by the adage "less is more" because maintained intensity and reduced volume prior to competition yields significant performance benefits. Sports 2015-08-21 3 3 Review 10.3390/sports3030209 209 218 2075-4663 2015-08-21 doi: 10.3390/sports3030209 Kevin Murach James Bagley http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/3/202 This study compared the physiological, perceptual and mechanical responses to kettlebell swings at different loads and swing speeds. Following familiarization 16 strength trained participants (10 males, six females, mean age ± SD = 23 ± 2.9) performed four trials: 2 min kettlebell swings with an 8 kg kettlebell at a fast cadence; 2 min kettlebell swings with an 8 kg kettlebell at a slow cadence; 4 min kettlebell swings with a 4 kg kettlebell at a fast cadence; 4 min kettlebell swings with a 4 kg kettlebell at a slow cadence. Repeated measured analysis of variance indicated no significant differences in peak blood lactate or peak net vertical force across loads and cadences (P > 0.05). Significant main effect for time for heart rate indicated that heart rate was higher at the end of each bout than at mid-point (P = 0.001). A significant Load X cadence interaction for rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (P = 0.030) revealed that RPE values were significantly higher in the 8 kg slow cadence condition compared to the 4 kg slow (P = 0.002) and 4 kg fast (P = 0.016) conditions. In summary, this study indicates that the physiological and mechanical responses to kettlebell swings at 4 kg and 8 kg loads and at fast and slow cadence were similar, whereas the perceptual response is greater when swinging an 8 kg kettlebell at slow cadence. Sports 2015-08-07 3 3 Communication 10.3390/sports3030202 202 208 2075-4663 2015-08-07 doi: 10.3390/sports3030202 Michael Duncan Rosanna Gibbard Leanne Raymond Peter Mundy http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/3/188 The current study examined the effects of a six-week lumbopelvic-hip complex (LPHC) strengthening program on muscle activation when performing the shoulder dump exercise. The shoulder dump is a total body exercise that includes overhead arm movements. A pre-post test with a control group was implemented. Twenty-seven graduate students (23.5 ± 1.34 yr; 174.4 ± 11.0 cm; 76.6 ± 16.9 kg) participated. Participants were randomly assigned to a control or intervention group where the intervention group performed LPHC exercises. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant increase in muscle activation of the serratus anterior from pre- and post-LPHC intervention, (t = 6.5, p < 0.001). As presented by these data, incorporation of LPHC exercises may assist in facilitating greater activation in some of the scapula-stabilizing musculature that has traditionally been rehabilitated in prone or side-lying positions. It is, therefore, suggested that LPHC exercises be incorporated in a regular shoulder rehabilitation program. Sports 2015-08-06 3 3 Article 10.3390/sports3030188 188 201 2075-4663 2015-08-06 doi: 10.3390/sports3030188 Gretchen Oliver Audrey Stone Wendi Weimar Lawrence Lemak Jessica Washington Christopher Dougherty http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/3/178 Studies have shown that advanced rock climbers have greater upper body strength than that of novice climbers or non-climbers. The purpose of this study was to compare upper body strength between rock climbing and resistance trained men. Fifteen resistance trained men (age 25.28 ± 2.26 yrs; height 177.45 ± 4.08 cm; mass 85.17 ± 10.23 kg; body fat 10.13 ± 5.40%) and 15 rock climbing men (age 23.25 ± 2.23 yrs; height 175.57 ± 8.03 cm; mass 66.66 ± 9.40 kg; body fat 6.86 ± 3.82%) volunteered to participate. Rock climbing (RC) men had been climbing for at least two years, 2–3 times a week, able to climb at least a boulder rating of V4–5 and had no current injuries. Resistance trained (RT) men had been total body strength training for at least two years, 2–3 times a week with no current injuries. Each participant performed pull-ups to failure, grip strength, and pinch strength. RT were significantly older and heavier than RC. RC performed significantly more pull-ups (19.31 ± 4.31) than RT (15.64 ± 4.82). RC had greater relative pinch strength (R 0.27 ± 0.10 kg/kg; L 0.24 ± 0.07 kg/kg) than RT (R 0.19 ± 0.04 kg/kg; L 0.16 ± 0.05 kg/kg) and greater relative grip strength (R 0.70 ± 0.10 kg/kg; L 0.65 ± 0.12 kg/kg) than RT (R 0.57 ± 0.14 kg/kg; L 0.56 ± 0.15 kg/kg). Overall, RC men demonstrated greater performance in tests involving relative strength when compared to RT men. Rock climbing can promote increased upper body strength even in the absence of traditional resistance training. Sports 2015-07-30 3 3 Article 10.3390/sports3030178 178 187 2075-4663 2015-07-30 doi: 10.3390/sports3030178 Kristina Macias Lee Brown Jared Coburn David Chen http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/3/159 Athletes with microtrauma or overuse injuries resulting from an accumulation of repeated small forces may differ from athletes with macrotrauma or acute injuries in their psychosocial responses because of the unique challenges presented by these insidious-onset and often chronic injuries. Our purpose was to use narrative inquiry to examine the psychosocial experiences and responses of 10 long-distance runners who had experienced microtrauma injuries. Qualitative data analysis of interview data led to a chronological timeline of the injury experience and an assessment of the meaning attributed to these injury experiences using a variation of Mishler's core-narrative approach. Participants reported distinct thoughts, feelings, and behaviors during each phase of the injury—pre-injury, injury onset, and outcome. In the pre-injury period, participants indicated specific running-related goals and attributed their injuries to overtraining or a change in training. During the injury onset phase, participants consistently indicated two themes: self-diagnosis and treatment, and not taking time off. Within the outcome phase of injury, participants acknowledged changed training because of the injury, and lessons learned from their injury experiences. The narratives of microtrauma-injured runners revealed psychosocial distress and behavioral tendencies post-injury that have important implications for runners, coaches, and healthcare professionals. Sports 2015-07-30 3 3 Article 10.3390/sports3030159 159 177 2075-4663 2015-07-30 doi: 10.3390/sports3030159 Hayley Russell Diane Wiese-Bjornstal http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/3/145 Gastrointestinal cancers account for 37% of all cancer deaths worldwide, underlining the need to further investigate modifiable factors for gastrointestinal cancer risk and prognosis. This review summarizes the corresponding evidence for physical activity (PA), including, briefly, possible biological mechanisms. Despite high public health relevance, there is still a scarcity of studies, especially for tertiary prevention. Besides the convincing evidence of beneficial effects of PA on colon cancer risk, clear risk reduction for gastroesophageal cancer was identified, as well as weak indications for pancreatic cancer. Inverse associations were observed for liver cancer, yet based on few studies. Only for rectal cancer, PA appeared to be not associated with cancer risk. With regard to cancer-specific mortality of the general population, published data were rare but indicated suggestive evidence of protective effects for colon and liver cancer, and to a lesser extent for rectal and gastroesophageal cancer. Studies in cancer patients on cancer-specific and total mortality were published for colorectal cancer only, providing good evidence of inverse associations with post-diagnosis PA. Overall, evidence of associations of PA with gastrointestinal cancer risk and progression is promising but still limited. However, the already available knowledge further underlines the importance of PA to combat cancer. Sports 2015-07-21 3 3 Review 10.3390/sports3030145 145 158 2075-4663 2015-07-21 doi: 10.3390/sports3030145 Karen Steindorf Dorothea Clauss Joachim Wiskemann Martina Schmidt http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/3/136 The aim of the present study was to examine and measure high intensity, intermittent upper body performance, in addition to identifying areas of the body that affect the variance in total work done during the 5 × 6 s sprint test. Fifteen males completed an upper body 5 × 6 s sprint test on a modified electro-magnetically braked cycle ergometer, which consisted of five maximal effort sprints, each 6 s in duration, separated by 24 s of passive recovery. A fly wheel braking force corresponding to 5% of the participants' body weight was used as the implemented resistance level. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Percent (%) decrement was calculated as 100 − (Total work/ideal work) × 100. Significant (P < 0.05) differences were found between sprints for both absolute and relative (W, W·kg−1, W·kg−1 Lean body mass (LBM) and W·kg−1 Upper body lean body mass (UBLBM)) peak (PP) and mean (MP) power. The % decrement in total work done over the five sprints was 11.4%. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that UBLBM accounts for 87% of the variance in total work done during the upper body 5 × 6 s sprint test. These results provide a descriptive analysis of upper body, high intensity intermittent exercise, demonstrating that PP and MP output decreased significantly during the upper body 5 × 6 s sprint test. Sports 2015-06-30 3 3 Article 10.3390/sports3030136 136 144 2075-4663 2015-06-30 doi: 10.3390/sports3030136 Leonie Harvey Matthew Bousson Chris McLellan Dale Lovell http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/2/116 Sleep is crucial to the physiological and psychological development of youth. The implications of insufficient sleep on learning and school performance are well documented. However, adequate sleep often goes unmet due to a combination of biological, societal, and environmental factors, especially during adolescence. In the present review, the changes to adolescent sleep patterns, and its consequences on cognition and learning are briefly explored. We then review the empirical literature of the role of exercise in regulating adolescent sleep patterns, and its potential mechanisms. Sports 2015-06-23 3 2 Review 10.3390/sports3020116 116 135 2075-4663 2015-06-23 doi: 10.3390/sports3020116 Haresh Suppiah Michael Chia http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/2/103 This paper analyses the performances of lower-limb amputees in the 100, 200 and 400 m running events from the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Games. In this paper, four hypotheses are pursued. In the first, it investigates whether the running performance of lower-limb amputees over three consecutive Paralympic Games has changed. In the second, it asks whether a bi-lateral amputee has a competitive advantage over a uni-lateral amputee. In the third, the effect of blade classification has been considered and we attempt to see whether amputees in various classifications have different level of performance. Finally, it is considered whether the final round of competition obtains different levels of performance in comparison to the qualification heats. Based on the outcomes of these investigations, it is proposed that future amputee-based running events should be undertaken with separate and not combined events for the T42, T43 and T44 classifications at the Paralympic Games. Sports 2015-06-16 3 2 Article 10.3390/sports3020103 103 115 2075-4663 2015-06-16 doi: 10.3390/sports3020103 Hossein Hassani Mansi Ghodsi Mehran Shadi Siamak Noroozi Bryce Dyer http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/2/87 The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of forces applied to pedals and cranks on the strain imposed to an instrumented bicycle motocross (BMX) frame. Using results from a finite element analysis to determine the localisation of highest stress, eight strain gauges were located on the down tube, the seat tube and the right chain stay. Before the pedaling tests, static loads were applied to the frame during bench tests. Two pedaling conditions have been analysed. In the first, the rider was in static standing position on the pedals and applied maximal muscular isometric force to the right pedal. The second pedaling condition corresponds to three pedaling sprint tests at submaximal intensities at 150, 300 and 550 W on a cycle-trainer. The results showed that smaller strain was observed in the pedaling condition than in the rider static standing position condition. The highest strains were located in the seat tube and the right chain stay near the bottom bracket area. The maximum stress observed through all conditions was 41 MPa on the right chain stay. This stress was 11 times lower than the yield stress of the frame material (460 MPa). This protocol could help to adapt the frame design to the riders as a function of their force and mechanical power output. These results could also help design BMX frames for specific populations (females) and rider morphology. Sports 2015-06-16 3 2 Article 10.3390/sports3020087 87 102 2075-4663 2015-06-16 doi: 10.3390/sports3020087 Aneliya Manolova Samuel Crequy Philippe Lestriez Pierre Debraux William Bertucci http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/2/77 Aim: To describe lower extremity injuries for badminton in New Zealand. Methods: Lower limb badminton injuries that resulted in claims accepted by the national insurance company Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) in New Zealand between 2006 and 2011 were reviewed. Results: The estimated national injury incidence for badminton injuries in New Zealand from 2006 to 2011 was 0.66%. There were 1909 lower limb badminton injury claims which cost NZ$2,014,337 (NZ$ value over 2006 to 2011). The age-bands frequently injured were 10–19 (22%), 40–49 (22%), 30–39 (14%) and 50–59 (13%) years. Sixty five percent of lower limb injuries were knee ligament sprains/tears. Males sustained more cruciate ligament sprains than females (75 vs. 39). Movements involving turning, changing direction, shifting weight, pivoting or twisting were responsible for 34% of lower extremity injuries. Conclusion: The knee was most frequently injured which could be due to multi-planar loading. Turning or cutting movements typically involve motion in the frontal and transverse planes that may place the knee at greater risk of injury than movement in the sagittal plane alone. Further research on badminton specific movements is warranted to better understand the mechanisms of lower extremity injuries in the sport. Sports medicine and support personnel should take into account the susceptibility of the knee to injury when designing training and injury prevention programmes given the large number of change of direction movements during badminton. Sports 2015-06-12 3 2 Project Report 10.3390/sports3020077 77 86 2075-4663 2015-06-12 doi: 10.3390/sports3020077 Joanna Reeves Patria Hume Simon Gianotti Barry Wilson Erika Ikeda http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/2/56 While many anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prevention programs have been published, few have achieved significant reductions in injury rates and improvements in athletic performance indices; both of which may increase compliance and motivation of athletes to participate. A supervised neuromuscular retraining program (18 sessions) was developed, aimed at achieving both of these objectives. The changes in neuromuscular indices were measured after training in 1000 female athletes aged 13–18 years, and the noncontact ACL injury rate in 700 of these trained athletes was compared with that of 1120 control athletes. There were significant improvements in the drop-jump test, (p < 0.0001, effect size [ES] 0.97), the single-leg triple crossover hop (p < 0.0001, ES 0.47), the t-test (p < 0.0001, ES 0.64), the multi-stage fitness test (p < 0.0001, ES 0.57), hamstring strength (p < 0.0001), and quadriceps strength (p < 0.01). The trained athletes had a significant reduction in the noncontact ACL injury incidence rate compared with the controls (1 ACL injury in 36,724 athlete-exposures [0.03] and 13 ACL injuries in 61,244 exposures [0.21], respectively, p = 0.03). The neuromuscular retraining program was effective in reducing noncontact ACL injury rate and improving athletic performance indicators. Sports 2015-05-13 3 2 Article 10.3390/sports3020056 56 76 2075-4663 2015-05-13 doi: 10.3390/sports3020056 Frank Noyes Sue Barber-Westin http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/1/40 Winning one or two games during a Major League Baseball (MLB) season is often the difference between a team advancing to post-season play, or "waiting until next year". Technology advances have made it feasible to augment historical data with in-game contextual data to provide managers immediate insights regarding an opponent's next move, thereby providing a competitive edge. We developed statistical models of pitcher behavior using pitch sequences thrown during three recent MLB seasons (2011–2013). The purpose of these models was to predict the next pitch type, for each pitcher, based on data available at the immediate moment, in each at-bat. Independent models were developed for each player's most frequent four pitches. The overall predictability of next pitch type is 74:5%. Additional analyses on pitcher predictability within specific game situations are discussed. Finally, using linear regression analysis, we show that an index of pitch sequence predictability may be used to project player performance in terms of Earned Run Average (ERA) and Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) over a longer term. On a restricted range of the independent variable, reducing complexity in selection of pitches is correlated with higher values of both FIP and ERA for the players represented in the sample. Both models were significant at the α = 0.05 level (ERA: p = 0.022; FIP: p = 0.0114). With further development, such models may reduce risk faced by management in evaluation of potential trades, or to scouts assessing unproven emerging talent. Pitchers themselves might benefit from awareness of their individual statistical tendencies, and adapt their behavior on the mound accordingly. To our knowledge, the predictive model relating pitch-wise complexity and long-term performance appears to be novel. Sports 2015-03-02 3 1 Article 10.3390/sports3010040 40 55 2075-4663 2015-03-02 doi: 10.3390/sports3010040 Joel Bock http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/1/30 Sprinting with a lower-limb amputation over 100 m has taken place in the Paralympic Games for over three decades. The aim of this paper is to statistically evaluate the performances and participation levels of such athletes during this period. The level of performance improvement over a 36-year period was proposed to be significantly greater than the able-bodied equivalent. Coupled with this, a major spike in amputee running performance improvement was shown to occur from 1984–1988. This supports previously recorded accounts of a major technological change being made at this time. Finally, whilst the average performance of the medallists has increased consistently over the 36-year history, the overall participation in the event fell significantly after 1988 and did not recover until 2012. Sports 2015-02-16 3 1 Article 10.3390/sports3010030 30 39 2075-4663 2015-02-16 doi: 10.3390/sports3010030 Bryce Dyer http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/1/21 Rugby is a sport that is growing in popularity. A contact sport par excellence, it causes a significant number of injuries. In Rugby Union, there are 30 to 91 injuries per 1000 match hours. This epidemiological review of injuries incurred by rugby players mentions the position and type of injuries, the causes, time during the match and season in which they occur and the players' positions as well as the length of players' absences following the injury. Sports 2015-01-23 3 1 Review 10.3390/sports3010021 21 29 2075-4663 2015-01-23 doi: 10.3390/sports3010021 Jean-François Kaux Marc Julia François Delvaux Jean-Louis Croisier Bénédicte Forthomme Damien Monnot Marie Chupin Jean-Michel Crielaard Caroline Goff Patrick Durez Philippe Ernst Sébastien Guns Arnaud Laly http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/1/12 Ventilatory equivalents for oxygen and carbon dioxide are physiological measures of breathing efficiency, and are known to be affected by the intensity and mode of exercise. We examined the effect of level running (gradient 0%) and muscle-damaging downhill running (−12%), matched for oxygen uptake, on the ventilatory equivalents for oxygen () and carbon dioxide (). Nine men (27 ± 9 years, 179 ± 7 cm, 75 ± 12 kg, : 52.0 ± 7.7 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed two 40-min running bouts (5 × 8-min with 2-min inter-bout rest), one level and one downhill. Running intensity was matched at 60% of maximal metabolic equivalent. Maximal isometric force of m.quadriceps femoris was measured before and after the running bouts. Data was analyzed with 2-way ANOVA or paired samples t-tests. Running speed (downhill: 13.5 ± 3.2, level: 9.6 ± 2.2 km·h−1) and isometric force deficits (downhill: 17.2 ± 7.6%, level: 2.0 ± 6.9%) were higher for downhill running. Running bouts for level and downhill gradients had , heart rates and respiratory exchange ratio values that were not different indicating matched intensity and metabolic demands. During downhill running, the , (downhill: 29.7 ± 3.3, level: 27.2 ± 1.6) and (downhill: 33.3 ± 2.7, level: 30.4 ± 1.9) were 7.1% and 8.3% higher (p < 0.05) than level running. In conclusion, breathing efficiency appears lower during downhill running (i.e., muscle-damaging exercise) compared to level running at a similar moderate intensity. Sports 2015-01-23 3 1 Article 10.3390/sports3010012 12 20 2075-4663 2015-01-23 doi: 10.3390/sports3010012 Matthew Cook Stephen Myers John Kelly Mark Willems http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/3/1/1 This study examined the association between anthropometric variables, Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores and 100 m freestyle swimming performance in early adolescent swimmers. Fifty competitive, national level, youth swimmers (21 males, 29 females, mean age ± SD = 13.5 ± 1.5 years, age range 11–16 years) performed an "all-out" 100 m freestyle (front crawl) swim as fast as they could in a 50 m pool. A median divide for 100 m timed swim was also used to divide the sample into faster or slower groups. Height, body mass, skinfolds and limb lengths were also assessed. Maturation was calculated by proxy using anthropometric measures and participants also undertook the FMS as a measure of functional performance. Backwards linear regression indicated a significant model (p = 0.0001, Adjusted R2 = 0.638) explaining 63.8% of the variance in swim performance with total sum of skinfolds, upper leg length, lower leg length, hand length and total height significantly contributing to the model. Swimmers who were classed as fast had lower total sum of skinfolds (p = 0.005) and higher total FMS score (p = 0.005) compared to their slower peers. In summary, this study indicates that anthropometric variables significantly explained the variance in 100 m freestyle swimming performance in youth swimmers. Sports 2015-01-08 3 1 Communication 10.3390/sports3010001 1 11 2075-4663 2015-01-08 doi: 10.3390/sports3010001 Daisy Bond Laura Goodson Samuel Oxford Alan Nevill Michael Duncan http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/2/4/140 Strategies to early develop and implement motor skill promotion in preschoolers are lacking. Thus, we examined the effects of a card-based exercise promotion program in a kindergarten setting. 214 preschool children (5.5 ± 0.6 y, range 4.2–6.7 y) were examined in the present intervention study. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured. Children were randomly assigned to the KIDZ-Box® physical activity intervention program (INT: n = 107) or the control group (CON: n = 107). Children were trained daily for 15 min over 7 month at the preschool for agility, balance, endurance and jump performance, employing the card-based KIDZ-Box® media package. At pre- and post-testing, dynamic balance, jump and agility performance were tested. Cross-sectionally, agility testing differed between sexes (p = 0.01) and BMI (p = 0.02). Trends towards a significant association were found between BMI and side-to-side jumping (p = 0.1) and beam balancing (p = 0.05). Relevant interventional effects favoring the intervention group were slightly found for agility (p = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.02) and moderately for side-to-side jumping (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.08). Balance performance did not relevantly improve. As jumping cards have been used frequently by the teachers, jumping improvements are plausible. The activity cards are feasibly applicable but should be employed with more structure during longer training sessions. Sports 2014-12-05 2 4 Article 10.3390/sports2040140 140 151 2075-4663 2014-12-05 doi: 10.3390/sports2040140 Lars Donath Katharina Imhof Ralf Roth Lukas Zahner http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/2/4/131 Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, the Westlawn neighborhood is home to the State of Wisconsin's largest public housing development. Westlawn is a low-income, African-American urban community that suffers from a wide range of health and environmental disparities. A community-based participatory action (CBPA) team was formed to address environmental health issues in Westlawn, and found asthma rates there are among the highest in the State. Decreasing air pollution, and corresponding asthma triggers, became a priority for the community. The CBPA team developed a bicycling program to reduce trips made by car and improve air quality in the Westlawn neighborhood. Input from focus group meetings shaped the development, implementation and expansion of the bicycling program. While the program was originally conceived to address environmental health issues, it provided key findings about how to encourage bicycling in low-income minority urban communities. Sports 2014-12-05 2 4 Communication 10.3390/sports2040131 131 139 2075-4663 2014-12-05 doi: 10.3390/sports2040131 Anne Dressel Michael Steinborn Keith Holt http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/2/4/99 Environmental conditions affect outdoor sports performance. This is particularly true in some sports, especially in the sport of sailing, where environmental parameters are extremely influential as they interact directly with strategic analysis of the race area and then with strategic analysis of the performance itself. For these reasons, this research presents an innovative methodology for the strategic analysis of the race course that is based on the integrated assessment of meteorological data measured on the ground, meteorological data measured at sea during the training activities and the results of the CALMET model in hindcasting over a limited scale. The results obtained by the above analysis are then integrated into a graphical representation that provides to coaches and athletes the main strategic directions of the race course in a simple and easy-to-use way. The authors believe that the innovative methodology that has been adopted in the present research may represent a new approach to the integrated analysis of meteorological data on coastal environments. On the other hand, the results of this analysis, if presented with an appropriate technique of meta‑communication adapted to the sport sectors, can be used effectively for the improvement of athletes' performances. Sports 2014-11-27 2 4 Article 10.3390/sports2040099 99 130 2075-4663 2014-11-27 doi: 10.3390/sports2040099 Alessandro Pezzoli Roberto Bellasio http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/2/4/85 Few studies have examined the role of shoe height in the context of American football cleats. Eighteen adult males (28.4 ± 1.9 years, 182.3 ± 0.6 cm, 75.7 ± 1.6 kg) performed four football drills (60-yd dash, 54-yd cutting drill, 5-10-5 drill [pro agility drill], and ladder jumping drill) in low-top, mid-top, and high-top American football cleats. Drill-specific performance outcomes were measured after each drill, and the subjects' ankle range-of-motion (dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, eversion, inversion) and perception of the footwear (comfort, heaviness, stability) were assessed before and after each drill sequence. Performance outcomes were not influenced by shoe height. The high-top cleat limited dorsiflexion and inversion, but not plantarflexion or eversion, compared to low-top and mid-top cleats. Athletes rated the high-top cleats as less comfortable and heavier than either the low-top or mid-top cleats, but perceived the mid-top and high-top cleats to be equally stable to each other, and both more stable than the low-top cleats. Range-of-motion and performance scores did not change as a result of acute exercise. These findings suggest that high-top cleats may limit ankle motions associated with injury without deleteriously influencing performance, though athletes may not perceive the high-top cleats as favorably as low- or mid-top cleats. Sports 2014-11-26 2 4 Article 10.3390/sports2040085 85 98 2075-4663 2014-11-26 doi: 10.3390/sports2040085 Calvin Daack David Senchina http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/2/4/76 Technological developments have led to the increased use of carbon fiber and prosthetic lower-limbs in running events at the Paralympic Games. This study aims to exploit a series of statistical techniques in order to prepare a response to the vital question of whether utilizing prosthetic feet can affect an athletes ability when running competitively at the Paralympics Games by comparing both within and between different classifications. The study also considers the differences between running on biological limbs and prosthetic lower-limbs from a mechanical point of view. The results from the male 100 m, 200 m and 400 m at the 2012 London Paralympic Games have been the source of this investigation. The investigation provides statistical evidence to propose that the number of prosthetic limbs used and the structure of such limbs have a significant impact on the outcome of track events at the Paralympic Games. Sports 2014-11-06 2 4 Article 10.3390/sports2040076 76 84 2075-4663 2014-11-06 doi: 10.3390/sports2040076 Hossein Hassani Mansi Ghodsi Mehran Shadi Siamak Noroozi Bryce Dyer http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/2/3/59 Impaired exercise capacity is the core symptom of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We assessed effects of exercise training and Crataegus extract WS 1442 in HFpEF and aimed to identify mechanisms of action in an exploratory trial (German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00000259). 140 sedentary HFpEF NYHA II patients on standard treatment received eight weeks of aerobic endurance training and half were randomized to WS 1442 900 mg/day. Symptoms, 2 km walking time (T2km), parameters of exercise tolerance, cardiac and vascular function, muscular efficiency and skeletal muscular haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SO2) measured during a treadmill protocol were captured at baseline and after eight weeks. Adverse events were recorded during the trial. Mechanisms of action were explored by correlation and path analyses of changes. Symptoms and exercise capacity improved with training, but correlations between improvements were low and path models were rejected. SO2 increased, decreased or undulated with increasing exercise intensity in individual patients and was not altered by training. WS 1442 improved T2km (-12.7% vs. -8.4%, p = 0.019), tended to improve symptoms and to pronounce SO2-decrease with increasing exercise, an indicator of oxygen utilisation. Endurance training and WS 1442 were safe and well tolerated in combination with standard drug treatment. Sports 2014-09-24 2 3 Article 10.3390/sports2030059 59 75 2075-4663 2014-09-24 doi: 10.3390/sports2030059 Sascha Härtel Claire Kutzner Eva Westphal Matthias Limberger Martin Burkart Ulrich Ebner-Priemer Matthias Kohl-Bareis Klaus Bös http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/2/2/51 The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of different formats (2-a-side, 3-a-side and 4-a-side) on heart rate responses of female students during small-sided and conditioned handball games. The heart rate responses were measured using heart rate monitors during physical education classes. Eight female students participated in the study (15 ± 0.0 years). The one-way ANOVA showed statistical differences with moderate effect between the three different formats (F(2, 1674) = 86.538; p-value ˂ 0.001; = 0.094; Power = 1.0). The results showed that smaller formats (2-a-side and 3-a-side) increased the heart rate responses of female students during small-sided and conditioned handball games during physical education (PE) classes. The results also suggested that 2-a-side games can be used for anaerobic workouts and the 3-a-side and 4-a-side games can be better used to reach lactate-threshold and for aerobic workouts of high intensity. Sports 2014-06-18 2 2 Article 10.3390/sports2020051 51 58 2075-4663 2014-06-18 doi: 10.3390/sports2020051 Filipe Clemente Rúben Rocha Fernando Martins Rui Mendes http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/2/2/34 Activity patterns of recent Homo sapiens are characterized by a sedentary life style and consequently by exercise deficiency. This lack of physical activity increases the risk of various chronic non-communicable diseases and reduces health related quality of life. From the perspective of evolutionary medicine, the high rates of non-communicable disease among contemporary industrialized populations may be interpreted as the result of a mismatch between high rates of physical activity in the adaptively relevant (ARE) and sedentary recent life circumstances. Public transport, cars, elevators, supermarkets and internet shopping diminished daily physical activities dramatically, therefore recent Homo sapiens suffer from the consequences of a convenient life style, which is completely new in our evolution and history. The only possibility to increase physical activity and enhance health and well-being is through sporting activities during leisure time. Sports 2014-06-02 2 2 Review 10.3390/sports2020034 34 50 2075-4663 2014-06-02 doi: 10.3390/sports2020034 Sylvia Kirchengast http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/2/1/24 This study sought to obtain some preliminary sagittal plane kinematic data on a common strongman event (and conditioning exercise) 'the farmers walk' and gain some insight into its kinematic determinants. Five experienced resistance trained males performed three, 20 m farmers walks at maximal speed while carrying 90.5 kg in each hand. Farmers walk average velocity was significantly greater in the middle (8.5–11.5 m) and latter (17–20 m) than initial stage (0–3 m), with this also associated with significant increases in stride length and stride rate and reductions in ground contact time. Comparisons between each subject's fastest and slowest trials revealed virtually no significant differences. In contrast, the fastest three trials (irrespective of subject) had significantly greater stride length, stride rate and reduced ground contact time than the slowest three trials. Based on the impulse-momentum relationship, the production of high anterior-posterior and vertical impulses over short ground contact times may be crucial for farmers walk performance. Future studies should utilise larger samples and investigate the ground reaction and joint kinetics of the farmers walk and compare these values to other forms of bipedal gait and resistance training exercises to get a more complete understanding of the biomechanics of this exercise. Sports 2014-01-14 2 1 Article 10.3390/sports2010024 24 33 2075-4663 2014-01-14 doi: 10.3390/sports2010024 Justin Keogh Anthony Kattan Scott Logan James Bensley Che Muller Linda Powell http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/2/1/14 Gaining increasing popularity within the fitness sector, CrossFit® serves as an appealing and efficient high intensity training approach to develop strength and endurance on a functional level; and music is often utilized to produce ergogenic effects. The present randomized, controlled, crossover study aimed at investigating the effects of music vs. non-music on performance, physiological and psychological outcomes. Thirteen (age: 27.5, standard deviation (SD) 6.2 years), healthy, moderately trained subjects performed four identical workouts over two weeks. The order of the four workouts (two with, and two without music, 20 min each) was randomly assigned for each individual. Acute responses in work output, heart rate, blood lactate, rate of perceived exertion, perceived pain, and affective reaction were measured at the 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th min during the training sessions. Training with music resulted in a significantly lower work output (460.3 repetitions, SD 98.1 vs. 497.8 repetitions, SD 103.7; p = 0.03). All other parameters did not differ between both music conditions. This is partly in line with previous findings that instead of providing ergogenic effects, applying music during CrossFit® may serve as a more distractive stimulus. Future studies should separate the influence of music on a more individual basis with larger sample sizes. Sports 2014-01-07 2 1 Short Communication 10.3390/sports2010014 14 23 2075-4663 2014-01-07 doi: 10.3390/sports2010014 Gavin Brupbacher Jona Harder Oliver Faude Lukas Zahner Lars Donath http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/2/1/1 Though mountain bikers are at significant risk for overuse injury, there is minimal quality research describing this relationship. Single-speed mountain biking, in which participants pedal a bike with only a single gear, may place riders at even greater risk for overuse problems due to the disproportionate physical effort associated with this type of riding. The focus of this study was to provide additional perspective on overuse injuries sustained by mountain bikers and to determine if single-speed mountain biking places participants at greater risk for overuse conditions. Four hundred and four (404) mountain bikers were surveyed concerning overuse injuries sustained during the previous year. Findings indicate that 63% of respondents reported an overuse injury affecting at least one area with the most commonly reported areas being the lumbar spine, knees, hand/wrist, and cervical spine. Individuals riding single-speed mountain bikes did not have a higher incidence of overuse injuries than riders of multiple-geared bikes. However, respondents who split time between riding single-speed and multiple-geared bikes were significantly more likely to report an overuse syndrome than those only riding single-speed or multiple-geared bikes (p = 0.0104). This group of riders may be at greater risk for overuse injury due to excessive fatigue and poor biomechanics. Sports 2014-01-02 2 1 Article 10.3390/sports2010001 1 13 2075-4663 2014-01-02 doi: 10.3390/sports2010001 Michael Lebec Kortny Cook Drew Baumgartel http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/1/4/78 This review article reports the recent advances in the study, design and production of ski-boots for alpine skiing. An overview of the different designs and the materials used in ski-boot construction is provided giving particular emphasis to the effect of these parameters on the final performances and on the prevention of injuries. The use of specific materials for ski-boots dedicated to different disciplines (race skiing, mogul skiing, ski-mountaineering etc.) has been correlated with the chemical and physical properties of the polymeric materials employed. A review of the scientific literature and the most interesting patents is also presented, correlating the results reported with the performances and industrial production of ski-boots. Suggestions for new studies and the use of advanced materials are also provided. A final section dedicated to the standards involved in ski-boot design completes this review article. Sports 2013-10-21 1 4 Review 10.3390/sports1040078 78 113 2075-4663 2013-10-21 doi: 10.3390/sports1040078 Martino Colonna Marco Nicotra Matteo Moncalero http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/1/3/69 It has previously been shown that being of aboriginal descent is a risk factor for hamstring injuries in Australian football. The aim of this study was to review the Australian Football League (AFL) injury database to determine whether there were any injuries where indigenous players had different relative risks to non-indigenous players. Analysis was conducted using data from the AFL injury database, which included data from 4,492 players over 21 years (1992–2012), covering 162,683 player-matches at AFL level, 91,098 matches at lower levels and 328,181 weeks (possible matches) of exposure. Compared to non-indigenous players, indigenous players had a significantly higher risk of hamstring injuries (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.32–1.73) and calf strains (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.00–1.69). Conversely, indigenous players had a significantly lower risk of lumbar/thoracic spine injuries (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41–0.91), groin strains/osteitis pubis (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58–0.96) and Achilles tendon injuries (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12–0.86). The results for the above injuries were also significant in terms of games missed. There was no difference between overall risk of injury (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.96–1.10) or missed games (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.97–1.04). This suggests that indigenous AFL players have the same overall number of injuries and missed games, but a slightly different injury profile. Sports 2013-09-16 1 3 Article 10.3390/sports1030069 69 77 2075-4663 2013-09-16 doi: 10.3390/sports1030069 Jessica Orchard John Orchard Hugh Seward http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/1/3/55 We examined how intake of polyphenols modifies brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) at rest, and cycling anaerobic performance, in elite athletes. In the first randomized cross-over study, FMD was measured over a three-hour period on two occasions in eight elite male and female athletes after acute consumption of either polyphenols from cranberries and grape seeds (600 mg) or a polyphenol-free placebo drink. Consumption of the polyphenol-rich drink led to a significant increase in FMD compared to placebo (p = 0.02), with a peak at 60 min. In a second study, 12 elite male and female athletes completed a three-kilometer time trial (TT) on an ergocycle on two occasions in random order, either after consumption of 800 mg of polyphenols or a placebo. Acute intake of the polyphenol extract had no impact on the three-kilometer time trial completion. However, plasma lactate levels were significantly lower before and after the TT when subjects consumed the polyphenols vs. placebo (p < 0.05). Results suggest that polyphenols from cranberries and grape seeds acutely modifies FMD at rest in elite athletes but this does not translate into enhanced cycling anaerobic performance. Sports 2013-07-12 1 3 Article 10.3390/sports1030055 55 68 2075-4663 2013-07-12 doi: 10.3390/sports1030055 Kim Labonté Charles Couillard Annie Motard-Bélanger Marie-Eve Paradis Patrick Couture Benoît Lamarche http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/1/2/37 According to the Constrained Action Hypothesis, motor learning is believed to be more efficient when an external focus (EF) of motor control is given to the performer instead of an internal focus (IF) of motor control. This systematic review investigated whether findings of studies focusing on the Constrained Action Hypothesis may be transferred to rehabilitation settings by assessing the methodological quality and risk of bias (ROB) of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Of the 18 selected reports representing 20 RCTs, the methodological quality was rather low, and the majority of the reports appeared to have a high ROB. The 18 reports included 68 patients tested in a rehabilitation setting and 725 healthy participants. The time scale of the motor learning processes presented in the selected articles was heterogenic. The results of this systematic review indicate that the assumption that an external focus of control is to be preferred during motor learning processes is not sufficiently substantiated. The level of available evidence is not large enough to warrant transfer to patient populations (including children and the elderly) and raises doubts about research with healthy individuals. This implies that based on the methodology used so far, there seems to be insufficient evidence for the superiority of an external focus of control, neither in healthy individuals nor in clinical populations. The relationship between EF instructions and motor learning research and its effect in both patient rehabilitation settings and healthy populations requires further exploration. Future adequately powered studies with low ROB and with rehabilitation populations that are followed over extended time periods should, therefore, be performed to substantiate or refute the assumption of the superiority of an EF in motor learning. Sports 2013-06-05 1 2 Review 10.3390/sports1020037 37 54 2075-4663 2013-06-05 doi: 10.3390/sports1020037 Tanja Kakebeeke Ruud Knols Eling de Bruin http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/1/1/13 The purpose of this article is to analyze the coverage of the Paralympics in the New York Times (NYT) from the first appearance of the term Paralympics in 1955 up to 2012. We analyzed a) the textual imagery (not imagery intrinsic to pictures) of the Paralympics and its athletes, b) the representation of views and hopes of Paralympians and c) the visibility of the Paralympics and Paralympians within the NYT. We found that NYT coverage of the Paralympics and Paralympians is minimal and often portrays Paralympic athletes in stereotypical ways, such as being supercrips or suffering entities. In regards to the portrayal of therapeutic assistive devices of Paralympic athletes in the NYT, four themes are evident: a) the advancement of technology, b) the hierarchy between different therapeutic assistive devices, c) the relationship between the device and the athlete and d) the affordability of the device. We submit that the portrayal of the Paralympics, as evident in the NYT, for the most part does not help to further the discussion around a) the future of the Paralympics and its role within society, b) the relationship between the Paralympics and the Olympics and c) barriers of sport participation faced by athletes with disabilities on all levels, from recreational to competitive sport. Sports 2013-01-24 1 1 Article 10.3390/sports1010013 13 36 2075-4663 2013-01-24 doi: 10.3390/sports1010013 Jeremy Tynedal Gregor Wolbring http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/1/1/10 Sports is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that revolves around the interdisciplinary area of exercise sciences applied in sport and public health. The intention of Sports is to link several scientific disciplines in an integrated fashion in order to address critical issues related to exercise science, sports and public health. As the first Editor-in-Chief of Sports, I would like to share a few comments about this interdisciplinary field of research by discussing the mutuality and discordances between exercise as it is applied in sports and public health. [...] Sports 2013-01-16 1 1 Editorial 10.3390/sports1010010 10 12 2075-4663 2013-01-16 doi: 10.3390/sports1010010 Eling de Bruin http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/1/1/1 Planning and evaluating cycling programs at a national or state level requires accurate measures of cycling participation. However, recent reports of cycling participation have produced very different estimates. This paper examines the reported rates of cycling in five recent population surveys of cycling. Three surveys (one national and two from Sydney) asking respondents when they last rode a bicycle generated cycling participation (cycled in the past year) estimates of 29.7%, 34.1% and 28.9%. Two other national surveys which asked participants to recall (unprompted) any physical activity done for exercise, recreation or sport in the previous 12 months, estimated cycling in the past year as 11.1% and 6.5%. While unprompted recall of cycling as a type of physical activity generates lower estimates of cycling participation than specific recall questions, both assessment approaches produced similar patterns of cycling by age and sex with both approaches indicating fewer women and older adults cycling. The different question styles most likely explain the substantial discrepancies between the estimates of cycling participation. Some differences are to be expected due to sampling variability, question differences, and regional variation in cycling. Sports 2013-01-02 1 1 Article 10.3390/sports1010001 1 9 2075-4663 2013-01-02 doi: 10.3390/sports1010001 Chris Rissel Cameron Munro Adrian Bauman


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I started working on Sonic: The Fated Hour in 1999 at the age of 16. In the intervening years, it has seen a lengthy and drawn-out development cycle as I've repeatedly delayed the project either to recode it from scratch (to improve the game's code base or due to data corruption/loss) or to focus on other projects. I am now back to work on this project full-time, having either canceled, postponed or finished all other projects. I want to finish it, once and for all, before I end up working on it for ten years solid.
An early look at Amy's shop menu, as I was testing scrolling within the menu. (Post-Xmas Demo)


text: Offbeat Bride at Geek Girl Con #Site News#events October 10 | Ariel Meadow Stallings offbeatbride From left to right: Cat Rocketship (Offbeat Home managing ed), Stephanie Kaloi (Offbeat Mama ed), Megan Finley (Offbeat Bride managing ed, and Empire Associate Empire Publisher), J.M. Dodd (Empire CTO), me, and Meg Keene. Photo by Coco, former Offbeat Bride intern. So! This weekend was the Offbeat Empire panel at Geek Girl Con. Wondering what we talked about? Wondering who's BFFs with a Stormtrooper? Wondering who had an epic life-lesson metaphor about bunny hats? Curious about who lists "going open source" as the smartest geeky decision they ever made?! CLICKY! Get your daily dose of Offbeat AWESOME Reporter Name * Reporter Email * Original text Enter the original text here. Edited text* Enter your suggested copyedit here. Notes You can add a note for the editor here. * Required information. Fix Typo Ariel Meadow Stallings Author of Offbeat Bride: Creative Alternatives for Independent Brides, Ariel acts as the publisher of all the Offbeat Empire websites. She lives, loves, and dorks out hard in Seattle, WA. @offbeatariel @offbeatbride PREVIOUS Furry, funky, and fun options that'll keep you warm on your winter wedding day NEXT Becky & Aaron's nerdtastic offbeat lite robot wedding Show/Hide comments [ 2 ] I want to go to this! Does it come east at all? Reply Not that I know of — this was the first year, so I don't think they're in global expansion mode yet. Reply Join the conversation Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment Participate in this conversation via email No-drama comment policy Part of what makes the Offbeat Empire different is our commitment to civil, constructive commenting. Make sure you're familiar with our no-drama comment policy. Biz owners & wedding bloggers Please just use your real name in your comment, not your business name or blog title. Our comments are not the place to pimp your website. If you want to promote your stuff on Offbeat Bride, join us as an advertiser instead.


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Garden City News
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Ben Ephson is full of Crap
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Worldwide is latest 'search fund' acquisition deal
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February 3, 2016: New York State Bar Association Elects 2016-2017 Officers
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Who is Edmund Delle Deceiving?
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Hempstead Man Arrested for Making Terrorist Threat at Macy's Department Store
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Sunday Jan 31 | News12.com | Comment?
Thatched Cottage bankruptcy trustee seeks contempt order against town
Sunday Jan 31 | Newsday | Comment?
Ashittey's Suit against Rawlings Has Teeth
Saturday Jan 30 | GhanaWeb | Comment?
StubHub, Ticket Vendors, Scalper Bots Under Fire From NY Attorney General
Saturday Jan 30 | The Echo | Comment?
TRAI suggests base price for premium 700 Mhz band
Saturday Jan 30 | The Echo | Comment?
Christopher McGrath may be GOP nominee for Dean Skelos seat
Thursday Jan 28 | Newsday | Comment?
Tory Birch among new retailers coming to Roosevelt Field Mall
Thursday Jan 28 | Newsday | Comment?
World Wide Security Sells Business to Novidam Capital LLC
Thursday Jan 28 | Security Sales & Integration | Comment?
To the so-called Krobo Youth: Atta-Akyea Will Not Apologize
Thursday Jan 28 | GhanaWeb | Comment?
Adelphi University Presents Looking Through: Photography, Race & Identity
Wednesday Jan 27 | LongIsland.com | Comment?
Updated: Sun Feb 07, 2016 10:12 pm
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