We thank Ms Shuo Tian for the digital technology support. This study was supported by the Wu Jieping Foundation (Grant No. 320.6750.18456).

This study was approved by the Academic Ethics Committee of Inner Mongolia Medical University in Hohhot, China. The parents of all children included in this study provided signed and informed consent. In the study, we used the Actigraph GT3X+ device which is referred to as an accelerometer hereafter.
1. General aspects of method development
<ol>
	<li>Obtain accelerometers to evaluate PA. The accelerometer is a small (3.3 cm x 4.6 cm x 1.5 cm, 19 g), watch-like unobtrusive device that measures acceleration in three axes: vertical, antero-posterior, and medio-lateral.</li>
	<li>Connect the device to a laptop PC with USB cable. Use an exclusive software for data recording, processing, and analyzing.</li>
	<li>Select participants according to the following inclusion/exclusion criteria.
	<ol>
		<li>Include 20 children between 7-12 years of age who accept table tennis training as the Sports group. Include children who attend the table tennis club regularly, with three-to-five weekly training session,s with each training session lasting 2 h. Include children living majorly in a house or rented flat with their parents with a short home-to-club distance.</li>
		<li>Select 20 children from the same class as the Sports group as an age and gender matched Control group. Children of the Control group don&#39;t attend any sports club.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Exclude participants whose parents do not know their children&#39;s PA information at school and home.</li>
	<li>Exclude participants who were diagnosed to have any neurodevelopment disorder such as Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), etc.</li>
</ol>
2. Initialization of data collection using the accelerometer
<ol>
	<li>Download and run the software for the device.</li>
	<li>Type in the duration for collecting data by clicking the button Select Start Time and entering the date (e.g., 2022/2/9) and time (e.g., 13:00).</li>
	<li>Click the button Enter Subject Info to enter the next step about demographic information setting. Type in the demographic information of the participant, including name, gender, height, weight, date of birth, ethnic, side (right), limb (waist), and dominance (dominant). 
	NOTE: For the left-handed participants, in step 2.4 select the opposite side.</li>
	<li>Initialize the data collection by clicking Initialize 1 device. Make sure that the battery is charged to more than 80%, otherwise the initialization will fail. Initialize to record raw accelerations at a frequency of 30 Hz.</li>
	<li>Instruct the participants to wear the accelerometer on the right hip with an elastic waistband. Ensure that the accelerometer is positioned on the right mid-axilla line at the level of the iliac crest.</li>
	<li>Repeat step 2.2. Set the same start date (e.g., 2022/2/9) and time (e.g., 13:00), to ensure that the data from both devices is collected at the same time.</li>
	<li>Repeat 2.4 with the following modifications: side (left), limb (wrist), dominance (non-dominant). 
	NOTE: For the left-handed participants, in step 2.8 select the opposite side.</li>
	<li>Instruct the participants to wear the accelerometer on the wrist of the non-dominant hand on a watch belt.</li>
	<li>Remind the participants to wear the devices all day long, except while bathing, swimming, and showering. 
	NOTE: The duration of data collection should not be shorter than 7 days. (e.g., from 13:00, 2022/2/9 to 12:59, 2022/2/16).</li>
	<li>For the raw data collected, get the data confirmed by a physician, institutional researcher, or professional coach, according to the VM chart and counts (Figure 1).</li>
	<li>Delete any extreme data that is unexplained (e.g., from 21:41, 2022/2/12 to 22:07, 2022/2/12, the data was zero, and cannot be explained). Delete such data from the collected raw data.</li>
</ol>
3. Data collection from diary entries
<ol>
	<li>Ask the participants to wear the device all day long. Ask the trainers to maintain a diary of table tennis training, including the exact time schedule. For the children of the Control group, no diary of training is needed.</li>
	<li>Make sure that the participants performed their daily routines during data collection.</li>
	<li>Ask the parents to maintain a diary of leisure time at home. Instruct the parents to collect the data of sleep, the time to bed, and the time of waking up in the diary.</li>
</ol>
4. Accelerometer data output
<ol>
	<li>Take off the device from the right hip and connect it to a laptop/PC with a USB cable. Run the software of the device.</li>
	<li>Download the accelerometer data of the participant, by clicking Download. Analyze raw accelerometer data in 60 s epochs.</li>
	<li>Take off the device from the non-dominant hand and connect it to a laptop/PC with a USB cable. Repeat step 4.2.</li>
	<li>Raw acceleration outcome variables for the accelerometer are based on vector magnitude (VM) counts. Confirm the accelerometer data of LTPA according to the diary of training, leisure time, and sleep.</li>
</ol>
5. Scoring the data
<ol>
	<li>Open the scoring page of the software (Figure 2).</li>
	<li>Select Algorithms &#62; Cut Points and MVPA &#62; Puyau Children (2002) on the left of the page. 
	NOTE: Other algorithms for the cut points of PA can be selected if necessary.</li>
	<li>Click Calculate and then Export, and the scoring output will be displayed automatically, including SBs (sedentary behaviors), LPAs (light physical activities), MPAs (moderate physical activities), and MVPAs (moderate-to-vigorous physical activities).</li>
	<li>Obtain everyday-LTPA by adding diary timing and defining leisure time (e.g., the leisure time of 2022/2/9 is from 19:00, 2022/2/9 to 21:00 2022/2/6, according to the diary). Then, define the mean VM counts during this time as 715.75, and the LTPA for this epoch as 715.75.</li>
	<li>Average all the everyday-LTPAs, to get the LTPA for the participant.</li>
</ol>
6. Statistical analysis
<ol>
	<li>Use Student&#39;s t-test to measure group differences with a P value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Use a commercially available statistical software package to conduct all statistics.</li>
	<li>Use the Bland-Altman procedures to assess agreement for each PA, including MPA, VPA, and MVPA, between hip-worn and wrist-worn devices based on raw data and counts. Calculate the mean difference between the two methods of measurement and 95% limit of agreement for the mean difference calculated.</li>
</ol>

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G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Systematic+review+of+the+health+benefits+of+physical+activity+and+fitness+in+school-aged+children+and+youth.">Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth.</a> The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 7 (1), 1-16 (2010).</li><li>Biddle, S., Asare, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Physical+activity+and+mental+health+in+children+and+adolescents:+a+review+of+reviews.">Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: a review of reviews.</a> British Journal of Sports Medicine. 45 (11), 886-895 (2011).</li><li>Donnelly, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Physical+activity,+fitness,+cognitive+function,+and+academic+achievement+in+children:+a+systematic+review.">Physical activity, fitness, cognitive function, and academic achievement in children: a systematic review.</a> Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 48 (6), 1197-1222 (2016).</li><li>Tremblay, M. 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The authors have nothing to disclose.

As shown in Table 1, children in the Sports group exhibited a significantly higher VPA and MVPA (64.20 &#177; 2.33 vs 57.85 &#177; 3.36, P &#60; 0.001) relative to those in the Control group. According to the findings of previous reports in both adolescents25 and young adults26, accelerometer devices represent an accurate method for the estimation of PA, relative to subjective surveys.
Bland-Altman plots demonstrated tha...

Physical activity (PA) is very important in childhood and is positively associated with physical and mental health. It is well documented that PA is associated with beneficial effects in school-going children with regards to obesity, bone health, mental wellbeing, cognitive function, and academic achievements1,2,3. However, most children in China still experience lower levels of PA than recommended for their age4; furthermore, sedentary time is known to increase with age. According to the National Physical Fitness and Health Surveillance Study for Students in China, the number of students with obesity has remained significantly high over the first two decades of the 21st century5.
International PA guidelines for children and adolescents recommend at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day and vigorous physical activity (VPA) on 3 days/week6 in order to achieve health benefits. Similarly, the latest version of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Chinese (2021)7 highlights that accumulated sedentary behavioral time should not last for more than 60 min, based on international PA guidelines. Participation in sports clubs or school activities is a highly beneficial way by which children can meet PA guidelines8. Table tennis is a compound and technically difficult game that is popular in China. Recent studies have confirmed that regular table tennis training has a positive effect on the health-related physical fitness of children and adolescents9,10. As such, table tennis club/school-based training is a very suitable method for children to increase their levels of PA11.
It is important to consider several issues that might impede the fulfillment of the recommendations made by international PA guidelines. For example, most surveys of PA in children are based on parent-reported questionnaires12; there is a significant lack of data acquired by objective methods in China. Furthermore, the activity patterns of children are characterized by relatively short bouts of spontaneous, but intense PA13,14. This type of pattern is difficult to summarize and report by observation alone; additionally, questionnaires or parental reports are prone to error15. Secondly, children spend a significant amount of leisure time at home, for example, during the evenings and weekends, and tend to accumulate a substantial part of their daily PA in a home-based setting. It is difficult to collect or estimate leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in children outside of school hours. LTPA is essential for health and is one of the most important components of total PA16. Thirdly, the PA of children may be influenced by gender differences and parental life style8. Collectively, this information highlights the need to acquire accurate measurements of PA to evaluate overall health, its social impact, and its use in policy making. If the activity levels of specific subpopulations (e.g., children undergoing table tennis training) are not correctly estimated, it is possible that the data may even misdirect policies and public health priorities12.
As the most widely used objective measurement for PA patterns in youths, accelerometers have been recognized as the gold standard for measuring PA in children17,18,19,20. With technological improvements, actigraphic devices have progressed into cost-effective capacitive sensors. In most cases, these devices need to be attached to the right hip21, an issue that might be a potential risk factor and lowers compliance22. Over recent years, several research studies have indicated that PA data derived from devices worn at other anatomical locations can be comparable when set-up appropriately23,24.
In the present study, we aimed to develop a wrist-worn actigraphy accelerometer-based method to assess PA in children undergoing table tennis training.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Actigraph&amp;nbsp;</td><td>ActiGraph Corp</td><td>&amp;nbsp;GT3X+</td><td>device</td></tr><tr><td>ActiLife</td><td>ActiGraph Corp</td><td>&amp;nbsp;v6.13.3</td><td>software</td></tr><tr><td>SPSS 22.0 software</td><td></td><td></td><td>statistical analysis software</td></tr></tbody></table>

physical activity measurement in children accepting table tennis training

An increasing body of evidence now shows that the majority of children in China experience lower levels of physical activity (PA) than the recommended guideline. Table tennis is a compound and technically difficult game that is popular in China; undertaking table tennis training in clubs can help children to elevate their levels of PA. Given that children cannot complete self-evaluated questionnaires themselves and caregiver-based observations are not suitable for children, we hypothesized that an actigraphy-based method can be an objective method to measure PA. In the present study, we describe a procedure that can be used to evaluate PA levels using an actigraphic device and software. Furthermore, since hip-worn devices are known to reduce compliance, we attempted to assess the agreement between hip-worn and wrist-worn device data. Collectively, our results indicate that these devices are suitable for measuring PA and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) levels. Together with subjective questionnaires, both hip-worn and wrist-worn devices are highly suitable for evaluating PA in Chinese children undergoing table tennis training in clubs.

Demographic data are shown in Table 1, including&#160;gender, age, height, weight, ethnicity, and dominant hand. As shown in Table 1, there were no significant differences between the groups with regards to gender, age, height, weight, and dominant hand. Furthermore, participants from the Sports group did not exhibit any significantly different parameters in terms of sedentary behaviors (SB; 441.05 &#177; 31.80 vs 442.25 &#177; 30.74, P = 0.904), LPA (213.10 &#177; 15.00 vs ...

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Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training

This study proposes an accelerometer-based method to objectively measure physical activity (PA) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in Chinese children accepting table tennis training in clubs.

An increasing body of evidence now shows that the majority of children in China experience lower levels of physical activity (PA) than the recommended ...

physical-activity-measurement-children-accepting-table-tennis

Research

JoVE Journal

Behavior

1.8K Views.  Inner Mongolia Medical University. This study proposes an accelerometer-based method to objectively measure physical activity (PA) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in Chinese children accepting table tennis training in clubs.

Video: Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are common. Indeed, more than 1 billion people are affected, mainly in the developing world where poverty prevails and hygiene behavior, water supply, and sanitation are often deficient1,2. Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and the two hookworm species, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus, are the most prevalent STHs3. The estimated global burden due to hookworm disease, ascariasis, and trichuriasis is 22.1, 10.5, and 6.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), respectively4. Furthermore, an estimated 30-100 million people are infected with Strongyloides stercoralis, the most neglected STH species of global significance which arguably also causes a considerable public health impact5,6. Multiple-species infections (i.e., different STHs harbored in a single individual) are common, and infections have been linked to lowered productivity and thus economic outlook of developing countries1,3.
For the diagnosis of common STHs, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the Kato-Katz technique7,8, which is a relatively straightforward method for determining the prevalence and intensity of such infections. It facilitates the detection of parasite eggs that infected subjects pass in their feces.
With regard to the diagnosis of S.stercoralis, there is currently no simple and accurate tool available. The Baermann technique is the most widely employed method for its diagnosis. The principle behind the Baermann technique is that active S.stercoralis larvae migrate out of an illuminated fresh fecal sample as the larvae are phototactic9. It requires less sophisticated laboratory materials and is less time consuming than culture and immunological methods5.
Morbidities associated with STH infections range from acute but common symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and pruritus, to chronic symptoms, such as anemia, under- and malnutrition, and cognitive impairment10. Since the symptoms are generally unspecific and subtle, they often go unnoticed, are considered a normal condition by affected individuals, or are treated as symptoms of other diseases that might be more common in a given setting. Hence, it is conceivable that the true burden of STH infections is underestimated by assessment tools relying on self-declared signs and symptoms as is usually the case in population-based surveys.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Stephenson and colleagues highlighted the possibility of STH infections lowering the physical fitness of boys aged 6-12 years11,12. This line of scientific inquiry gained new momentum recently13,14,15. The 20-meter (m) shuttle run test was developed and validated by L&eacute;ger et al.16 and is used worldwide to measure the aerobic fitness of children17. The test is easy to standardize and can be performed wherever a 20-m long and flat running course and an audio source are available, making its use attractive in resource-constrained settings13. To facilitate and standardize attempts at assessing whether STH infections have an effect on the physical fitness of school-aged children, we present methodologies that diagnose STH infections or measure physical fitness that are simple to execute and yet, provide accurate and reproducible outcomes. This will help to generate new evidence regarding the health impact of STH infections.

Chronic infection with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) causes malabsorption, stunting, and wasting in the growing child. Hence, it is plausible that these infections also reduce the physical fitness of children. Here, we visualize two techniques for the diagnosis of STHs and the 20-meter shuttle run test for assessing children's physical fitness.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are common. Indeed, more than 1 billion people are affected, mainly in the developing world where poverty ...

Immunology and Infection

An Objective and Child-friendly Assessment of Arm Function by Using a 3-D Sensor

Progressive and irreversible muscle atrophy characterizes Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and other similar muscle disorder diseases. Objective assessment of muscle functions is an essential and important, although challenging, prerequisite for successful clinical trials. Current clinical rating scales restrain the movement abnormalities to certain predefined coarse-grained individual items. The Kinect 3-D sensor has emerged as a low-cost and portable motion sensing technology used to capture and track people&#39;s movement in many medical and research fields. A novel approach using this 3-D sensor was developed and a game-like test was designed to objectively measure the upper limb function of patients with SMA. The prototype test targeted joint movement capability. While sitting in a virtual scene, the patient was instructed to extend, flex, and lift the whole arm in order to reach and place some objects. Both kinematic and spatiotemporal characteristics of upper limb movement were extracted and analyzed, e.g., elbow extension and flexion angles, hand velocity, and acceleration. The first study included a small cohort of 18 ambulant SMA patients and 19 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. A comprehensive analysis of arm movement was achieved; however, no significant difference between the groups were found due to the mismatch of patient&#39;s capability and the test difficulty. Based on this experience, a second version of the test consisting of a modified version of the first game with increased difficulties and a second game targeting muscle endurance were designed and implemented. The new test has not been conducted in any patient groups yet. Our work has demonstrated the potential capability of the 3-D sensor in assessing such muscle function and suggested an objective approach to complement the clinical rating scales.

An objective measure of muscle functions is challenging especially in children. Based on a commercially available digital 3-D sensor, a child-friendly gaming test was developed to assess upper limb function for clinical trials.

Progressive and irreversible muscle atrophy characterizes Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and other similar muscle disorder diseases. Objective assessment ...

Biomechanical Analysis Methods to Assess Professional Badminton Players' Lunge Performance

Under the condition of simulating a badminton court in the laboratory, this study used the injury mechanism model to analyze the maximal right lunge movements of eight professional badminton players and eight amateur players. The purpose of this protocol is to study the differences in kinematics and joint moment of the right knee and ankle. A motion capture system and force plate were used to capture data of the joint movements of the lower extremity and the vertical ground reaction force (vGRF). Sixteen young men who did not have any sports injuries in the past 6 months took part in the study. The subjects performed a maximal right lunge from the start position with their right foot, stepping on and fully contacting with the force plate, hit the shuttlecock with an underhand stroke to the designated position in the backcourt, and then returned to the start/end position. All subjects wore the same badminton shoes to avoid a difference in impact from different badminton shoes. The amateur players showed a greater range of ankle movement and reverse joint moment on the frontal plane, and a larger internal joint rotation moment on the horizontal plane. The professional badminton players exhibited greater knee moment on the sagittal and frontal planes. Therefore, these factors should be considered in the development of the training program to reduce the risk of sports injuries in knee and ankle joints. This study simulates the real badminton court and calibrates the range of activities of each movement of the subjects so that the subjects complete the experimental action in a natural state with high quality. A limitation of this study is that it does not combine joint load and muscle activity. Another limitation is that the sample size is small and should be expanded in future studies. This research method can be applied to the lower limb biomechanical research of other footwork in the badminton project.

Here, we present a protocol to evaluate the differences in injury mechanisms between professional and amateur players when performing a badminton maximal right lunge movement by analyzing lower limb kinematics.

Under the condition of simulating a badminton court in the laboratory, this study used the injury mechanism model to analyze the maximal right lunge ...

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity

Physical activity (PA) assessment needs tools that are inexpensive and easy to administer. Common questionnaires inquire time spent in light, moderate, and vigorous PA. However, inaccuracies may occur due to individually different understanding of PA intensity levels. Alternatively used direct measures (e.g., accelerometers) are susceptible to reactivity bias and may lack the ability to capture certain activities. Compared to accelerometer measurement, respondents report more time spent in higher-intensity PA. A video that visualizes PA intensity levels might help to overcome this problem. This report describes the design of a randomized controlled trial as a methodology to investigate the effect of a video on the difference between self-reported and directly measured PA. It is hypothesized that the video reduces the mean difference between the two measures. Individuals from the general population are recruited. Hip-worn accelerometers are used to collect directly measured PA data on seven consecutive days. Afterwards, participants are randomly allocated to the experimental and the control group. The experimental group receives a video demonstration on PA intensity levels and subsequent PA assessment via self-administered computer-assisted questionnaire. The control group receives PA assessment only. Thereafter, the data are processed to compare the difference between self-reported and accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) between the study groups using a two-sample t-test. This methodology is appropriate for investigating the effect of any existing or self-produced video on the difference between the two measurement methods. It can be used not only for persons from the general population, but for a variety of other populations and contexts as accurate measures are needed to evaluate PA levels.

This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial as a method to test the effect of a video demonstration on the intra-individual difference between self-reported and accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Physical activity (PA) assessment needs tools that are inexpensive and easy to administer. Common questionnaires inquire time spent in light, moderate, ...

Calculating Heart Rate Variability from ECG Data from Youth with Cerebral Palsy During Active Video Game Sessions

The aim of this study was to generate a method for calculating heart rate variability (HRV) from electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms. The waveforms were recorded by a HR monitor that participants (youth with cerebral palsy (CP)) wore during active video game (AVG) sessions. The AVG sessions were designed to promote physical activity and fitness (aerobic performance) in participants. The goal was to evaluate the feasibility of AVGs as a physical therapy (PT) intervention strategy. The maximum HR (mHR) was determined for each participant and the Target Heart Rate Zone (THRZ) was calculated for each of three exercise phases in the 20 min AVG session: (warm-up at 40-60% mHR, conditioning at 60-80% mHR, and cool down at 40-60% mHR). Each participant played three 20 min games during the AVG session. All games were played while sitting on a bench because many youth with CP cannot stand for extended periods of time. Each game condition differed with participants using hand icons only, hand and feet icons together or feet icons only to collect objects. The objective of the game (called KOLLECT) is to collect objects to gain points and avoid hazards to not lose points. Hazards were used in the warm-up and cool down phases only to promote slower, controlled movement to maintain HR in the target heart rate zone (THRZ). There were no hazards in the conditioning phase to promote higher levels and more intense physical activity. Analytic methods were used to generate HRV (selected time-domain and frequency-domain measures) from ECG data to examine aerobic workload. Recent applications of HRV indicate that short-term measurements (5 min bouts) are appropriate and that HRV biofeedback may help improve symptoms and the quality of life in a variety of health conditions. Although HR is a well-accepted clinical measure to examine aerobic performance and intensity in PT interventions, HRV may provide information of the autonomic system functions, recovery and adaptation during AVG sessions.

This protocol describes a method for calculating Heart Rate Variability (HRV) from electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms. Waveforms from continuous heart rate (HR) recordings during active video game (AVG) sessions were used to measure the aerobic performance of youth with cerebral palsy (CP).

The aim of this study was to generate a method for calculating heart rate variability (HRV) from electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms. The waveforms were ...

An Inertial Measurement Unit Based Method to Estimate Hip and Knee Joint Kinematics in Team Sport Athletes on the Field

Current athlete monitoring practice in team sports is mainly based on positional data measured by global positioning or local positioning systems. The disadvantage of these measurement systems is that they do not register lower extremity kinematics, which could be a useful measure for identifying injury-risk factors. Rapid development in sensor technology may overcome the limitations of the current measurement systems. With inertial measurement units (IMUs) securely fixed to body segments, sensor fusion algorithms and a biomechanical model, joint kinematics could be estimated. The main purpose of this article is to demonstrate a sensor setup for estimating hip and knee joint kinematics of team sport athletes in the field. Five male subjects (age 22.5 &#177; 2.1 years; body mass 77.0 &#177; 3.8 kg; height 184.3 &#177; 5.2 cm; training experience 15.3 &#177; 4.8 years) performed a maximal 30-meter linear sprint. Hip and knee joint angles and angular velocities were obtained by five IMUs placed on the pelvis, both thighs and both shanks. Hip angles ranged from 195&#176; (&#177; 8&#176;) extension to 100.5&#176; (&#177; 8&#176;) flexion and knee angles ranged from 168.6&#176; (&#177; 12&#176;) minimal flexion and 62.8&#176; (&#177; 12&#176;) maximal flexion. Furthermore, hip angular velocity ranged between 802.6 &#176;&#183;s-1 (&#177; 192 &#176;&#183;s-1) and -674.9 &#176;&#183;s-1 (&#177; 130 &#176;&#183;s-1). Knee angular velocity ranged between 1155.9 &#176;&#183;s-1 (&#177; 200 &#176;&#183;s-1) and -1208.2 &#176;&#183;s-1 (&#177; 264 &#176;&#183;s-1). The sensor setup has been validated and could provide additional information with regard to athlete monitoring in the field.&#160;This may help professionals in a daily sports setting to evaluate their training programs, aiming to reduce injury and optimize performance.

Monitoring athletes is essential for improving performance and reducing injury risk in team sports. Current methods to monitor athletes do not include the lower extremities. Attaching multiple inertial measurement units to the lower extremities could improve monitoring athletes in the field.

Current athlete monitoring practice in team sports is mainly based on positional data measured by global positioning or local positioning systems. The ...

A Standardized Method for Measurement of Elbow Kinesthesia

Proprioception is an important component of controlled movement. The threshold to detection of passive movement (TDPM) is a commonly used method for quantifying the proprioceptive submodality of kinesthesia in research settings. The TDPM paradigm has been found to be valid and reliable; however, the equipment and methods used for TDPM vary between studies. In particular, the research laboratory apparatuses for producing passive movement of an extremity are often custom designed by individual laboratories or inaccessible due to high cost. There is a need for a standardized, valid, and reliable method for measuring TDPM using readily available equipment. The purpose of this protocol is to provide a standardized method for measurement of TDPM at the elbow that is economical, easy to administer, and that produces quantitative results for measurement purposes in research-based settings. This method was tested on 20 healthy adults without neurological impairment, and eight adults with chronic stroke. The results obtained suggest this method is a reliable way to quantify elbow TDPM in healthy adults, and provides initial support for validity. Researchers seeking a balance between equipment affordability and measurement precision are most likely to find this protocol of benefit.

Here, we present a standardized method for measurement of elbow passive kinesthesia using the threshold to detection of passive movement (TDPM) that is appropriate for a research setting.

Proprioception is an important component of controlled movement. The threshold to detection of passive movement (TDPM) is a commonly used method for ...

Comparison of Kinetic Characteristics of Footwork during Stroke in Table Tennis: Cross-Step and Chasse Step

The cross-step and chasse step are the basic steps of table tennis. This study presents a protocol to investigate the ground reaction force characteristics between cross-step and chasse step during stroke in table tennis. Sixteen healthy male national level 1 table tennis players (Age: 20.75 &plusmn; 2.06 years) volunteered to participate in the experiment after understanding the purpose and details of the experiment. All participants were asked to hit the ball into the target zone by cross-step and chasse step, respectively. The ground reaction force in the anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, and vertical directions of the participant was measured by a force platform. The key finding of this study was that: the posterior ground reaction force of cross-step footwork (0.89 &plusmn; 0.21) was significantly large (P = 0.014) than the chasse step footwork (0.82 &plusmn; 0.18). However, the lateral ground reaction force of cross-step footwork (-0.38 &plusmn; 0.21) was significantly lower (P &lt; 0.001) than chasse step footwork (-0.46 &plusmn; 0.29) as well as the vertical ground reaction force of cross-step footwork (1.73 &plusmn; 0.19) was significantly lower (P &lt; 0.001) than chasse step footwork (1.9 &plusmn; 0.33). Based on the mechanism of the kinetic chain, the better lower limb dynamic performance of sliding stroke may be conducive to energy transmission and thus bring gain to the swing speed. Beginners should start from the chasse step to hit the ball technically, and then practice the skill of cross-step.

This study presents a protocol to investigate the ground reaction force characteristics between cross-step and chasse step during stroke in table tennis.

The cross-step and chasse step are the basic steps of table tennis. This study presents a protocol to investigate the ground reaction force ...

A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers

A key reason for referral to rehabilitation services after stroke and other neurological conditions is to improve one's ability to function in daily life. It has become important to measure a person's activities in daily life, and not just measure their capacity for activity in the structured environment of a clinic or laboratory. A wearable sensor that is now enabling measurement of daily movement is the accelerometer. Accelerometers are commercially-available devices resembling large wrist watches that can be worn throughout the day. Data from accelerometers can quantify how the limbs are engaged to perform activities in peoples' homes and communities. This report describes a methodology to collect accelerometry data and turn it into clinically-relevant information. First, data are collected by having the participant wear two accelerometers (one on each wrist) for 24 h or longer. The accelerometry data are then downloaded and processed to produce four different variables that describe key aspects of upper limb activity in daily life: hours of use, use ratio, magnitude ratio, and the bilateral magnitude. Density plots can be constructed that visually represent the data from the 24 h wearing period. The variables and their resultant density plots are highly consistent in neurologically-intact, community-dwelling adults. This striking consistency makes them a useful tool for determining if upper limb daily performance is different from normal. This methodology is appropriate for research studies investigating upper limb dysfunction and interventions designed to improve upper limb performance in daily life in people with stroke and other patient populations. Because of its relative simplicity, it may not be long before it is also incorporated in clinical neurorehabilitation practice.

This protocol describes a method to quantify upper limb performance in daily life using wrist-worn accelerometers.

A key reason for referral to rehabilitation services after stroke and other neurological conditions is to improve one's ability to function in daily life. ...

Medicine

Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

While the number of new treatment options tested in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is increasing, there is still no defining of the most reliable assessments regarding therapeutic efficacy. We present clinical and radiological outcome measures used in ambulatory patients participating in our trial &#34;Treatment with L-citrulline and metformin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy&#34;. The motor function measure is a validated test in patients with neuromuscular disorders that consists of 32 items and assesses all three dimensions of motor performance including standing and transfer (D1 subscore), axial and proximal motor function (D2 subscore), and distal motor function (D3 subscore). The test shows high intra- and inter-rater variability but only when strictly following guidelines of the materials, examination steps, and calculation of scores. The 6-minute walk test, timed 10-meter walk/run test, and supine-up time are commonly used timed functional tests that also sufficiently monitor changes in muscle function; however, they strongly depend on patient collaboration. Quantitative MRI is an objective and sensitive biomarker to detect subclinical changes, though the examination costs may be a reason for its limited use. In this study, a high correlation between all clinical assessments and quantitative MRI scans was found. The combinational use of these methods provides a better understanding about disease progression; however, longitudinal studies are needed to validate their reliability.

The aim of this study is to present the most reliable clinical outcome measures and their correlations with quantitative muscle MRI in ambulant patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

While the number of new treatment options tested in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is increasing, there is still no defining of the most ...