The validation of a low-cost inertial measurement unit system to quantify simple and complex upper-limb joint angles.

The purpose of this research was to validate the use of a low-cost IMU system to measure upper-limb joint angles by comparing it to passive optical motion capture measures. Fifteen participants (five females; 25.9 ± 4.

Pacing strategies and relationships between speed and stroke parameters for elite sprint kayakers in single boats.

The study aimed to determine the pacing strategies of elite single-boat sprint kayakers, as well as the relationships between stroke parameters (stroke rate (SR) and stroke length (SL)) and kayak speed throughout the race. High-resolution split speed and stroke parameter data from men's (MK1) and women's (WK1) single-boat A- and B-finals in 2016-2017 international sprint kayak competitions were analysed. Correlation coefficients were calculated between SR-speed and SL-speed during each split for each race group.

Using principal component analysis to investigate pacing strategies in elite international canoe kayak sprint races.

The aim of this research was to use principal component analysis (PCA) to investigate the current pacing strategies of elite canoe kayak sprint athletes and to determine if there are differences in pacing patterns between medallists and non-medallists at major international competitions. Velocity data collected using global positioning systems (GPS) from all a-finals of major international competitions in 2016-2017 (including canoe and kayak, single and crew boat, and male and female) were downloaded from the International Canoe Federation's website. Data were normalised by the average velocity within each race and organised by race distance.

The Bout Cadence Method Improves the Quantification of Stepping Cadence In Free-Living Conditions.

Background: Existing analytical approaches used to measure free-living stepping cadence (steps per minute; spm) characterize stepping two-ways: 1) 60 s epochs without considering time spent stepping during the epoch (step accumulation; SA), or 2) a bout-based analysis that considers both number of steps and time spent stepping during stepping bouts (total event cadence; TEC). SA and TEC may incorrectly characterize cadence in epochs that do not consist of continuous stepping or if there are marked changes in cadence within a stepping bout, respectively.

Research Question: How does a bout-based analytical method that examines each stepping bout individually and considers within-bout changes in stepping cadence during epochs ≥120 s (Bout Cadence; BC) compare to SA and TEC?

Methods: ActivPAL™-derived data from 122 participants were analyzed (790 total days).

Reliability and Validity of a Novel Trunk-Strength Assessment for High-Performance Sprint Flat-Water Kayakers.

Purpose: To determine the reliability and validity of a novel trunk maximal isometric force assessment involving 7 different tasks with 200-m times for elite sprint flat-water kayakers.

Methods: Ten elite sprint flat-water kayakers performed a series of maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MVCs) on 2 separate days to assess reliability. MVC force was assessed as the participants sat on a modified kayak ergometer and applied their maximal isometric force to a uniaxial load cell during 7 different tasks.

Using the Portapres for the measurement of toe arterial blood pressure during movement: is it valid and reliable?

The aim of the study was to assess the validity and reliability of using the Portapres to measure toe blood pressure during rest and exercise. Construct validity, concurrent validity, and interday reliability were assessed by measuring toe (Portapres) and brachial blood pressure in 16 nondisabled participants on consecutive days. Construct validity was assessed by pedaling on a cycle ergometer (6 revolutions per minute) and comparing the measured toe blood pressure to an estimated value based on orthostatic factors.