Reliability, Familiarization Effect, and Comparisons Between a Predetermined and a Self-Determined Isometric-Squat Testing Protocol.

Purpose: This study examined the interday reliability of a predetermined and a self-determined isometric-squat test among youth soccer players. Familiarization effects were evaluated to determine the minimum number of trials necessary to obtain consistent outputs. Finally, differences between protocols were evaluated.

Change of direction frequency off the ball: new perspectives in elite youth soccer.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of change of directions (COD) and examine the influences of position, leg dominance and anthropometrics on COD in elite youth soccer match play.

Methods: Twenty-four elite male English Premier League (EPL) academy players (19.0 ± 1.

Is the Planus Foot Type Associated With First Ray Hypermobility?

Background: Many foot pathologies have been associated with foot type. However, the association of first ray hypermobility remains enigmatic. The purpose of this study was to investigate first ray hypermobility among participants with planus and rectus foot types and its influence on static measures of foot structure.

Finite Element Modeling of Planus and Rectus Foot Types for the Study of First Metatarsophalangeal and First Metatarsocuneiform Joint Contact Mechanics.

The foot is a highly complex biomechanical system for which finite element (FE) modeling has been used to evaluate its loading environment. However, there is limited knowledge of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) and first metatarsocuneiform (MTC) joint contact mechanics. Our goal was to develop a framework for FE modeling of the medial forefoot which could accurately predict experimental measurements of first MTP and first MTC joint loading.

Physiological characteristics and acute fatigue associated with position-specific speed endurance soccer drills: production vs maintenance training.

: The study aimed to compare the physiological characteristics and acute fatigue associated with position-specific speed endurance production (SEP) and maintenance (SEM) soccer drills.: Twenty male soccer players performed a position specific drill consisting of 8 exercise bouts each lasting ~30 s interspersed by 150 s (SEP) and 60 s (SEM) of passive recovery. A selection of players (n = 10) completed neuromuscular assessments pre and post drill.

Comparative Reliability of a Novel Electromechanical Device and Handheld Ruler for Measuring First Ray Mobility.

Background: Quantifying first ray mobility is crucial to understand aberrant foot biomechanics. A novel device (MAP1) that can perform measurements of first ray mobility in different weightbearing conditions, foot alignments, and normalization was tested. The reliability of these measurement techniques was assessed in comparison to a handheld ruler considered representative of the common clinical examination.

Effects of a Medial Knee Unloading Implant on Tibiofemoral Joint Mechanics During Walking.

The Atlas™ unicompartmental knee system is a second-generation extra-articular unloading implant for patients with mild to moderate medial knee osteoarthritis. The technology acts to reduce a portion of the weight-bearing load exerted on the medial knee during physical activity thereby, reducing the mechanical stress imposed on a degenerative joint. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the Atlas™ on tibiofemoral joint mechanics during walking.

Multivariate analyses of individual variation in soccer skill as a tool for talent identification and development: utilising evolutionary theory in sports science.

The development of a comprehensive protocol for quantifying soccer-specific skill could markedly improve both talent identification and development. Surprisingly, most protocols for talent identification in soccer still focus on the more generic athletic attributes of team sports, such as speed, strength, agility and endurance, rather than on a player's technical skills. We used a multivariate methodology borrowed from evolutionary analyses of adaptation to develop our quantitative assessment of individual soccer-specific skill.