Differences In Performance Variables Research Articles

Once or twice? The effect of different number of video assistant referees intervention

The Chinese Football Super League (CSL) introduced the video assistant referee (VAR) in the 2018 season, but the effect of VAR intervention has not yet been analyzed. The purpose of this study is to explore how varying frequencies of VAR interventions affect performance indicators in the CSL. VAR interventions were categorised into three groups, none (VAR0 = 198), one (VAR1 = 184) and two or more (VAR2 = 194). The performance variables included scoring-related variables (goals, shots, shots in the penalty area and penalties), attacking and passing-related variables (passes, crosses and free kicks) and defensive-related variables (tackles, fouls, yellow cards and red cards). The Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine the differences in performance variables among the different groups. The findings of these tests revealed that VAR was used in 66% of matches in the 2019–2021 season of the CSL. There were significant differences in penalties ( p < 0.01, η2 = 0.11), shots ( p < 0.05, η2 = 0.03), shots in the penalty area ( p < 0.01, η2 = 0.01), fouls ( p < 0.01,η2 = 0.02), passes ( p < 0.01,η2 = 0.05), free kicks (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.01) yellow cards ( p < 0.01, η2 = 0.02) and red cards ( p < 0.01, η2 = 0.05), but there were no significant differences in the number of goals ( p > 0.05), crosses ( p > 0.05) and tackles ( p > 0.05). Therefore, VAR intervention was frequently applied in the CSL during the 2019–2021 season, and the VAR interventions had various impacts on performance indicators.

Assessment of the Relationship Between Physical Performance and Percentage Change-of-Direction Deficit in Highly Trained Female Football Players.

Different studies indicate that female players in team sports such as soccer tend to have a lower change-of-direction (COD)deficit (CODD) than their male counterparts and that players who performed better in linear and curved sprints tended to have a worse CODD, suggesting that maximum speed does not equate to a faster COD. This study assessed how performance variables related to speed and jumping influence the variability of %CODD among adult highly trained female soccer players. Fifty-two highly trained female soccer players (age 23.1 [3.25]y; height 163.6 [5.49]cm; weight 59.7 [5.71]kg) participated in this study and performed 180COD, 40-m sprint, countermovement jump, and standing broad jump tests. Significant correlations were found between 180CODL, %CODDR, %CODDL, and between-limbs standing broad jump asymmetry (r = .28-.74). A very large correlation existed between %CODDR and %CODDL (r = .91). Regression analyses indicated a strong inverse relationship between the 10-m sprint time and %CODDR and %CODDL. No predictive models were found for 180COD in either limb. Differences in performance variables suchas 180CODR, 180CODL, and asymmetry %CODD were significant between the high- and low-%CODD groups, with moderate to large effect sizes. The present study suggests that specific physical-performance variables, particularly acceleration and unilateral horizontal jumping, are vital to improving COD in highly trained female soccer players, highlighting the need for specific training interventions.

Physiological Performance Characteristics of Male and Female Division I Cross-Country Runners

A im: This study was aimed to understand the physiological performance characteristics of cross- country runners and differences in performance variables between sexes. Methods: Twelve male and ten female cross-country runners performed a Maximal Oxygen Consumption test, Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and Ultrasound measurements of their lower limb. Results: Males had significantly higher value levels of VO2Peak (73.3±7.5 vs 62.3±4.7 ml/kg/min), Ventilation (159.0±16.3 vs 120.8±12.5 L/min), Lactate Threshold (318±13.8 vs 259±7.8 m/sec), and Lean Mass (55.5±7.32 vs 42.34±3.81 kg). Females had higher values for Echo Intensity, Body Fat Percentage (7.42±2.60 vs 14.71±2.77 %) and Body Fat (4.76±1.94 vs 7.71±1.70 kg). All other variables were similar between male and female cross-country runners. Conclusion: The difference in physiological characteristics between males and females may help explain why males have more favorable performance outcomes.

The effect of neomycin inclusion in milk replacer on the health, growth, and performance of male Holstein calves during preweaning

The prophylactic use of oral antimicrobials, such as neomycin, in milk replacer (MR) or whole milk is a common practice in calf-rearing that is thought to aid in preventing disease. Heavy reliance on antimicrobials is of concern not only because of the development of antimicrobial resistance, but also because of the potentially negative effects on health. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of neomycin on calf health and growth performance. One hundred and sixty calves (approximately 3-10 d of age), distributed across 2 experimental periods, were stratified by body weight (BW) and serum total protein, and assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: control (CON; nonmedicated MR, n = 60), short-term antibiotic (ST; neomycin mixed in MR from d 1-14, n = 50), or long-term antibiotic (LT; neomycin in ​MR from d 1-28, n = 50). Arrival BW (47.69 ± 0.87 kg) and serum total protein (5.67 ± 0.09 g/dL) were not different between treatment groups. Neomycin in ST and LT was dosed in MR at a rate of 20 mg/kg of BW and was adjusted weekly according to BW. Calf BW was measured weekly for 49 d, and health indicators (fecal score, attitude score, respiratory score, and rectal temperature), MR intake, starter intake, and the use of additional electrolytes and antimicrobials were recorded daily. Calves in the CON group experienced a higher proportion of days with diarrhea (20.32 ± 0.02%) compared with ST (14.70 ± 0.02%) or LT (13.80 ± 0.02%) calves, as well as longer bouts of diarrhea (7.45 ± 0.38 d, 5.69 ± 0.46 d, and 5.62 ± 0.45 d for CON, ST, and LT calves, respectively). Calves in the CON group also experienced higher fecal scores (score of 0.64 ± 0.04) than ST (score of 0.53 ± 0.04) or LT (score of 0.49 ± 0.04) calves, especially at d 7. However, no differences were observed in other health-related measures. The time to reach first diarrhea and first respiratory illness was not different between treatments, nor was the time to recover from respiratory illness. The time to intervention with additional electrolytes or antimicrobials was not different between treatment groups. Furthermore, growth performance, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were not different. No differences were found when comparing ST and LT, except in the defined daily dose of total antimicrobials received. Calves in the LT group received a higher overall dose than ST calves, and both ST and LT calves received a higher dose than CON calves, which received no prophylactic antimicrobials. Given that there were no differences in performance variables and no additional health benefits aside from reduced fecal scores in calves fed neomycin, current practices involving the use of antimicrobials on dairy and veal operations need to be considered more prudently.

The single-leg vertical hop provides unique asymmetry information in individuals after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BackgroundTraditional testing to identify asymmetries after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction include four similar horizontal hopping tests. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single-leg vertical hopping test can identify performance and biomechanical asymmetries, and whether performance asymmetries provide unique information compared to traditional tests. MethodsTwelve women with history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction [age: 21.1 years (SD 3.2), height: 165.8 cm (SD 6.0), mass: 68.3 kg (SD 8.8)] completed traditional horizontal hop testing. Participants also performed a single-leg vertical hop for maximal height while instrumented for three-dimensional motion analysis. Paired t-tests were performed to identify side-to-side differences in performance variables and Spearman's rank correlations were performed of limb symmetry indices to identify whether the single-leg vertical hop test provides unique information. Repeated measures MANOVAs were performed to identify single-leg vertical hop biomechanical asymmetries. FindingsParticipants exhibited significant side-to-side performance differences during the single-leg vertical hop [mean difference = 0.02 m (SD 0.03), P = .04]. Only weak to moderate relationships were identified between limb symmetry indices of the single-leg vertical hop and other horizontal hopping tests. The vertical hop elicited significant asymmetries of joint kinematics (P = .04) and angular impulse (P = .04). Specifically, the involved limb showed lower peak ankle dorsiflexion (P = .004) and knee abduction (P = .02) angles, lower sagittal plane impulse at the knee (P = .02) and greater sagittal plane impulse at the hip (P = .03). InterpretationThe single-leg vertical hop can identify performance and biomechanical asymmetries in individuals after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, potentially providing complementary information to standard horizontal hopping tests.

Comparison Of Age, Gender, And Sport On Performance Of Stability Test In Senior Participants

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was threefold: to observe the differences in performance variables of the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance in active elderly participants and to compare results by age (50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+), sports (aerobic, basketball, golf, tennis, volleyball, and none), and gender. METHODS: Anlayses were based on a sample of 525 World Senior Games attendees who were age 50 and over. Data were obtained from voluntary participation in balance and mobility screening as part of the health fair offered to all participants at the annual Hunstman World Senior Games. Of the 525 participants tested, 383 were participants in at least one sporting event at the games and 142 were non-participants. All modified CTSIB were performed on the NeuroCom Balance Master. The measured variables (center of gravity sway (degrees/sec)) were; firm surface with eyes open, firm surface with eyes closed, foam surface with eyes open, and foam surface with eyes closed. RESUTS: All data were analysed using SAS, version 9.4. An initial analysis of gender and age category was performed. A final model was run with the significant variables from the initial analysis plus sports category. Post hoc Tukey pairwise comparisons were also performed. A significant difference ∗(p<0.0001) was found between stratified age groups in all balance test variables. No significant differences were found between gender nor sports categories for the 4 balance variables.CONCLUSION: While balance sway significantly increases with age in all 4 variables, they remain similar when comparing between gender and sports. This test may not be sensitive enough to detect differences between sports in our participants. Also, our participants are probably too active to detect differences in the variables tested regardless of sports category. Further research is needed to better differentiate between active and non-active individuals and performance on the modified CTSIB.

Relationship Between Sleep Quantity And Quality And Performance Variables In Female Collegiate Soccer Players.

Support for sport-specific benefits of sleep quantity and quality are limited, particularly in female collegiate athletes. PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between sleep quantity and quality and soccer-specific performance variables in an elite group of female soccer players. METHODS: Eight NCAA college-aged competitive Division I women’s soccer players (18-23 yrs) participated in the study. Global Positioning Systems (GPS), heart rate monitoring, and video analysis technologies were used during four matches along with 24-hour actigraphy; actigraphy was also used to measure sleep quantity and quality. The night prior to the match was used for data analyses of sleep quantity and quality. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was utilized to determine whether the vectors of the means in groups of variables were significant. Paired t-tests were used to analyze if differences in variables of performance existed after the “best” and “worst” nights of sleep for quantity and quality. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean sleep quantity and quality for the “best” (575.0 ± 38.4 minutes, 91.9 ± 2.6% of time in bed spent sleeping) and “worst” (416 ± 57.6 minutes, 76.2 ± 12.1% of time in bed spent sleeping) nights were significantly different. The MANOVAs were not significantly different for the physiological and physical variables for quantity and quality of sleep. No differences in performance variables were observed after “best” and “worst” quantity sleep matches. However, percent time spent exercising above 85% of the maximal heart rate (HRmax) was significantly lower after the “best” quality night of sleep (30.2 ± 13.5 vs. 47.9 ± 24.3%), even though overall heart rate exertion was higher after the “best” night of sleep (518.5 ± 193.1 vs. 387.6 ± 148.9 AU). High metabolic load distance (distance running at speeds greater than 19 km/hr) and distance accelerating or decelerating quickly (>2 m/s2) was lower (11.8 ± 3.6 vs. 16.3 ± 6.0 yds/min) and the number of decelerations was higher after the “best” quality night (69.7 ± 28.1 vs. 50.6 ± 25.9). CONCLUSION: While quantity of sleep did not influence performance related outcomes, quality of sleep may be important for reducing the time spent exercising > 85% HRmax and reducing incidence of high orthopedic stresses.

Comparison of Calf Only External Pneumatic Compression and Compression Socks on Performance Characteristics in Counter Movement Jump

PURPOSETo identify the recovery effect of calf only external pneumatic compression (EPC) compared to a commercially available compression sock (CS) on markers of jump performance following a muscle damaging protocol.METHODS19 healthy active male participants (23.5 ± 3.2 yr, 181.3 ± 9.1 cm, 88.1 ± 10.1 kg) completed four testing sessions (pre, post, 24 hr, 48 hr) consisting of: visual analog scales (VAS) to assess perceived soreness and fatigue, three counter movement jumps (CMJ) and three squat jumps (SJ) via force plates (Hawkin Dynamics). After participants finished pre assessments they completed 100 drop jumps (0.6 m) followed by a randomized 30 min single treatment session of either EPC (110 mmHg) n=9 or CS (20–30 mmHg) n=10.RESULTSNo differences were found between groups for body composition (18.7 ± 2.8 % Body Fat, 61.8 ± 8.8 kg Fat Free Mass, 14.7 ± 2.8 kg Fat Mass). VAS soreness linearly increased regardless of group (p&lt;0.001). Within EPC and CS 24 hr soreness was higher than pre, post, 30 min post (p&lt;0.05); 48 hr was higher than pre and 30 min post (p&lt;0.05); and post was higher than pre (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, CS soreness at 48 hr was higher than post (p&lt;0.05). VAS fatigue changed over time regardless of group (p&lt;0.001). Within EPC post fatigue was higher than pre, 30 min post, 24 hr, and 48 hr (p&lt;0.05); 24 hr was higher than pre, post, and 48 hr (p&lt;0.05); 30 min post and 48 hr was higher than pre and post (p&lt;0.05). CS post fatigue was higher than pre and 30 min post (p&lt;0.05); 30 min post was higher than pre (p&lt;0.05); and 24 and 48 hr were higher than pre (p&lt;0.05). VAS fatigue was trending (p=0.055) towards being higher in CS compared to EPC regardless of time. For CMJ, CS peak braking force and relative peak braking force linearly declined over time (p&lt;0.001), and peak braking force was highest at pre compared to post, 24 hr and 48 hr (p&lt;0.05). For CMJ, CS relative peak braking force was highest at pre compared to post, 24 hr, 48 hr (p&lt;0.01) and post was higher than 48 hr (p=0.025). For CMJ, CS braking phase linearly increased over time (p&lt;0.001), and was higher at 24 hr and 48 hr compared to pre and post (p&lt;0.05). For CMJ, CS braking rate of force development (RFD) linearly declined over time (p&lt;0.001), and was highest at pre compared to 24 hr and 48 hr (p&lt;0.01). No differences in performance variables were found for SJ.CONCLUSIONIt appears that the drop jump protocol was successful at eliciting muscle soreness and fatigue in our participants. Additionally, these aforementioned variables seemed to effect participants in the CS group because they were unable to maintain braking force and peak braking RFD, and took longer to complete the braking phase. These results were not seen in the EPC group as they were able to maintain consistent performance in these measures. Therefore, it appears a single 30 min calf only EPC treatment may help maintain consistent breaking force and braking RFD within a CMJ when following strenuous or damaging exercise bouts.Support or Funding InformationFunding was provided to P.W.M by MAS Holdings (Colombo, Sri Lanka).

Race performance following epiglottic entrapment surgery in Thoroughbred yearlings.

Epiglottic entrapment can occur in yearling Thoroughbreds (TB); however, race performance following surgical correction is unknown. To determine the race performance of horses treated surgically for epiglottic entrapment as yearlings as compared to an untreated cohort. A second objective was to identify risk factors for treated horses not racing post-operatively. Retrospective cohort and case-control studies. Medical (1989-2014) and race records of 66 treated TB racehorses were reviewed. Observed abnormalities on pre- and post-operative endoscopic images and surgical method were recorded. Race records (EquineLine) were recorded. Racing performance of treated yearling TBs and two of their maternal half-siblings, which were used as the untreated cohort, was evaluated in a cohort study. A case-control study was used to investigate risk factors for not racing post-operatively among treated horses. Quarterly starts and earnings were compared to an untreated cohort. Survival analysis was used to assess career longevity. Rates of racing and earnings were compared between groups using Poisson and negative binomial regression respectively. Associations between clinical variables and not racing post-surgery were evaluated using logistic regression. Sixty-six treated horses were identified, 65 of which had at least one half-sibling. Proportions of horses that raced were similar for treated and maternal cohorts (70.0 vs. 70.8%, P=0.9). Treated horses performed similarly to untreated horses. In treated horses, epiglottic entrapment with abnormal right arytenoid movement was associated with never racing (OR 15.40, 95% CI 1.64-144.23, P=0.02). More females were affected by epiglottic entrapment than males (47/66 vs. 19/66 respectively, P<0.001). The retrospective design over a prolonged period of time with cases obtained from a single hospital population. Low case numbers likely influenced the outcome of the multivariable analysis. Thoroughbred racehorses treated in their yearling year for epiglottic entrapment had no differences in performance variables compared to their untreated cohort. Epiglottic entrapment with abnormal right arytenoid movement might decrease odds of racing post-operatively.

Assistive robotic arm: Evaluation of the performance of intelligent algorithms

ABSTRACT People with upper body disabilities may be limited in their activities of daily living. Robotic arms, such as JACO, are assistive devices that could improve their abilities, independent living, and social participation. However, performing complex tasks with JACO can be time-consuming or tedious. Therefore, some advanced functionalities have been developed to enhance the performance of users. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the performance, in terms of ease of use, task completion time, and participants’ perception of usability, of three new algorithms applied to the JACO robotic arm: (1) predefined position, (2) fluidity filter, and (3) drinking mode. The secondary objective is to evaluate differences in performance variables between proportional and non-proportional control modes. Fourteen participants with upper body disabilities completed various tasks with and without these functionalities. Using JACO with the algorithms led to a significant decrease of up to 72% in task completion time and improvements of 2.3 and 2.9 on a 7-point Likert scale for perceived ease of use and usability, respectively. There was no significant difference between control modes. Our results demonstrate that algorithms could produce significant improvements in performing daily living activities.

국내 영화의 지식기반자원과 구전효과에 대한 연구

The film works are made through the hands of human resources from the planning stage to the presentation of the products, and the proportion of the workforce is high, and their impacts on the performance is great. Also, consumers go through information search before choosing a movie. The information delivered to consumers includes both objective information and subjective information. The film, which is an emotional consumer, has a greater sense of confidence in word of mouth information and influences choice. The film industry is a representative knowledge-based industry, and the importance of human resources is high. As a product of experience, various types of word of mouth are used to determine the characteristics of the film industry.BR The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between the performance factors and film strategic groups. Therefore, the group characteristics were divided into knowledge-based view(KBV) and word-of-mouth(WOM) variables, and each movie was classified by 4 types through cluster analysis, and then statistically verified whether there were differences in performance variables (sales, audience number, screening share).BR As a result of analysis, it was found that movies with higher KBV, and WOM have a higher share of screening, audience, and sales than films with pure KBV or pure WOM types. Also, it was confirmed that the word of mouth effect is more important factor in the box office than the knowledge base resource.

The effects of individualized resistance training volumeby heart rate variability in collegiate football players

Objectives: We sought to determine if individualized programming by heart rate variability (HRV), improves resistance training outcomes in American football players. Design and Methods: Twenty-seven National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCA) Division II American football players (age 19.03 ± .98 y, height 185.50 ± 5.30 cm, body mass 100.59 ± 18.57 kg) were divided into an experimental (HVG) group (n = 11), and a control (CON, n = 16). Subjects completed 5-weeks of 3 d·wk ‒1 periodized resistance training during the offseason. The HVG monitored HRV on mornings before training, and their training volume was adjusted by their HRV. Specifically, on training days when HRV indicated that a subject was fatigued, the subject performed half of the originally planned repetitions for the training day. CON performed assigned workouts with no alterations. Performance was assessed via 1RM bench press (BP), power clean (PC), back squat (BS), and vertical jump (VJ) between groups using a 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The HVG had an average of 4 ± 1.51 days modified over the 5 wks, but volume load lifted was similar (p = 0.955) between groups. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant increases in BP (time effect p < .001), BS (time effect p < 0.001), PC (time effect p = 0.002), and VJ (time effect p = 0.042) for both HVG and CON. There were no significant betweengroup differences in performance variables. The group × time interaction for PC (p = 0.087) trended towards a significantly greater increase in HVG (+ 8.6%) vs. CON (+ 2.6%). Conclusions: Periodized training can improve performance without monitoring HRV, but it may have an advantageous effect for highly technical movements such as the PC.

Intraindividual Cognitive Variability: An Examination of ANAM4 TBI-MIL Simple Reaction Time Data from Service Members with and without Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

The Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics 4 TBI-MIL (ANAM4) is a computerized cognitive test often used in post-concussion assessments with U.S. service members (SMs). However, existing evidence remains mixed regarding ANAM4's ability to identify cognitive issues following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Studies typically examine ANAM4 using standardized scores and/ or comparisons to a baseline. A more fine-grained approach involves examining inconsistency within an individual's performance (i.e., intraindividual variability). Data from 237 healthy control SMs and 105 SMs within seven days of mTBI who took the ANAM4 were included in analyses. Using each individual's raw scores on a simple reaction time (RT) subtest (SRT1) that is repeated at the end of the battery (SRT2), we calculated mean raw RT and the intraindividual standard deviation (ISD) of trial-by-trial RT. Analyses investigated differences between groups in mean RT, RT variability (i.e., ISD), and change in ISD from SRT1 and SRT2. Using regression residuals to control for demographic variables, analysis of variance, and pairwise comparisons revealed the control group had faster mean RT and smaller ISD compared to the mTBI group. Furthermore, the mTBI group had a significant increase in ISD from SRT1 to SRT2, with effect sizes exceeding the minimum practical effect for comparisons of ISD in SRT2 and change in ISD from SRT1 to SRT2. While inconsistencies in performance are often viewed as test error, the results suggest intraindividual cognitive variability may be more sensitive than traditional metrics in detecting changes in cognitive function after mTBI. Additionally, the findings highlight the utility of the ANAM4's repeating a RT subtest at two points in the same session for exploring within-subject differences in performance variability. (JINS, 2018, 24, 156-162).

Impact of colic surgery on return to function in racing Thoroughbreds: 59 cases (1996–2009)

To determine the effect of colic surgery on return to function in Thoroughbred racehorses, identify clinical variables associated with successful return to racing, and compare racing performance between horses undergoing colic surgery and an untreated cohort. Retrospective cohort study. 59 Thoroughbred racehorses 2 to 5 years of age that underwent colic surgery and survived to hospital discharge and 90 untreated Thoroughbred racehorses equivalent in class. Medical records of patients evaluated for colic between January 1996 and July 2009 were reviewed, and horses with a Jockey Club Information Systems record were included. Physical examination and laboratory findings on hospital admission, lesion location and type, duration of surgery, duration of hospitalization, and any postoperative complications were recorded. The untreated cohort comprised 2 untreated horses randomly selected from runners in each treated horse's last race immediately prior to the date of colic surgery. Records were obtained from the Jockey Club Information Systems in April 2011. Only horses that raced at least once before and after surgery were included in the performance analysis. Number of starts, earnings per start, and total earnings were determined from race records for all horses. Quarterly earnings and number of starts for 12 quarters following the date of surgery were compared between treated and untreated horses via a Wilcoxon rank sum test. Longevity of racing was assessed by means of survival analysis. Poisson regression was used to compare rates of return to racing and active quarters aggregated across the first 12 quarters after surgery and for the available follow-up period for treated and untreated horses. 45 of 59 (76%) horses that raced prior to surgery returned to racing. Return to racing was significantly associated with admission heart rate and blood lactate concentration. From quarters 3 to 12, treated and untreated horses had slight differences in the number of starts but no difference in earnings per quarter. Treated and untreated horses had no difference in total number of quarters raced, number of starts, or earnings after surgery. Treated horses had higher earnings per start, compared with untreated horses. In the present study, racing Thoroughbreds that underwent colic surgery and successfully returned to racing had no differences in performance variables, compared with their untreated cohorts.

The Effect of Displaced Versus Nondisplaced Pelvic Fractures on Long‐Term Racing Performance in 31 Thoroughbred Racehorses

AimsTo evaluate the long‐term racing prognosis for Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced vs. nondisplaced fractures of the pelvis, identified scintigraphically.MethodsMedical records of 31 Thoroughbred racehorses presenting to the University of Melbourne Equine Centre, that had fractures of the pelvis identified scintigraphically were reviewed. Pelvic fracture site was determined and defined as displaced or nondisplaced based on ultrasound and/or radiographic findings. Race records were analysed for each horse, with a minimum of 24 months follow‐up, and correlated to fracture type to determine long‐term prognosis for racing. Results are expressed as median and range.ResultsFractures at a single site were more common (n = 22) than fractures involving 2 sites (n = 9) and the ilial wing was the most commonly affected (n = 12). Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced pelvic fractures at any site (n = 12) raced fewer times within 24 months of diagnosis than horses with nondisplaced fractures (n = 19) (0.5, 0–13, vs. 7, 0–24, P = 0.037) but there was no clear statistical difference in race earnings between the 2 groups (0, 0–123,250, vs. 14,440, 0–325,500, P = 0.080). Four horses with displaced fractures (33%) were subjected to euthanasia on humane grounds due to persistent severe pain. When these were excluded from the analysis there were no differences in performance variables between horses with displaced and nondisplaced fractures.Conclusions and practical significanceThoroughbred racehorses with displaced and nondisplaced pelvic fractures that survive the initial post injury period have a good prognosis for racing.Ethical animal researchAll owners consented to use of horse details within this retrospective analysis. Sources of funding: University of Melbourne Equine Centre. Conflicts of interest: None.

A performance comparison of current HPC systems: Blue Gene/Q, Cray XE6 and InfiniBand systems

We present here a performance analysis of three of current architectures that have become commonplace in the High Performance Computing world. Blue Gene/Q is the third generation of systems from IBM that use modestly performing cores but at large-scale in order to achieve high performance. The XE6 is the latest in a long line of Cray systems that use a 3-D topology but the first to use its Gemini interconnection network. InfiniBand provides the flexibility of using compute nodes from many vendors that can be connected in many possible topologies. The performance characteristics of each vary vastly, and the way in which nodes are allocated in each type of system can significantly impact on achieved performance. In this work we compare these three systems using a combination of micro-benchmarks and a set of production applications. In addition we also examine the differences in performance variability observed on each system and quantify the lost performance using a combination of both empirical measurements and performance models. Our results show that significant performance can be lost in normal production operation of the Cray XE6 and InfiniBand Clusters in comparison to Blue Gene/Q.

Effect of displaced versus non‐displaced pelvic fractures on long‐term racing performance in 31Thoroughbred racehorses

To evaluate the long-term racing prognosis for Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced versus non-displaced fractures of the pelvis identified by scintigraphy. Retrospective case analysis. Medical records of 31 Thoroughbred racehorses presenting to the University of Melbourne Equine Centre with fractures of the pelvis that were identified by scintigraphy were reviewed. Pelvic fracture site was determined and defined as displaced or non-displaced based on ultrasound and/or radiographic findings. Race records were analysed for each horse, with a minimum of 24 months' follow-up, and correlated with fracture type to determine long-term prognosis for racing. Results are expressed as median and range. Fractures at a single site were more common (n = 22) than fractures involving two sites (n = 9) and the ilial wing was the most commonly affected (n = 12). Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced pelvic fractures at any site (n = 12) raced fewer times within 24 months of diagnosis than horses with non-displaced fractures (n = 19) (median 0.5, range 0-13 vs 7, 0-24; P = 0.037), but there was no clear statistical difference in race earnings between the two groups (median A$0, range A$0-$123,250 vs A$14,440, A$0-$325,500, respectively; P = 0.080). Four horses with displaced fractures (33%) were euthanased on humane grounds because of persistent severe pain. When these horses were excluded from the analysis, there were no differences in performance variables between horses with a displaced or non-displaced pelvic fracture. Thoroughbred racehorses with a displaced or non-displaced pelvic fracture that survive the initial post-injury period have a good prognosis for racing.

Management and assessment of prognosis aftergastrocnemiusdisruption in Thoroughbred foals: 28 cases (1993–2007)

Few studies have evaluated the athletic prognosis of foals affected by gastrocnemius disruption. To examine the diagnosis and management of gastrocnemius disruption in Thoroughbred (TB) foals, determine short-term survival rate and assess future racing performance. The hypothesis was that Thoroughbred foals with gastrocnemius disruption are able to perform as racehorses comparably to their age matched maternal siblings. The medical records of foals diagnosed with gastrocnemius muscle disruption were reviewed. Information on training and racing was acquired from published works and race records. Paired t tests were utilised to compare performance variables of affected racehorses to their maternal siblings in starts, earnings and earnings/start for their 2- and 3-year-old racing seasons. Fisher's exact tests were employed to determine the association between sex, limb affected, age on admission, degree of caudal reciprocal apparatus dysfunction, concurrent disease, antibiotic therapy, complications, abscess formation and likelihood of entering training or starting a race. Sample size was too small to detect significant differences in performance variables between affected horses and controls. Of 28 foals, 17 (61%) presented with concomitant illness; foals without concurrent disease were more likely to achieve race training or start a race (P = 0.04); 23 (82%) were short-term survivors defined as survival to discharge. Of these 23 survivors, 7 were aged <2 years at the time of the study. Eighty-one percent (13/16) of the survivors that were of racing age were in training or had started a race. In this population, 82% of TB foals affected with gastrocnemius disruption were able to achieve training or start a race. Foals presenting for gastrocnemius disruption have a high prevalence of concurrent disease processes. The assessment of athletic prognosis and treatment complications provides useful information to clinicians treating gastrocnemius muscle disruption in foals and making recommendations to clientele.

RELATIONSHIP OF JUMPING AND AGILITY PERFORMANCE IN FEMALE VOLLEYBALL ATHLETES

Court sports often require more frequent changes of direction (COD) than field sports. Most court sports require 180= turns over a small distance, so COD in such sports might be best evaluated with an agility test involving short sprints and sharp turns. The purposes of this study were to (a) quantify vertical and horizontal force during a COD task, (b) identify possible predictors of court-sport–specific agility performance, and (c) examine performance difference between National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, and III athletes. Twenty-nine collegiate female volleyball players completed a novel agility test, countermovement (CM) and drop jump tests, and an isometric leg extensor test. The number of athletes by division was as follows: I (n = 9), II (n = 11), and III (n = 9). The agility test consisted of 4 5-meter sprints with 3 180= turns, including 1 on a multiaxial force platform so that the kinetic properties of the COD could be identified. One-way analysis of variance revealed that Division I athletes had significantly greater countermovement jump heights than Division III, and the effect size comparisons (Cohen's d) showed large-magnitude differences between Division I and both Divisions II and III for jump height. No other differences in performance variables were noted between divisions, although effect sizes reached moderate values for some comparisons. Regression analysis revealed that CM displacement was a significant predictor of agility performance, explaining approximately 34% of the variance. Vertical force was found to account for much of the total force exerted during the contact phase of the COD task, suggesting that performance in the vertical domain may limit the COD task used herein. This study indicates that individuals with greater CM performance also have quicker agility times and suggests that training predominantly in the vertical domain may also yield improvements in certain types of agility performance. This may hold true even if such agility performance requires a horizontal component.

Relationship of Jumping and Agility Performance in Female Volleyball Athletes

Court sports often require more frequent changes of direction (COD) than field sports. Most court sports require 180 degrees turns over a small distance, so COD in such sports might be best evaluated with an agility test involving short sprints and sharp turns. The purposes of this study were to (a) quantify vertical and horizontal force during a COD task, (b) identify possible predictors of court-sport-specific agility performance, and (c) examine performance difference between National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, and III athletes. Twenty-nine collegiate female volleyball players completed a novel agility test, countermovement (CM) and drop jump tests, and an isometric leg extensor test. The number of athletes by division was as follows: I (n = 9), II (n = 11), and III (n = 9). The agility test consisted of 4 5-meter sprints with 3 180 degrees turns, including 1 on a multiaxial force platform so that the kinetic properties of the COD could be identified. One-way analysis of variance revealed that Division I athletes had significantly greater countermovement jump heights than Division III, and the effect size comparisons (Cohen's d) showed large-magnitude differences between Division I and both Divisions II and III for jump height. No other differences in performance variables were noted between divisions, although effect sizes reached moderate values for some comparisons. Regression analysis revealed that CM displacement was a significant predictor of agility performance, explaining approximately 34% of the variance. Vertical force was found to account for much of the total force exerted during the contact phase of the COD task, suggesting that performance in the vertical domain may limit the COD task used herein. This study indicates that individuals with greater CM performance also have quicker agility times and suggests that training predominantly in the vertical domain may also yield improvements in certain types of agility performance. This may hold true even if such agility performance requires a horizontal component.