Functional Performance Tests Research Articles

Patient-Reported Outcomes and Perceived Confidence Measures in Athletes With a History of Ankle Sprain.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) and functional performance tests are recommended in the National Athletic Trainers' Association's position statement on the prevention and management of ankle sprains during the return-to-play process. Evaluating perceived confidence may be another valuable method to evaluate an athlete's readiness to return-to-play following an ankle sprain. To evaluate the relationship between PROs and perceived confidence when performing functional performance tasks in high school athletes with a history of ankle sprain. Descriptive study. Public high school. A total of 25 high school student-athletes (6 males and 19 females, age 16.2 [1.1]y, height 169.3 [7.7]cm, mass 63.2 [9.8]kg). None. The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Identification of Functional Ankle Instability, and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 were completed by all participants. Participants then completed the weight-bearing lunge test; star excursion balance test; lateral, up-down, and triple hop tests; the single-leg vertical jump; and Southeast Missouri agility test and were asked to report their confidence in completing each task using a VAS with anchors of "no confidence" and "complete confidence." Pearson r correlations were calculated between the PROs and the confidence VAS scores of the functional tests. Moderate to strong negative correlations were identified between pain VAS measures and confidence VAS measures for all functional tests except the star excursion balance test and vertical jump. Moderate negative correlations were found between Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 scores and perceived confidence during the star excursion balance test and vertical jump. Finally, a moderate positive correlation was identified between Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool scores and perceived confidence measures during the Southeast Missouri agility test. High school athletes with a history of ankle sprain demonstrated significant correlations between several PROs and perceived confidence during various functional performance tests. The value of perceived confidence measures when making return-to-play decisions after ankle sprains warrants further investigation.

Predictors of Incident Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

ObjectivesFear of falling (FoF) is common in older people and may lead to physical decline, disability, poor quality of life, and falls. Several risk factors for FoF have been identified in cross-sectional studies, but evidence on predictors of its incidence is scarce. We investigated the latter in community-dwelling older people undergoing a comprehensive geriatric assessment at baseline and after a 2-year follow-up. DesignLongitudinal study. Setting and ParticipantsConvenience sample of community-dwelling people aged ≥60 years evaluated in an Irish university hospital. MethodsParticipants were evaluated at baseline (August 2007–May 2009) and after a 2-year follow-up. FoF was measured using the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale. Predictors of incident FoF at 2 years were investigated. ResultsAt baseline, there were 563 participants (69% female, mean age 73 years). Among individuals that were not fearful at baseline, 105 (18.7%) developed FoF (incident FoF) after a median follow-up of 2.1 years. Individuals reporting incident FoF were older at baseline (P < .001), had worse performance in balance and physical function tests, and more frequently needed a walking aid (P < .001). Anxiety (P = .012) and depressive symptoms (P < .001) were more prevalent, as well as self-reported previous falls (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, older age, walking aid use, and a higher burden of depressive symptoms at baseline were predictors of incident FoF. Conclusions and ImplicationsAlmost a fifth of older adults using a walking aid and reporting depressive symptoms at baseline developed FoF after 2 years. These identifiable prodromal factors could help design FoF prevention strategies.

Assessment and application of the Bunkie test in college students

IntroductionThe ‘Bunkie test’ is a functional performance test consisting of five different plank positions held bilaterally. No current literature has established appropriate rest intervals for in-between plank positions nor termination criteria. PurposeThe current study examined rest interval duration and test termination criteria for the Bunkie test. MethodsForty college students participated in the study, completing three Bunkie test sessions separated by at least 48 h. Positions included the anterior power line (APL), lateral stabilizing line (LSL), posterior power line (PPL), posterior stabilizing line (PSL), and medial stabilizing line (MSL). Positions were held for as long as possible with proper form. Each session utilized a different rest interval of either 30s, 1min, or 2min between each of the plank positions. ResultsA repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences bilaterally among rest intervals for APL (p = .009; p = .001) whereas, no significant differences (p < .05) were observed for PPL. LSL and MSL and PSL had significant differences among rest intervals on one side (LSL left, p = .002; MSL right, p = .006; PSL right p=.005)). Post hoc analysis with a Bonferroni adjustment revealed less variability among times between the 1min and 2min rest intervals between plank positions. ConclusionsThe current study revealed that utilizing a shorter rest interval time frame (30s) appears to create greater variability in performance outcomes. Since no differences were found between using a 1min or 2min rest interval for both the final hold times and tension times, a rest interval of at least 1min will allow for more dependable data.

Modification and performance test of fish and keumamah dryer with solar energy sources

This present study aimed to modify and test the performance of fish dryer tunnel type. The size of the dryer will be reduced from its original size to 3 m x 2 m, which is adjusted to the volume of salted fish production in the local industry. Some modifications are also made according to the availability of materials on the market and also consider the drying time more effectively. To achieve the purpose, several procedures were performed: structural and functional design, drawings, assembly, and performance tests. Moreover, data analysis was carried out to measure optimum working capacity of the dryer. Obtained data from artificial dryer were compared with conventional drying. The results showed that natural convective drying required at least five and seven days for keumamah salted fish drying respectively. In contrast, forced convective drying by means of modified tunnel dryer shortened the drying period to three and five days for keumamah and salted fish respectively. Furthermore, the optimum loading capacity of the modified tunnel dryer is 30 kg of fish and required days of drying period.

Design, development, and scientific performance of the Raman Laser Spectrometer EQM on the 2020 ExoMars (ESA) Mission

AbstractThe Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) is one of the three Pasteur Payload instruments located within the rover analytical laboratory drawer (ALD), for ESA's Aurora exploration programme, ExoMars 2020 mission. The instrument will analyse the crushed surface and subsurface samples that are positioned below the Raman optical head by the ALD carousel.The RLS engineering and qualification model (EQM) was delivered to ESA at the end of 2017, after a wide technical and scientific test characterization campaign. The scientific campaign comprised instrument calibration and detailed evaluation of the scientific requirements and overall performance. For spectral calibration, continuous emission standard lamps (such as Hg‐Ar, Ne, and Xe) were utilized, as well as Raman spectra of pure liquids typically used as standards (cyclohexane and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)). In addition, Raman spectra of the RLS calibration target (CT), a small disc of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were obtained at various temperatures. This target, placed inside the rover, will be used for both Instrument health checks and calibration activities throughout Mars operations. For the scientific requirements and performance evaluations, several liquid and solid samples were analysed under a wide range of ambient conditions. The obtained spectral band parameters (peak position, relative peak intensity, peak width, and peak profile) were evaluated. Also, the instrument response (in terms of SNR) was characterized at different integration times and detector operating temperatures. In this paper, we provide a description of the development, verification, functional test, and overall scientific performance of the RLS instrument developed for ExoMars. Particular attention is placed on the performance of the EQM, which is the most representative instrument, in terms of engineering and functionality, of the flight model (FM) and in addition is used for performing all the mechanical, thermal, and radiation tests necessary for space qualification (for planetary applications). The data presented and analysed here, comprise part of the overall dataset obtained during the full instrument characterization campaign conducted at INTA before and during delivery and integration of the EQM in the rover ALD at TAS‐I facilities (Torino, Italy). The results obtained confirm that the full functionality and scientific performance of the RLS instrument was maintained after integration.

Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia: Mechanisms and Laboratory Diagnostics.

Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a decreased number of platelets in peripheral blood, which can be caused by a myriad of both congenital and acquired disorders. Drug-induced thrombocytopenia (DIT) deserves a special focus since its cumulative incidence can be as high as 10 cases per million population per year, with a prevalence of approximately 25% in critically ill patients. This condition is usually suspected following identification of an acute and severe decrease in platelet count, with values usually < 50 ×109/L, thus potentially exposing patients to an increased risk of developing spontaneous hemorrhages. Conversely, however, some drug-related thrombocytopenias are instead (and perhaps counterintuitively) associated with increased thrombosis risk. Although a vast number of drugs have been implicated in DIT, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms are essentially bifold, encompassing reduced platelet production due to bone marrow suppression (thus insufficient maturation or inefficient expansion of megakaryocytes, impaired release of platelets, or accelerated platelet apoptosis) or accelerated clearance of platelets from the circulation. This second form of DIT can be sustained by nonimmune, immune-mediated, or autoimmune mechanisms. An early and accurate diagnosis of DIT, which is crucial for reversing an otherwise unfavorable clinical outcome, is essentially based on the complete blood cell count, blood smear analysis, and performance of specific functional or immunochemical tests aimed at demonstrating the presence of antiplatelet antibodies.

Effect of a Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Training on Joint Biomarkers and Functional Adaptations in Rats Subjected to Induced Knee Osteoarthritis.

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (kOA) is a common chronic disease that induces changes in redox status and inflammatory biomarkers, cell death, and motor impairment. Aerobic training can be a non-pharmacological alternative to prevent the progression of the disease.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of an 8 weeks moderate-intensity treadmill aerobic training program on redox status and inflammatory biomarkers and motor performance in kOA-like changes induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) in rats.MethodsTwenty-seven rats were randomly divided into three groups: SHAM; induced kOA (OA); and induced kOA + aerobic training (OAE). Motor performance was evaluated by the number of falls on rotarod test, the total time of displacement and the number of failures on a 100 cm footbridge. Data for cytokines and histology were investigated locally, whereas plasma was used for redox status biomarkers.ResultsThe OA group, compared to the SHAM group, increased 1.13 times the total time of displacement, 6.05 times the number of failures, 2.40 times the number of falls. There was also an increase in cytokine and in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (IL1β: 5.55-fold, TNF: 2.84-fold, IL10: 1.27-fold, IL6: 1.50-fold, TBARS: 1.14-fold), and a reduction of 6.83% in the total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), and of 35% in the number of chondrocytes. The aerobic training improved the motor performance in all joint function tests matching to SHAM scores. Also, it reduced inflammatory biomarkers and TBARS level at values close to those of the SHAM group, with no change in FRAP level. The number of falls was explained by IL1β and TNF (58%), and the number of failures and the total time of displacement were also explained by TNF (29 and 21%, respectively).ConclusionAll findings indicate the efficacy of moderate-intensity aerobic training to regulate inflammatory biomarkers associated with improved motor performance in induced kOA-like changes, thus preventing the loss of chondrocytes.

The relation between education levels and performance in group version cognitive function tests in older adults.

The relation between education levels and performance in group version cognitive function tests in older adults.

Quantum Chemical Methods for Modeling Covalent Modification of Biological Thiols.

Targeted covalent inhibitor drugs require computational methods that go beyond simple molecular-mechanical force fields in order to model the chemical reactions that occur when they bind to their targets. Here, several semiempirical and density-functional theory (DFT) methods are assessed for their ability to describe the potential energy surface and reaction energies of the covalent modification of a thiol by an electrophile. Functionals such as PBE and B3LYP fail to predict a stable enolate intermediate. This is largely due to delocalization error, which spuriously stabilizes the prereaction complex, in which excess electron density is transferred from the thiolate to the electrophile. Functionals with a high-exact exchange component, range-separated DFT functionals, and variationally optimized exact exchange (i.e., the LC-B05minV functional) correct this issue to various degrees. The large gradient behavior of the exchange enhancement factor is also found to significantly affect the results, leading to the improved performance of PBE0. While ωB97X-D and M06-2X were reasonably accurate, no method provided quantitative accuracy for all three electrophiles, making this a very strenuous test of functional performance. Additionally, one drawback of M06-2X was that molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using this functional were only stable if a fine integration grid was used. The low-cost semiempirical methods, PM3, AM1, and PM7, provide a qualitatively correct description of the reaction mechanism, although the energetics is not quantitatively reliable. As a proof of concept, the potential of mean force for the addition of methylthiolate to methylvinyl ketone was calculated using quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical MD in an explicit polarizable aqueous solvent. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Patients with schizophrenia have impaired muscle force-generating capacity and functional performance.

Patients with schizophrenia have impaired physical health. However, evidence of how skeletal muscle force-generating capacity (FGC), a key component of functional performance, may contribute to the impairment is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the patient groups' skeletal muscle FGC and its association with functional performance. Leg-press FGC was assessed along with a battery of functional performance tests in 48 outpatients (28 men, 34±10years; 20 women, 36±12years) with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (ICD-10, F20-29), and compared with 48 healthy age- and gender-matched references. Results revealed reduced one-repetition maximum (1RM) in men (-19%, P<.01) and a trend toward reduction in women (-13%, P=.067). The ability to develop force rapidly was also impaired (men: -30%; women: -25%, both P<.01). Patients scored worse than healthy references on all physical performance tests (stair climbing: -63%; 30-second sit-to-stand (30sSTS): -48%; six-minute walk test (6MWT): -22%; walking efficiency: -14%; and unipedal stance eyes open: -20% and closed: -73%, all P<.01). 1RM correlated with 6MWT (r=.45), stair climbing (r=-.44), 30sSTS (r=.43), walking efficiency (r=.26), and stance eyes open (r=.33) and closed (r=.45), all P<.01. Rapid force development correlated with 6MWT (r=.54), stair climbing (r=-.49), 30sSTS (r=.45), walking efficiency (r=.26), and stance eyes open (r=.44) and closed (r=.51), all P<.01. In conclusion, skeletal muscle FGC and functional performance are reduced in patients with schizophrenia and should be recognized as important aspects of the patient groups' impaired health. Resistance training aiming to improve these components should be considered an important part of clinical treatment.

The Role of Genetic Profile in Functional Performance Adaptations to Exercise Training or Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Variations in genotype may contribute to heterogeneity in functional adaptations to exercise. Methods: A systematic search of eight databases was conducted, and 9,696 citations were screened. Results: Eight citations from seven studies measuring 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and nine different functional performance test outcomes were included in the review. There was one observational study of physical activity and six experimental studies of aerobic or resistance training. The ACE (D) allele, ACTN3 (RR) genotype, UCP2 (GG) genotype, IL-6-174 (GG) genotype, TNF-α-308 (GG) genotype, and IL-10-1082 (GG) genotype all predicted significantly superior adaptations in at least one functional outcome in older men and women after prescribed exercise or in those with higher levels of physical activity. Conclusion: There is a small amount of evidence that older adults may have better functional outcomes after exercise/physical activity if they have specific alleles related to musculoskeletal function or inflammation. However, more robust trials are needed.

C-15 Serotonergic System Activity and BPSD in Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis: A Systematic Review

Abstract Objective The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system is heavily implicated in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), with substantial bases for ongoing research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This system is directly tied to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This systematic review aims to accomplish the following objectives: 1) introduce noteworthy BPSD found in AD; 2) synthesize research on 5-HT and BPSD in AD; 3) discuss neuropsychological sequelae of serotonergic dysregulation in AD; and, 4) report future research directions. Data Selection Data Selection: We conducted a literature search of the Medline, PubMed, psychINFO, and Google Scholar databases using the following keywords: Alzheimer’s*, seroton* (serotonin, serotonergic), 5-HT* (5-HTR, 5-HTT*), neuropsychology, behavior*, cogniti*. From the list of studies obtained through this search, we then employed the following inclusion criteria: 1) individuals in study had a formal diagnosis of probable or suspected AD; 2) individuals in study had not previously experienced head trauma, recurrent seizure, or other neurological insult; 3) sample did not include participants with comorbid personality disorders. Data Synthesis Findings suggest that serotonin’s receptors (5-HTRs), transporter (5-HTT), metabolite (5-HTP), and transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) are linked to depression, anxiety, hyperactivity/impulsivity, aggression, and apathy in AD. Further, 5-HT and resultant BPSD are implicated in numerous cognitive functions including but not limited to decision-making, visual-spatial deficits, attention and vigilance, episodic memory, global cognitive function. Conclusions Substantial evidence exists implicating the serotonergic system in BPSD in AD. By understanding the impact of 5-HT on disease trajectory, neurocognitive functioning, and neuropsychological test performance, clinicians can ensure that appropriate recommendations are made for psychosocial and pharmacological intervention.

The Effect of Physical Fatigue on Lower Limb Functional Performance Tests in a Healthy Population

The Effect of Physical Fatigue on Lower Limb Functional Performance Tests in a Healthy Population

Functional Performance With Age: The Role of Long-Term Strength Training.

Physical function is shown to decline with age. However, how long-term strength training may attenuate the age-related limitation in functional tasks with various force demands is unclear. In a cross-sectional study, we assessed maximal muscle strength, initial and late phase rate of force development (RFD), as well as 4 tests of functional performance in 11 strength-trained master athletes (MAs), 11 recreationally active older adults (AEs), 10 sedentary older adults (SOAs), and 9 moderately active young controls. Functional performance was divided into 2 categories: more force-demanding (chair-rising ability and stair-climbing power) and less force-demanding (habitual walking speed and 1-leg standing) tasks. MA exhibited 75%, 45%, and 26% higher leg press maximal strength compared with SOA, AE, and young, respectively (P < .01). MA leg press RFD was not different from young, but was higher compared to AE and SOA during both the initial (0-50 ms: 104%-177%, P < .05) and late phase (100-200 ms: 37%-52%, P < .05) of muscle contraction. MA also showed better mean (SD) performance compared with AE and SOA (P < .05) in more force-demanding functional tasks; chair-rising ability (MA: 6.2 (1.2) seconds; AE: 8.6 (1.8) seconds; SOA: 9.7 (3.0) seconds; young: 6.5 (1.0) seconds) and stair-climbing power (MA: 701 (161) W; AE: 556 (104) W; SOA: 495 (116) W; young: 878 (126) W). No differences (mean (SD)) were observed between MA and AE in less force-demanding tasks, but both groups were superior (P < .05) compared with SOA in walking speed (MA: 1.49 (0.21) m·s; AE: 1.56 (0.17) m·s; SOA: 1.27 (0.22) m·s; young: 1.62 (0.22) m·s) and balance test completion (MA: 45%; AE: 45%; SOA: 0%; young: 100%). Our results reveal that maintaining a high muscle force-generating capacity into older age is related to beneficial effects on functional performance, which may not be achieved with recreational activity, thus highlighting strength training as an important contribution to healthy aging.

Association of pre-season musculoskeletal screening and functional testing with sports injuries in elite female basketball players

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Lithuania, and participation in women’s basketball is on the rise. Pre-participation examinations, including musculoskeletal screening and functional performance testing, is an essential part of a multidisciplinary approach to prevent future injuries. Because the lower extremities are the most commonly-injured body area in basketball players. Assessing fundamental movement qualities is of utmost importance. The aim of our study was to determine if functional tests can predict sports injuries in elite female basketball players. A total of 351 records for professional female basketball players were screened during 2013–2016 season. We analysed functional characteristics before the season and used functional performance tests for injury risk assessment: the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), the lower quarter Y Balance test (YBT-LQ) and the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Data from 169 players’ records were analysed: 77 of them made it to the end of season without injury, making up the non-injured group, while 92 of them suffered lower limb sport injuries during the sport season (injury group). Student’s t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test were used to determine differences between groups. The most commonly encountered sports injuries in our population were those of knee 40.2% and ankle 38%. The injury group had a lower total FMS score (p = 0.0001) and higher total LESS score (p = 0.028) than non-injury group. The dynamic balance of lower limbs was similar in both groups. Imperfect functional movement patterns and poor jump-landing biomechanics during pre-season screening were associated with lower extremity injuries in elite female basketball players. Impairments of dynamic stability in the lower extremities were not associated with injury rates in our population. A combination of functional tests can be used for injury risk evaluation in female basketball players.

Survivors of Sex Trafficking: Occupation-Based Intervention for Executive Functioning

Persons traumatized through sex trafficking can demonstrate executive function (EF) deficits. We explored whether occupation-based (OB) interventions used with females who had been trafficked would improve EF skills. Eight women engaged programing over eight months. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Executive Function Performance Test (EFPT), and the Occupational Therapy Task Observation Scale (OTTOS) were used to measure occupational performance, EF skills, and task behaviors before and after intervention. Gains seen in occupational performance and task behavior were significant: t (7) = −2.49, p = .04, with large effect (d = 0.88). Findings suggest OB interventions may improve EF skills in sex-trafficked women.

Self-reported and performance-based outcomes following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction indicate successful improvements in knee stability after surgery despite remaining limitations in knee function.

To evaluate short- to midterm outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL) using patient-reported outcome measures and functional testing. Twenty-four patients were examined regarding knee function after MPFL reconstruction, with a mean follow-up time of 45.3 ± 18.4months since surgery. Knee function was evaluated using the Tegner score, VAS, the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), the Lysholm score, SF-36 and EQ-5D-3L as well as functional scores. A group of uninjured persons of the same age and same gender composition was used for comparison. Eight (40%) patients managed to return to their pre-injury activity level. Five (25%) patients stated that they had experienced further patella dislocations after surgery but only two (10%) had sought medical help. Patients showed significantly poorer results in all PROMs compared to controls. The results obtained with SF-36 showed significant differences in physical health between the groups, but not in mental health. The functional performance test results showed overall poorer results for the patients versus controls: 11.5 sets for the square jump (6.7-15.7) versus 21 sets (18-26), 11.5 sets for the step-down test (6.5-15) versus 22 sets (18-26), and 77cm for the single-leg hop for distance (32.2-110.5) versus 126cm (115-37); all (P < 0.005). After MPFL reconstruction, patients do not regain normal knee function, as measured by PROMs and functional tests, compared to an uninjured control group. Patients should be informed about residual functional limitations despite improved stability. III.

Cognitive Function in Dementia-Free Subjects and Survival in Old Age: The PROSPER Study

BackgroundImpairment in domain-specific cognitive function is associated with the increased risk of mortality. We prospectively evaluated the association of executive function and memory with the risk of long-term mortality in dementia-free older subjects. Moreover, we investigated the role of structural brain abnormalities in this association. MethodsWe included 547 dementia-free participants (mean age 78 years, 56.5% male) from the nested magnetic resonance imaging sub-study of the PROspective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER). Cox proportional hazard models were used to model 10-year risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and noncardiovascular mortality in relation to performance in executive function and memory. Moreover, we evaluated the role of total brain parenchymal volume, cerebral blood flow, white matter hyperintensity, and the presence of microbleeds and infarcts in the link between cognitive function and mortality. ResultsIn the multivariable model, lower performance in executive function was associated with greater risk of all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-1.70), cardiovascular (HR 1.69; 95% CI, 1.36-2.11), and noncardiovascular (HR 1.36; 95% CI, 1.15-1.62) mortality. Similarly, poorer performance in memory tests associated with higher risk of all-cause (HR 1.47; 95% CI, 1.29-1.68), cardiovascular (HR 1.45; 95% CI, 1.15-1.83), and noncardiovascular (HR 1.49; 95% CI, 1.27-1.76) mortality. The associations were similar in subjects with various levels of brain structural abnormalities and cerebral blood flow (all P for interaction ≫ .05). ConclusionsPoorer performance in both executive function and memory tests associates with all-cause, cardiovascular, and noncardiovascular mortality in elderly individuals. This association is independent of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, brain structural abnormalities, and cerebral blood flow.

Preseason Functional Performance Test Measures Are Associated With Injury in Female College Volleyball Players.

Preseason functional performance test measures have been associated with noncontact time-loss injury in some athletic populations. However, findings have been equivocal with many studies consisting of heterogeneous populations. To determine if preseason standing long jump and/or single-leg hop test scores are associated with a noncontact time-loss injury to the lower quadrant (LQ = low back or lower-extremities) in female Division III college volleyball (VB) players. Prospective cohort study. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III female VB teams. A total of 82 female college VB players (age = 18.9 [1.0]y). Standing long jump and single-leg hop test measures were collected at the start of the official preseason. Athletic trainers tracked all time-loss injuries and their mechanisms. Athletes were categorized as at risk if their preseason standing long jump <80% height, bilateral single-leg hop <70% height, and had a SLH side-to-side asymmetry >10%. The noncontact time-loss overall injury rate for the LQ region in at-risk athletes was 13.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3-31.5) per 1000 athletic exposures. At-risk athletes were significantly more likely to experience a noncontact time-loss injury than VB players in the referent group (rate ratio = 6.2; 95% CI, 1.9-17.2; P = .008). The relative risk of sustaining a noncontact time-loss injury to the LQ was 4 times greater in the at-risk group (relative risk = 4.6; 95% CI, 2.1-10.1; P = .01). At-risk athletes were 6 times more likely to experience a foot or ankle injury (relative risk = 6.3; 95% CI, 2.1-19.2; P = .008). Suboptimal performance on a battery of functional performance tests is associated with a significantly greater risk of noncontact time-loss injury to the LQ in female Division III college VB players.

Changes In Complexity At Maximal Speeds May Not Influence Functional Performance Immediately After: Pilot Study

Regulatory statistics have been previously used to quantify nonlinear characteristics of gait and infer changes in central regulation of movement. Evaluating changes in movement complexity under varying running conditions is essential as alterations in central regulation may influence performance. However, few studies have characterized movement complexity during functional performance tests. PURPOSE: To quantify changes in complexity during an incremental running test to max speed, and during a single leg hop (SLH) test performed immediately before and after. METHODS: Seven healthy runners (25.8±4.9 yrs) performed a 30s SLH test before and after an incremental running test on a motorized treadmill using 4-minute stages (preferred, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18km/h) until volitional exhaustion. Three-dimensional accelerations of the pelvis were recorded using a triaxial accelerometer (100Hz, G-Walk, BTS Bioengineering, Milan, IT) fixed to the pelvis. The last 30s of each running speed and SLH were analyzed using multiscale entropy (MSE) across 5 time scales. Sample entropy estimates (m=2, r=.2) for each scaled time series were summed across all scales to compute complexity index (CI). Paired t-test were employed to compare CI measured from SLH tests and repeated measures ANOVAs with a Bonferroni correction were employed to compare differences in CI between stages for each participant. If significant, Dunnett’s test was employed to compare fastest and slowest stages with preferred. Vertical accelerations are reported. RESULTS: Testing was completed by runners as follows: stage 4 N=7, stage 5 N=5, stage 6 N=3. Mean differences in CI were significant for 4 of 7 runners (p<0.007). Post hoc analyses revealed greater CI in the final stage versus preferred (∆0.62±0.1; ∆1.11±0.01; ∆0.35±0.03; ∆0.49±0.07, p<0.01) while no differences were observed in the slowest stage. No change in SLH CI was found between pre- vs post-run tests (p=0.33, 2.25±0.9 vs 2.14±0.7). CONCLUSION: At maximal speeds, an increase in system adaptability was observed compared to preferred running, however, this increase was not transferred to functional performance immediately after. An increase in complexity during perturbed running and not hopping may be due to dissimilarities in task difficulty and constraint type experienced by the runners.