Movement Patterns Research Articles

Research on the biomechanical characteristics of basketball player injuries and their application in sports rehabilitation

Basketball is a dynamic sport, characterized by fast moves, powerful hops, and constant changes in direction, which contributes to its great intensity and excitement. However, these same features elevate athletes to a risk of various types, which include the most common ones such as ligament tears, knee problems, and ankle sprains. The knowledge of the risk factors associated with particular movement patterns and environmental conditions is made possible by knowledge of the biomechanical qualities of these injuries is crucial if one has to develop effective preventive and rehabilitation strategies. The purpose of the study is to establish the biomechanical characteristics of basketball player injuries and their application in sports rehabilitation. The study proposed a novel Tunicate Swarm Optimized Flexible Extreme Boosting (TSO-FXGBoost) to predict the injuries of basketball players and their sports rehabilitation. Player’s motion data capture sessions utilize cameras and sensors to record their biomechanics during basketball activities. A Gaussian filter was employed to process the data to eliminate the noise present in the biomechanical data. Principal component analysis (PCA) served as a dimensionality reduction approach to extract relevant features from the pre-processed data. The results demonstrate that certain biomechanical features have a strong correlation with the occurrence of injuries, which indicates great potential in the strategies of prevention of injuries. In a comparative analysis, the suggested approach performs various assessment metrics such as accuracy (98%), recall (96.2%), precision (98.49%), and F1 score (97.8%). The suggested approach and rehabilitation strategies can be customized to each player’s unique biomechanical profile, improving rehabilitation times and lowering the risk of re-injury.

The early dodder gets the host: decoding the coiling patterns of Cuscuta campestris with automated image processing.

We developed an in-house Python-based image analysis pipeline to investigate the movement patterns of Cuscuta. Our analysis unveiled that the coiling and circumnutation movements of Cuscuta are regulated by its intrinsic circadian rhythm. Cuscuta spp., commonly known as dodders, are rootless and leafless stem parasitic plants. Upon germination, Cuscuta starts rotating immediately in a counterclockwise direction (circumnutation) to locate a host plant, creating a seamless vascular connection to steal water and nutrients from its host. In this study, our aim was to elucidate the dynamics of the coiling patterns of Cuscuta, which is an essential step for successful parasitism. Using time-lapse photography, we recorded the circumnutation and coiling movements of C. campestris at different inoculation times on non-living hosts. Subsequent image analyses were facilitated through an in-house Python-based image processing pipeline to detect coiling locations, angles, initiation and completion times, and duration of coiling stages in between. The study revealed that the coiling efficacy of C. campestris varied with the inoculation time of day, showing higher success and faster initiation in morning than in evening. These observations suggest that Cuscuta, despite lacking leaves and a developed chloroplast, can discern photoperiod changes, significantly determining its parasitic efficiency. The automated image analysis results confirmed the reliability of our Python pipeline by aligning closely with manual annotations. This study provides significant insights into the parasitic strategies of C. campestris and demonstrates the potential of integrating computational image analysis in plant biology for exploring complex plant behaviors. Furthermore, this method provides an efficient tool for investigating plant movement dynamics, laying the foundation for future studies on mitigating the economic impacts of parasitic plants.

Equivalent Heat Source Model of Thermal Relay Contact Based on Surface Roughness of Silver–Magnesium–Nickel Contact

In a sealed electromagnetic relay, the change in the surface roughness mainly depends on the collision wear between the contact and the moving reed and the ablation effect of the arc on the contact surface based on the strong correlation between the contact resistance and the surface roughness of the Ag-Mg-Ni contact. With a change in contact resistance, the contact temperature increase in a hermetically sealed electromagnetic relay (HSER) is greatly affected. Under extreme overload conditions, the contact surface is severely ablated by the arc, and the roughness increases rapidly with the number of cycles, which greatly affects the contact resistance of the contact surface and the reliability of the relay. A thermal model of a relay contact system based on the surface roughness of Ag-Mg-Ni contacts was established in this paper by analyzing the effect of an arc on the surface roughness of Ag-Mg-Ni contacts under heavy overload conditions. The arc image of the Ag-Mg-Ni contact was recorded using a double-axis arc photographing platform, and the moving track of the arc center under overload conditions was drawn. This paper explored the patterns of arc center movement on the contact surface and the effects of the arc on the surface roughness of the contacts by analyzing the probabilities of the arc center appearing in various locations. A mathematical model correlating the number of contact cycles with contact resistance was established. Subsequently, a finite element simulation model for the equivalent heat source of the contact was developed. The theoretical model error was less than 10%. The accuracy of the equivalent heat source model was verified by comparing the measured data with the simulation results.

Reading comics: The effect of expertise on eye movements

The theory of expertise suggests that there should be observable differences in the eye movement patterns between experts and non-experts. Previous studies have investigated how expertise influences eye movement patterns during cognitive tasks like reading. However, the impact of expertise on eye movements in comics, a multimodal form of text, remains unexplored. This article reports on a study that uses eye tracking to examine patterns in the ways that experts and non-experts read comics. Expert participants (14) with experience in reading comics than non-expert participants (17). When controlling for variables such as layout and text quantity, we found significant differences in visual scanning between experts and non-experts. Experts exhibited more frequent saccades and greater amplitude of saccades. Further analysis revealed distinct strategies in processing text and image content between the two groups: the interaction between expertise level and content type in specific AOI showed significant differences across multiple visual measurement metrics, including Average duration of fixations, number of fixations, and number of saccades within AOI. These findings not only support the applicability of the expertise level theory in the field of comic reading but also provide a new perspective for understanding the reading processing of multimodal texts.

ChessCrypt: enhancing wireless communication security in smart cities through dynamically generated S-Box with chess-based nonlinearity.

In the contemporary landscape of smart cities, ensuring the security and confidentiality of transmitted data has become paramount. The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, mobile communication platforms, and wireless sensor networks has magnified the need for robust cryptographic solutions to safeguard sensitive information from malicious adversaries. In response to these challenges, we introduce ChessCrypt-a novel approach to enhancing wireless communication security through the development of a new S-Box algorithm inspired by the nonlinear movement patterns of chess pieces. ChessCrypt leverages the dynamic and unpredictable nature of chess piece movements, namely knights, kings, and bishops, to introduce a high degree of nonlinearity and confusion into the encryption process. By incorporating elements of randomness and unpredictability, our proposed S-Box algorithm offers robust protection against a wide range of cyber threats, including eavesdropping, data interception, and cryptographic attacks. We demonstrate the effectiveness and resilience of ChessCrypt through rigorous testing and analysis, showcasing its superiority over traditional cryptographic methods in enhancing the security of wireless communication networks. Our results underscore the significance of ChessCrypt as a promising solution for fortifying wireless communication security in an increasingly interconnected world of ours.

Design and performance evaluation of a spiral bar precision weeding mechanism for corn fields.

This paper focuses on addressing the limitations of existing mechanical weeding methods for corn plants by introducing a spiral tendon-type precision weeding device specifically designed for corn fields. The study encompasses mechanical design and theoretical analysis to determine the overall structure, component parts, application scenarios, operation modes, and working principles of the device. The force applied to the spiral tendon weeding cutter head, a crucial working component of the device, is analyzed, along with its motion characteristics. This analysis allows for the calculation of the force required for the spiral tendon to penetrate the soil, as well as the determination of its trajectory and speed in the soil. The desired motion pattern of the weeding cutter head is considered in determining the contour shape of the inner cylinder track and its cooperation mode with the roller follower. Furthermore, the design and optimization of the circulation groove track are conducted to derive the key parameters of the track. A prototype is then constructed based on the proposed structural design and parameter optimization scheme. Soil bin tests are performed to evaluate the device's performance. The optimal combinations of working parameters are determined as follows: a 70-mm depth of the weeding cutter head into the soil, a movement speed of 80mm/s, and an output thrust of the electric actuator of 180N. Under these conditions, the device achieves a weed removal rate exceeding 95% with a 3% wounding rate, demonstrating stable operational performance.

Light‐Manipulated Millimeter‐Scale Swimming Robot for Precise Navigation

AbstractMicro‐swimming robots have been increasingly emphasized in the fields of targeted drug delivery and water surface cleaning, which mainly use open external structures or external environments to assist navigation, but there are still salient problems, such as the difficulty of stable capture and poor navigation accuracy. Theoretically, a light‐driven swimming robot can have a symmetrical embedded structure to constrain surface tension gradient forces and thermophoretic forces in a wide range of directions and convert them into precise directional forces. Therefore, a sustained‐capture swimming robot is developed with precise navigation consisting of TiO2/polypyrrole (PPy) composites containing a symmetric inner truncated‐cone hole structure and realized multiple controllable motion patterns. Excitingly, the capture motion of the TiO2/PPy inner truncated‐cone hole structure robot “TPHR” can be accurately controlled by programmable automation, with capture travel speeds of up to ≈23.64 mm s−1. Its excellent kinematic performance stems from the high photothermal conversion efficiency (≈47.83%) of the composite and the synergistic effect between thermo‐capillary and thermo‐convective flows. Furthermore, a patterning precision movement, water surface oil‐cleaning microstructure assembly, etc. are realized, reflecting the engineering application value of TPHR. This structure provides a novel strategy for the development of micro‐swimming robots with stable capture and sustainable motion.

Testing selected movement patterns using the ohmbelt

Over the last two decades, interest and the resulting need for objectification has grown steadily in the regulation of intra-abdominal pressure, coactivation of trunk muscles and biomechanics of stabilization of the lumbar region. Raising awareness of the research issue contributes to improving the prevention and therapy of various pathologies related to core stabilization. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usability of Ohmbelt in practice with complex movement patterns to accelerate the diagnosis of stabilization strategy of the lumbar region. The Ohmbelt system is a relatively new, non-invasive method for examination intra-abdominal pressure. In our study, we found that the use of the Ohmbelt system is possible in the examination of the stabilization strategy of the lumbar region in both static and dynamic positions. Based on our results, it is possible to use Ohmbelt for other complex movement patterns.

The thrust balance model during the dragonfly hovering flight

In recent years, the micro air vehicle (MAV) oscillations caused by thrust imbalances have received more attention. This paper proposes a dual-wing thrust balance model (DTBM) that can solve the above problem by iterating the modified rotation angle formula. The core control parameter of the DTBM model is the au angle, which refers to the angle between the wing surface and the stroke plane at the mid-stroke position during the upstroke. For each degree change in the au angle, the range of variation in the dimensionless average thrust coefficient is between 0.0225-0.0268. A thrust coefficient of 0.0225 causes the dragonfly to move forward by 9.037 cm in one second, which is equivalent to 1.29 times its body length. By using DTBM, the average thrust coefficient can be reduced to below 0.001 in just a few iterations. No matter how complex the motion pattern is, the DTBM can achieve thrust balance within 0.278 s. Through our research, when selecting the deviation angle motion of real dragonflies, the dual-wing au angles exhibit a highly linear correlation with wing spacing, called linear motion. In contrast, the nonlinear variation of the au angle appears in the hindwing of the no-deviation motion and the forewing of the elliptical deviation motion. All of the nonlinear changes are referred to as nonlinear motion. Nonlinear variation of the au angle arises from larger disturbances of the lateral force during the upstroke. The stronger lateral force is closely related to the flapping trajectory. When the flapping trajectory causes the dual-wing to closely approach each other in the mid-stroke, a continuous positive pressure zone forms between the dual-wing. The collision of the leading-edge vortex and the shedding of the trailing-edge vortex is the special flow field structure in the nonlinear motion. Guided by the DTBM, future designs of MAVs will be able to better achieve thrust balance during hovering flight, requiring only the embedding of the iteration algorithm and prediction function of the DTBM in the internal chip.

Performance Evaluation of Various Path Planning Methods for Robotics and Computational Geometry

INTRODUCTION: In integrating Spiral Coverage into Cellular Decomposition, which combines structured grid-based techniques with flexible, quick spiral traversal, time efficiency is increased.OBJECTIVES: In the field of robotics and computational geometry, the study proposes a comparative exploration of two prominent path planning methodologies—Boustrophedon Cellular Decomposition and the innovative Spiral Coverage. Boustrophedon coverage has limitations in time efficiency due to its back-and-forth motion pattern, which can lead to lengthier coverage periods, especially in congested areas. Nevertheless, it is useful in some situations. It is critical to address these time-related issues to make Boustrophedon algorithms more useful in practical settings. METHODS: The research centres on achieving comprehensive cell coverage, addressing the complexities arising from confined spaces and intricate geometries. While conventional methods emphasise route optimization between points, the coverage path planning approach seeks optimal paths that maximize coverage and minimize associated costs. This study delves into the theory, practical implementation, and application of Spiral Coverage integrated with established cellular decomposition techniques.RESULTS: Through comparative analysis, it illustrates the advantages of spiral coverage over boustrophedon coverage in diverse robotics and computational applications. The research highlights Spiral Coverage's superiority in terms of path optimization, computational efficiency, and adaptability, proposing a novel perspective into cell decomposition. The methodology integrates the Spiral Coverage concept, transcending traditional techniques reliant on grids or Voronoi diagrams. Rigorous evaluation validates its potential to enhance path planning, exemplifying a substantial advancement in robotics and computational geometry.CONCLUSION: Our findings show that spiral coverage is on an average 45% more efficient than conventional Boustrophedon coverage. This paper set the basis for the future work on how different algorithms can traverse different shapes more efficiently.

Influence of hydrofoil motion patterns on the hydrodynamic performance of undulating fin for biomimetic underwater robots

The undulatory propulsion of aquatic organisms like the black ghost knifefish offers high manoeuvrability and motion stability, making it a promising model for developing advanced biomimetic underwater robots. However, these robots are frequently hindered by limitations in speed and propulsion efficiency. Inspired by the energy benefits observed in fish schooling, this study introduces a cooperative propulsion system integrating the hydrofoil with the undulating fin to enhance propulsion performance through an investigation of their interaction across various motion patterns. Specifically, we investigate the effects of static, pitching, heaving, and their combination (pitching + heaving) of the hydrofoil on the hydrodynamic performance of the undulating fin. Our results indicate that a static hydrofoil slightly increases the fin's average thrust, while pure pitching marginally reduces it. The high-speed vortices generated by the hydrofoil during pure heaving significantly suppress the fin's thrust. In contrast, the combined motion of pitching and heaving substantially enhances propulsion performance. Thus, the combined motion of the hydrofoil can better enhance the hydrodynamic performance of the undulatory propulsion robot. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the optimized design of high-speed and stable undulating fin propulsion systems, offering valuable insights for developing underwater robots with improved operational capabilities.

Long-Term Physiological Adaptations Induced by Short-Interval High-Intensity Exercises: An RCT Comparing Active and Passive Recovery

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the most debated methods involving several parameters that could be modulated, but the long-term adaptations it induces are still unclear. This investigation aimed to evaluate the efficacy of running and whole-body exercises with high-intensity (>80% heart rate) short intervals (30 s) in body composition and physical performance and compare the effects between groups with active (AR) or passive recovery (PR), both in males and females. Methods: Eighteen trained young adults (55.56% ♀) were randomly allocated to the PR (n = 9, 23.09 ± 2.56 years, 163.69 ± 9.88 cm, 68.96 ± 14.62 kg) or AR (n = 9, 22.05 ± 1.54 years, 170.61 ± 11.5 cm, 68.78 ± 12.45 kg) group. Both groups performed eight weeks of HIIT, with an equal progression, training, and volume load (TL: F = 1.55, p = 0.214; VL: F = 0.81, p = 0.505). Body fat (BF), fat-free mass (FFM), upper and lower limb fat (UFI, LFI) and muscle areas (UMA, LMA), handgrip strength (HGS), power (countermovement jump, CMJ), agility (5-0-5), and maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2p) were tested before and after treatments. Results: The proposed HIIT reduced BF by 9.57% and increased FFM by 2.09%. Females reported better adaptations in LMA (8.34 times higher than males), while both sexes’ upper limb mass distribution was better affected by PR (♀: UFI g = 1.851, 95% CI: 0.51, 3.14; ♂: UFI g = 2.456, 95% CI: 0.336, 4.487). Concerning conditioning, the protocol increased V˙O2p by 6.47%. Females showed better adaptations in CMJ (RR = 1.8), while males showed better adaptations in agility (RR = 3.76). The interaction effects were significant for PR females (right = +6.28%; left = +9.28%) and for AR males (right = +19.21%; left = +19.04%) in HGS. Conclusions: Short-interval HIIT with different exercise recovery types may be a practical solution in training where several physiological improvements are needed. Coaches and trainers can take advantage of the versatile nature of HIIT, relying on desired movement patterns and long-term responses in both male and female individuals.

Changes in Male Behavior in Response to Female Chemical Stimulus in an Understudied Arthropod Model

ABSTRACTIntraspecific sexual communication, crucial in reproductive interactions, often involves the interchange of signals like vibrations, visual signals, and chemical compounds like sex chemical cues. Within the arachnids, solifuges (“camel spiders”) are an understudied group in terms of the detection of chemical compounds during mate searching and sexual interactions. In solifugids, the malleoli, chemoreceptor structures located on the ventral side of legs IV, are putative structures capable of capturing chemical signals. Our study focused on chemical male perception of female cues in Titanopuga salinarum (Ammotrechidae), examining associated behavioral modifications and the role of malleoli. We analyzed alterations in the motion pattern (activity pulse) and specific behaviors performed by males in association with female chemical stimuli. Using experimental arenas, we exposed males to female chemical cues stimuli similar to those available at the field. Stimuli comprised females (F) and cuticular extracts (CE), with corresponding controls. Males with intact malleoli (N = 26 with F, N = 20 with CE) were compared to those with malleoli removed (N = 21 with F, N = 17 with CE). We found partial evidence that males detect chemical cues of females deposited on the substrate. We observed no differences in the duration and number of the activity pulses spent in the zones with and without stimuli in any of the groups analyzed. However, the males exhibit significant changes in locomotion patterns in response to female chemical cues, suggesting a behavioral response to these stimuli. This finding suggests that the males of this species detect the female chemical cues and modify their behavior, and can quickly gather the necessary olfactory information where the stimulus is located. In addition, we found a possible condition‐dependent regime for the detection of female cues by males, which would be expected from life‐history characteristics of T. salinarum. Our findings prompt discussion from a sexual selection perspective, suggesting the importance of chemical communication in intraspecific interactions in this elusive but fascinating animal model.

Quantifying the stability of refugee populations: a case study in Austria

AbstractThe global surge in displacement, with nearly 110 million people uprooted due to violence, underscores the pressing need to comprehend the challenges faced by refugees. Population growth, environmental crises, and political instability contribute to this crisis, projecting an escalating trend in the decades ahead. While hosting countries strive to address concerns related to labour markets, state provisions, and cultural integration, understanding the well-being of refugees upon entry needs to be more adequately explored. This study focuses on refugee stability and integration, employing Austria as a case study. Stability is assessed through residential movement, where more frequent moves indicate instability. Utilising comprehensive administrative data spanning November 2022 to November 2023, we examine residence movements as a proxy for stability. Our findings reveal a stark contrast in the stability of refugees compared to other migrant groups. Analysing movement profiles, we establish that refugees exhibit significantly higher rates of residential mobility than their counterparts, especially among male refugees. This imbalance persists even when comparing refugees to migrants from top refugee-sending countries without official refugee status. This study contributes valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of refugee stability, shedding light on the enduring challenges faced by this population. By examining movement patterns as a key indicator, we provide a nuanced understanding of the residential experiences of refugees, that can inform targeted policies and interventions for enhanced refugee well-being and integration.

Fourier‐Based Action Recognition for Wildlife Behavior Quantification with Event Cameras

Event cameras are novel bioinspired vision sensors that measure pixel‐wise brightness changes asynchronously instead of images at a given frame rate. They offer promising advantages, namely, a high dynamic range, low latency, and minimal motion blur. Modern computer vision algorithms often rely on artificial neural network approaches, which require image‐like representations of the data and cannot fully exploit the characteristics of event data. Herein, approaches to action recognition based on the Fourier transform are proposed. The approaches are intended to recognize oscillating motion patterns commonly present in nature. In particular, the approaches are applied to a recent dataset of breeding penguins annotated for “ecstatic display,” a behavior where the observed penguins flap their wings at a certain frequency. It is found that the approaches are both simple and effective, producing slightly lower results than a deep neural network (DNN) while relying just on a tiny fraction of the parameters compared to the DNN (five orders of magnitude fewer parameters). They work well despite the uncontrolled, diverse data present in the dataset. It is hoped that this work opens a new perspective on event‐based processing and action recognition.

A review of migratory Alosidae marine ecology in the northwest Atlantic.

Migratory animals play a crucial role in connecting distinct habitats by transferring matter and energy across ecosystem boundaries. In the North Atlantic, anadromous species exemplify this through their movement between freshwater and marine environments. Alosids, including species such as alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), and American shad (Alosa sapidissima), exhibit this migratory behavior to maximize growth and fecundity and are, therefore, vital components of Atlantic coastal ecosystems. Despite their ecological importance, these species have experienced considerable population declines. Due to a research focus on dams and the freshwater phase of their ecology, the marine ecology of Alosids remains much less understood, potentially hindering effective management. This paper synthesizes current knowledge on the marine ecology of anadromous alewife, blueback herring, and American shad in the northwest Atlantic, focusing on life-history aspects, migratory patterns, and foraging behavior at sea. The paper also outlines current fisheries management and the anthropogenic threats these species face during their marine phase. We identified knowledge gaps regarding marine distribution, migration routes, impacts of climate change on movement and behavior, population dynamics, and the identification of gaspereau. By identifying gaps in the literature, we highlight research needs, emphasizing the role of telemetry studies in tracking marine movements and the impact of climate change on habitat use. Addressing these gaps through targeted research on marine ecology and movement patterns is essential for developing informed management strategies aimed at increasing Alosid populations.

Early movement restriction impairs the development of sensorimotor integration, motor skills and memory in rats: Towards a preclinical model of developmental coordination disorder?

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), exhibit gross to fine sensorimotor impairments, reduced physical activity and interactions with the environment and people. This disorder co-exists with cognitive deficits, executive dysfunctions and learning impairments. Previously, we demonstrated in rats that limited amounts and atypical patterns of movements and somatosensory feedback during early movement restriction manifested in adulthood as degraded postural and locomotor abilities, and musculoskeletal histopathology, including muscle atrophy, hyperexcitability within sensorimotor circuitry and maladaptive cortical plasticity, leading to functional disorganization of the primary somatosensory and motor cortices in the absence of cortical histopathology. In this study, we asked how this developmental sensorimotor restriction (SMR) started to impact the integration of multisensory information and the emergence of sensorimotor reflexes in rats. We also questioned the enduring impact of SMR on motor activities, pain and memory. SMR led to deficits in the emergence of swimming and sensorimotor reflexes, the development of pain and altered locomotor patterns and posture with toe-walking, adult motor performance and night spontaneous activity. In addition, SMR induced exploratory hyperactivity, short-term impairments in object-recognition tasks and long-term deficits in object-location tasks. SMR rats displayed minor alterations in histological features of the hippocampus, entorhinal, perirhinal and postrhinal cortices yet no obvious changes in the prefrontal cortex. Taken all together, these results show similarities with the symptoms observed in children with DCD, although further exploration seems required to postulate whether developmental SMR corresponds to a rat model of DCD.

Effect duration of a self-applied talocrural joint mobilization on restricted dorsiflexion: a repeated measures design

ABSTRACT Objectives We aimed to determine the effect duration of a talocrural mobilization on individuals with restricted dorsiflexion during a static weight bearing lunge test (WBLT) and dynamic 3D motion capture-based peak ankle dorsiflexion during a forward step down (FSD) task. Secondarily, we aimed to correlate any immediate changes in ankle mobility with concurrent changes in proximal joint kinematics during the FSD post-mobilization. Methods Seventy-six individuals were screened for dorsiflexion restriction, of which 26 (15 females, 22.3 ± 2.2 years old, body mass index 25.2 ± 2.9 kg/m2) qualified with a WBLT of ≤ 35° on at least one limb. A baseline WBLT measure and 3D motion capture of 5 consecutive FSD repetitions on a 6-inch box were obtained. Participants then viewed an instructional video of a talocrural joint self-mobilization using a resistance band. WBLT and FSD were collected again immediately post-mobilization and at 5-min intervals for 60 min or until the WBLT returned to baseline for 2 consecutive measures. Results WBLT dorsiflexion showed a mean increase of 6.5 degrees (p < 0.001) post-mobilization. The effect faded over time and no longer differed from baseline 25 min post-mobilization (p = 0.964). Dynamic peak ankle dorsiflexion did not change post-mobilization at any time point (p ≥ 0.546). No 3D kinematic time-course changes were observed at the hip or knee. However, immediate raw alterations in dorsiflexion correlated with alterations for hip and knee flexion. Discussion/Conclusion A talocrural joint mobilization increased static dorsiflexion per the WBLT for a 20–25-min period with regression to baseline. However, increased dynamic ankle dorsiflexion was not observed during the FSD task. Improved mobility alone does not appear to change movement patterns. Clinicians should be aware of both effect duration and the potential need for task-specific training to better facilitate dynamic utilization of increased mobility.

The effects of target distance on kinematic sequence of the short game in male collegiate golfers

ABSTRACT Golf is an international sport that has become increasingly more popular in recent times. Previous literature has shown that golf approach shots are crucial to the success of elite golfers. However, there is no known publication investigating distances less than 100 yards, known as the short game. The primary purpose of this study was to collect comprehensive data on 3D biomechanical variables of the short game at four target distances in college-aged, male golfers. Participants were instructed to hit five successful shots at each target distance: 30 yards, 50 yards, 70 yards and full swing (maximal distance) yardage. A motion capture system recorded kinematic and temporal parameters of golfer movement, additional to a golf simulator that collected ball carry distance of each shot. Distance did have a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on swing phase timing, angular velocities and motion sequencing. Movement sequencing within the short game displayed irregular patterns across all distances and phases, with a partial proximal-to-distal pattern (pelvis → shoulder girdle → arms → club) at best. The findings of this study show that the short game swing did present its own unique motion patterns that will require practice as its own skill.

Speed and Shape of Population Fronts with Density-Dependent Diffusion

There is growing empirical evidence that animal movement patterns depend on population density. We investigate travelling wave solutions in reaction-diffusion models of animal range expansion in the case that population diffusion is density-dependent. We find that the speed of the selected wave depends critically on the strength of diffusion at low density. For sufficiently large low-density diffusion, the wave propagates at a speed predicted by a simple linear analysis. For small or zero low-density diffusion, the linear analysis is not sufficient, but a variational approach yields exact or approximate expressions for the speed and shape of population fronts.