Physical Metrics Research Articles

Evidence for a new model of the complex interrelationship of ball possession, physical intensity and performance in elite soccer.

How the physical metrics, especially physical intensity, and possession interact with each other, and subsequently combine to influence performance remains opaque. Therefore, we investigated the interrelationship of possession, physical metrics, and team performance in elite soccer. Four seasons of a top European league were used to derive 80 team league performances (points), together with possession and physical data. Physical metrics were absolute distances (m) during the whole match and ball-in-play, and rates of distance covered (m⋅min-1 ) as the index of physical intensity, notably when in-possession/out-of-possession, in total and within five speed categories. Interrelationships of possession, physical metrics, possession, and performance were assessed with Pearson's correlations and mediation analysis. Overall possession (r = 0.794) and time out-of-possession within the defensive third (r = -0.797) were most strongly correlated with performance. The strong relationships between in-possession distances and performance appeared coincidental due to greater time in-possession. Physical intensity had a complex relationship with possession and performance, with opposite relationships according to possession status: lower physical intensity when in-possession and higher physical intensity when out-of-possession were associated with possession and performance. Mediation analysis revealed the direct, independent importance of possession for team performance; however, the association of physical intensity with performance was largely (>79%) mediated by possession. Based on these findings, we propose a novel model of the interrelationships between possession, physical intensity, and performance, whereby higher possession is the largest, direct contributor toward enhanced team performance, with lower physical intensity in-possession a consequence of higher possession, but greater physical intensity when out-of-possession a cause of increased possession.

Photon escape cones, physical and optical metrics, asymptotic and near-horizon physics

Photon escape cones, physical and optical metrics, asymptotic and near-horizon physics

Personalized Exercise Intervention for Older Adults with Sickle Cell Disease: The Sicklefit Study

Background Older adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) (defined as age ≥ 40 years) experience both SCD and age-related conditions such as recurrent pain episodes, avascular necrosis of the joints, and cardiopulmonary disease that can result in accelerated functional decline. Individuals with SCD experience vaso-occlusive events that lead to reduced oxygen delivery to organs such as bones, muscles, and lungs. Due to these unique risk factors, existing generic exercise programs may be too intense– and even detrimental– for older adults with SCD. Gerofit is a supervised exercise program designed for veterans age ≥ 65 years with chronic disease and/or impaired mobility that has been shown to improve physical function, mental health, quality of life, and survival. The purpose of the study is a pilot evaluation of the feasibility and safety of SickleFit, an exercise training program for older adults with SCD adapted from Gerofit. Methods SickleFit is a group exercise program held on Zoom 3 days a week and includes a safety check in, warm-up, cardio segment, strength training, flexibility, balance, and mindfulness. Our primary endpoint is feasibility measured by proportion of participants attending at least 50% of the sessions over 6 weeks. The secondary outcomes are safety and acceptability. We measured safety as the number of moderate or severe adverse events within 48 hours after each exercise session. Acceptability was measured as the proportion of participants reporting the intervention as satisfactory. Exploratory outcomes were changes in physical performance in a battery of physical assessments including: Usual Gait Speed, 6 Minute Walk Distance (6MWD), Plank duration, Timed Up-and-go (TUG), Seated Grip Strength, Weight, and Neck Circumference. Results Cohort 1 consisted of 2 male (aged 55 and 66 both with SS genotype) and 2 female participants (aged 43 and 53 with Beta + Thalassemia and SS genotype). All 4 participants met the feasibility endpoint of attending at least 50% of exercise sessions, with a mean attendance of 83%. The majority of absences were due to schedule conflicts (2), property maintenance (2), and general malaise (4). Over a third of the missed sessions were due to minor (2) or major (3) adverse events unrelated to the intervention (motor vehicle incident, work-related injury). There were no major or life-threatening adverse events as a result of the exercise intervention. Minor adverse events related to exercise were knee, shoulder, and back soreness and pain. All participants responded as either ‘Pleased’ (50%) or ‘Delighted’ (50%) with the program on the acceptability survey. In addition, all participants saw a positive increase in their performance of the Usual Gait Speed, TUG, 6MWD, and plank duration. Minor improvement in grip strength was seen in 3 participants, but a slight loss in grip strength occurred in one individual whom also lost the most weight. While no significant change occurred in the BMI of the participants, a reduction in neck circumference did occur. Conclusion In cohort 1, we found that the SickleFit exercise program is feasible, acceptable, and safe for older adults with SCD. Participants demonstrated improvements in Usual Gait Speed, TUG, 6MWD, and plank duration, among other physical metrics. Participants expressed satisfaction in the program and a desire to continue in the program, even after the program ended. Based on patient feedback, The Sicklefit program is being optimized further to better meet the needs of older adults with SCD. Optimizations include shortening of the cardio section for the initial weeks of the program, dedicating more time to discussing the biomechanics and form involved in the exercises, integration of more ground-based and vertical pulling patterns with resistance bands, and adding further diversity in the movement practices included in the sessions.

SciKit digital health package for accelerometry-measured physical activity: comparisons to existing solutions and investigations of age effects in healthy adults

IntroductionAccelerometry has become increasingly prevalent to monitor physical activity due to its low participant burden, quantitative metrics, and ease of deployment. Physical activity metrics are ideal for extracting intuitive, continuous measures of participants’ health from multiple days or weeks of high frequency data due to their fairly straightforward computation. Previously, we released an open-source digital health python processing package, SciKit Digital Health (SKDH), with the goal of providing a unifying device-agnostic framework for multiple digital health algorithms, such as activity, gait, and sleep.MethodsIn this paper, we present the open-source SKDH implementation for the derivation of activity endpoints from accelerometer data. In this implementation, we include some non-typical features that have shown promise in providing additional context to activity patterns, and provide comparisons to existing algorithms, namely GGIR and the GENEActiv macros. Following this reference comparison, we investigate the association between age and derived physical activity metrics in a healthy adult cohort collected in the Pfizer Innovation Research Lab, comprising 7–14 days of at-home data collected from younger (18–40 years) and older (65–85 years) healthy volunteers.ResultsResults showed that activity metrics derived with SKDH had moderate to excellent ICC values (0.550 to 1.0 compared to GGIR, 0.469 to 0.697 compared to the GENEActiv macros), with high correlations for almost all compared metrics (>0.733 except vs GGIR sedentary time, 0.547). Several features show age-group differences, with Cohen’s d effect sizes >1.0 and p-values < 0.001. These features included non-threshold methods such as intensity gradient, and activity fragmentation features such as between-states transition probabilities.DiscussionThese results demonstrate the validity of the implemented SKDH physical activity algorithm, and the potential of the implemented PA metrics in assessing activity changes in free-living conditions.

Physical Image Quality Metrics for the Characterization of X-ray Systems Used in Fluoroscopy-Guided Pediatric Cardiac Interventional Procedures: A Systematic Review.

Pediatric interventional cardiology procedures are essential in diagnosing and treating congenital heart disease in children; however, they raise concerns about potential radiation exposure. Managing radiation doses and assessing image quality in angiographs becomes imperative for safe and effective interventions. This systematic review aims to comprehensively analyze the current understanding of physical image quality metrics relevant for characterizing X-ray systems used in fluoroscopy-guided pediatric cardiac interventional procedures, considering the main factors reported in the literature that influence this outcome. A search in Scopus and Web of Science, using relevant keywords and inclusion/exclusion criteria, yielded 14 relevant articles published between 2000 and 2022. The physical image quality metrics reported were noise, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast, contrast-to-noise ratio, and high-contrast spatial resolution. Various factors influencing image quality were investigated, such as polymethyl methacrylate thickness (often used to simulate water equivalent tissue thickness), operation mode, anti-scatter grid presence, and tube voltage. Objective evaluations using these metrics ensured impartial assessments for main factors affecting image quality, improving the characterization of fluoroscopic X-ray systems, and aiding informed decision making to safeguard pediatric patients during procedures.

Principal components approach of physiological and physical metrics collected through GPS technology in soccer referees

The aim of this study was to define and classify the different physical and physiological performance metrics on national and non-national soccer referees (SRs) through GPS technology. Sixty SRs (age: 28.9 ± 4.9 years; weight: 70.2 ± 8.0 kg; height: 175.7 ± 5.5 cm) were tested using the 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS) (WimuPro, Realtrack, Almería, Spain). An exploratory factor analysis was performed using principal component analysis (PCA) on performance indicators with orthogonal rotation (VariMax). Thirteen metrics (total distance, distance covered at different speeds, maximum heart rate, and heart rate recorded in different zones) were integrated in three principal components, activation (PCA1), recovery (PCA2), and high intensity (PCA3). They represented 86% and 89% of total explained variance of the competition performance in national and non-national SRs, respectively. Distance covered at very high speed and heart rate between 80% and 89.9% of the maximum integrated the high-intensity principal component and were higher in non-national SRs. The main finding of this study was that it defined for the first time in the scientific literature the main components that discriminate physical performance between national and non-national referees, where high intensity metrics have greater weight in non-national referees. In addition, GPS technology together with PCA analysis were presented as useful methods to discriminate the most representative physical and physiological performance metrics in sports competition in SRs.

Abstract 249: In‐silico Versus In‐Vitro Evaluation of a New Stent‐Retriever Design: A Novel Approach to Pre‐clinical Development

Introduction In‐vitro evaluation (analysis in a bench top flow model) is the gold standard and a regulatory requirement for pre‐clinical investigation of devices being developed for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). In‐silico evaluation (computer simulated analysis in a virtual stroke model) has the potential to test and optimize large number of stent‐retriever design variations in a relatively time and cost‐effective manner. Further, new design concepts can be tested across multiple anatomical scenarios. We aim to validate the utility of in‐silico evaluation when compared with in‐vitro evaluation for the SuperNova Stent‐retriever. Methods In‐silico analysis was performed using a virtual thrombectomy model, built using data from a fine‐grained finite‐element model, to estimate the probability of successful recanalization and emboli in new/distal territory. Neurovascular anatomy of the virtual model was built based on digital subtraction angiography of an in‐vitro model (Sim Agility, Mentice, Inc). Gravity Medical Technology’s SuperNova Stent‐retriever was the device under investigation‐ physical device for in‐vitro analysis and virtual replica for in‐silico analysis (built using finite element analysis incorporating various physical metrics of the stent‐retriever). Experiments performed for in‐vitro analysis were replicated for in‐silico analysis. Multiple thrombectomy scenarios were defined and validation analysis was performed. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23 (IBM, Armonk, NY) Results We defined multiple thrombectomy scenarios including 1 cm red blood clot in M1 artery, 2 cm bifurcation M1‐M2 red blood clot (Y‐shaped clot), 1 cm white blood clot in M1 artery, and 1 cm white blood clot in superior M2 artery. The figure below demonstrates a pictorial representation of the first scenario‐ 1 cm red blood clot in M1 artery followed by mechanical thrombectomy simulation using the SuperNova stent‐retriever. Per our in‐vitro analysis (10 thrombectomy experiments), the rate of first pass effect and the rate of complete recanalization after a maximum of 3 passes using SuperNova stent‐retriever was 50% and 90%, respectively. Complete data from in‐silico analysis is being generated and will be presented at the conference. Preliminary data suggests high degree of concordance. Conclusion In‐silico analysis has the potential to improve and expedite pre‐clinical thrombectomy device development. Further studies are required to better understand the scope and potential of this technology.

30 Exploring the Differential Importance of Modifiable Fitness Variables on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

Objective:To identify the relative contributions and importance of modifiable fitness and demographic variables to cognitive performance in a cohort of healthy older adults.Participants and Methods:Metrics of modifiable fitness (gait speed, respiratory function, grip strength, and body mass index (BMI)) and cognition (executive function, episodic memory, and processing speed) were assessed in 619 older adults from the Health and Retirement Study 2016 wave (mean age = 74.9, sd = 6.9; mean education = 13.4 years, sd = 2.6; 42% female). General linear models were employed to assess the contribution of modifiable fitness variables in predicting three domains of cognition: executive function, episodic memory, and processing speed. Demographics (age, sex, education, time between appointments, and a chronic disease score) were entered as covariates for each model. Relative importance metrics were computed for all variables in each model using Lindeman, Merenda, and Gold (lmg) analysis, a technique which decomposes a given model’s explained variance to describe the average contribution of each predictor variable, independent of its position in the linear model.Results:When all variables were entered into the general linear model, demographic and modifiable fitness variables explained 35%, 24%, and 26% of the variance in executive function, episodic memory, and processing speed, respectively (all three models were significant, p <0.001). Age, education, respiratory function, and walking speed had higher relative importance values (all lmgs > 1.8) compared to BMI, grip strength, and other covariates in all three models (all lmgs < 1.3). Gender was also relatively important in the executive function (lmg = 4.2) and episodic memory models (lmg = 5.0). Of the modifiable fitness variables, walking speed and respiratory function had the greatest lmg values (5.8 and 6.4 respectively) in the executive function model, similar to demographic variables age (lmg = 6.0) and education (lmg = 8.9). When demographic variables were entered as covariates, modifiable fitness variables collectively accounted for an additional 9.7%, 6.3%, and 6.0% variance in the executive function, episodic memory, and processing speed models respectively (all three models were significant, p <0.001).Conclusions:Our findings indicate that walking speed and respiratory function are of similar importance compared to “traditional” demographic variables such as age and education in predicting cognitive performance in a cohort of healthy older adults. Moreover, modifiable fitness variables accounted for unique variance in executive function, episodic memory, and processing speed after accounting for age and education. Modifiable fitness variables explained the most unique variance in executive function. These results extend the current literature by demonstrating that modifiable fitness variables, even when assessed with brief and relatively coarse measures of physical performance, may be useful in predicting cognitive function. Moreover, the results highlight the need to assess metrics of cognitive reserve, such as education, as well as modifiable fitness variables and their respective roles in accounting for cognitive performance. The data further suggest that relative contributions of physical performance metrics may vary by cognitive domain in healthy older adults.

A scoping review of psychological interventions and outcomes for avoidant and restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

This scoping review identifies and describes psychological interventions for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and summarizes how outcomes are measured across such interventions. Five databases (Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, Web of Science) were searched up to December 22, 2022. Studies were included if they reported on psychological interventions for ARFID. Studies were excluded if participants did not have an ARFID diagnosis and if psychological interventions were not delivered or detailed. Fifty studies met inclusion criteria; almost half were single-case study designs (23 studies) and most studies reported on psychological interventions for children and adolescents with ARFID (42 studies). Behavioral interventions (16 studies), cognitive-behavioral therapy (10 studies), and family therapy (5 studies), or combinations of these therapeutic approaches (19 studies) were delivered to support patients with ARFID. Many studies lacked validated measures, with outcomes most commonly assessed via physical health metrics such as weight. This review provides a comprehensive summary of psychological interventions for ARFID since its introduction to the DSM-5. Across a range of psychological interventions and modalities for ARFID, there were common treatment components such as food exposure, psychoeducation, anxiety management, and family involvement. Currently, studies reporting on psychological interventions for ARFID are characterized by small samples and high levels of heterogeneity, including in how outcomes are measured. Based on reviewed studies, we outline suggestions for clinical practice and future research. Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by avoidance or restriction of food due to fear, sensory sensitivities, and/or a lack of interest in food. We reviewed the literature on psychological interventions for ARFID and the outcomes used to measure change. Several psychological interventions have been developed and applied to patients with ARFID. Outcome measurement varies widely and requires further development and greater consensus.

Different Aspects of Physical Load in Small-Sided Field Hockey Games.

Wilmes, E, de Ruiter, CJ, van Leeuwen, RR, Banning, LF, van der Laan, D, and Savelsbergh, GJP. Different aspects of physical load in small-sided field hockey games. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): e56-e61, 2024-Running volumes and acceleration/deceleration load are known to vary with different formats of small-sided games (SSGs) in field hockey. However, little is known about other aspects of the physical load. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gain a more thorough understanding of the total physical load in field hockey SSGs. To that end, 2 different SSGs (small: 5 vs. 5, ∼100 m 2 per player; large: 9 vs. 9, ∼200 m 2 per player) were performed by 16 female elite field hockey athletes. A range of external physical load metrics was obtained using a global navigational satellite system and 3 wearable inertial measurement units on the thighs and pelvis. These metrics included distances covered in different velocity ranges (walk, jog, run, and sprint), mean absolute acceleration/deceleration, Hip Load, and time spent in several physically demanding body postures. The effects of SSG format on these external physical load metrics were assessed using linear mixed models ( p < 0.05). Running volumes in various speed ranges were higher for the large SSG. By contrast, mean absolute acceleration/deceleration and time spent in several demanding body postures were higher for the small SSG. This study shows that changing the SSG format affects different aspects of physical load differently.

Surviving & Thriving; a healthy lifestyle app for new US firefighters: usability and pilot study protocol.

In the United States (US), new firefighters' fitness and health behaviors deteriorate rapidly after fire academy graduation. Over the long-term, this increases their risks for chronic diseases. This study protocol describes the proposed usability testing and pilot study of a newly designed and developed healthy lifestyle smartphone app, "Surviving & Thriving", tailored towards young US firefighters. "Surviving & Thriving" will provide interactive educational content on four lifestyle factors; nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and resilience, and include a personalized journey, habit tracker, and elements of gamification to promote engagement and long-term healthy behavior change. The first phase of the app development entails alpha testing by the research team and pre-beta testing by a fire service expert panel which will help refine the app into a pre-consumer version. Upon completion of the full app prototype, beta 'usability' testing will be conducted among new fire academy graduates from two New England fire academies to collect qualitative and quantitative feedback via focus groups and satisfaction surveys, respectively. A last phase of piloting the app will evaluate the app's efficacy at maintaining/improving healthy lifestyle behaviors, mental health metrics, and physical fitness metrics. We will also evaluate whether firefighters' perceived "health cultures" scores (ratings of each fire station's/fire department's environments as to encouraging/discouraging healthy behaviors) modify the changes in health metrics after utilizing the app for three to six months. This novel user-friendly app seeks to help new firefighters maintain/improve their health and fitness more effectively, reducing their risk of lifestyle-related chronic disease. Firefighters who can establish healthy habits early in their careers are more likely to sustain them throughout their lives.

Intermediate Term Clinical Outcomes in Total Ankle Arthroplasty: The CU Total Ankle Registry

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a common procedure to treat end stage ankle osteoarthritis. Despite recent increase in popularity, there is limited literature assessing clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in TAA procedures using 5 current generation implants. These measures are an important tool for physicians to better assess patient performance in daily activities. The purpose of this study is to characterize both PROs and clinical outcomes in primary and revision TAA surgeries using current generation prostheses performed by non-design surgeons at a single institution. Methods: Our institution maintains a prospective outcomes registry for patients undergoing TAA at our institution. Patient demographics, relevant case information, PROs and complications are collected. Collected PROs include PROMIS Physical Function (PF), Pain Interference (PI), Depression, Global Physical Health (GPH), Global Mental Health (GMH), and Foot and Ankle SANE. Records are categorized as a primary TAA, or revision involving either a polyethylene only exchange or complete hardware removal and replacement. Differences between groups were determined non-parametrically using Mann-Whitney U tests. In all statistical tests, a p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 259 patients were included for analysis; 223 primary and 36 partial or full revision. Average length of stay was 1.6 ± 1 days. There were 18 reoperations (6.95%), with no implant failures within 1 year. Five patients underwent implant revision at an average of 2.5 years. Of these, one was related to delayed infection at year 3, two due to hardware failure in year 2, and 2 polyethylene exchanges in years 2 and 5. All physical health PRO measures showed significant improvements post-operatively (p &lt; 0.0001). Patients reported significant reductions in pain following TAA at 3-months (Figure 1a), and significant improvement of physical function after 6-months (Figure 1b). There were no significant changes in Depression or GMH (Figure 1d). Conclusion: Total ankle arthroplasty is a safe and effective procedure for end-stage ankle arthritis. Patients experience improvement in all physical health PRO metrics at all post-operative time points after 3 months. Complication and early failure rates are lower than that reported in the literature. Long term outcomes and implant longevity will be tracked using the CU Total Ankle Registry. Total ankle arthroplasty improves quality of life in patients suffering from ankle osteoarthritis. Further follow-up and patient enrollment in the CU Total Ankle Registry will help us to identify risk factors for complications and define implant lifespan.

Exercise in the workplace: examining the receptivity of practical and time-efficient stair-climbing "exercise snacks".

In the workplace, people are often sedentary for prolonged time and do not regularly engage in physical activity-two factors independently linked to premature morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the receptivity of incorporating practical stair-climbing "exercise snacks" (Snacks; three isolated bouts of ascending 53-60 stairs performed sporadically throughout the day) into workplace settings compared to more traditional high-intensity interval training (HIIT; performed as three bouts of 53-60 stairs within a structured HIIT workout) and to explore if these exercise strategies could influence sedentary and physical activity behaviour. Fourteen participants (12 women; Mage=38.9±10.2 years) completed two supervised exercise trials (Snacks and HIIT) followed by 1 week participating in either form of exercise in their workplace. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), affective valence, enjoyment, and self-efficacy were measured at the supervised exercise sessions. During the follow-up period, sedentary behaviour and physical activity were measured with an accelerometer. Affective valence was more positive (p=0.03; η2 p=0.21) and there was a lower rise in RPE (p=0.01; η2 p=0.29) during Snacks than HIIT. Post-exercise enjoyment of, and self-efficacy towards, Snacks and HIIT were high and similar (ps>0.05). After the supervised trials, 10/14 of the participants preferred Snacks and 4/14 preferred HIIT (p=0.18). On days when participants chose to perform either exercise modality, the average number of sit-to-stands in a 24 h period was increased (48.3±8.7 to 52.8±7.8; p=0.03; Hedge's g=0.73) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity tended to increase (21.9±18.2 to 38.1±22.1 min; p=0.06; Hedge's g=0.60) compared to days when they chose not to exercise. Stair-climbing exercise snacks may be an attractive approach to implement in the workplace setting and has potential to positively impact sedentary behaviour and physical activity metrics.

A 0.1% L-Menthol Mouth Swill in Elite Male Rugby Players Has Different Effects in Forwards and Backs.

Menthol mouth swills can improve endurance performance in the heat, which is attributed to attenuations in nonthermally derived thermal sensation (TS) and perception of effort. However, research in elite team-sport athletes is absent. Therefore, this study investigated the performance and TS responses to a 0.1% menthol mouth rinse (MR) or placebo (PLA) among elite male rugby union players. Twenty-seven (15 Forwards and 12 Backs) elite male Super Rugby players completed two 3-minute 15-a-side rugby-specific conditioning blocks, with MR or PLA provided at the start of training (baseline), at the start of each 3-minute block (swill 1 [S1] and swill 2 [S2]), and at the end of training (swill 3 [S3]). TS was assessed using the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers 9-point Analog Sensation Scale after each swill and at baseline (preconditioning block). Acceptability was measured after baseline swill and S3 using a 5-question Likert scale. Physical performance was measured throughout training using global positioning system metrics. MR attenuated TS from baseline to S1 (P = .003, SD = 1.01) and S2 (P = .002, SD = 1.09) in Forwards only, compared with PLA. Acceptability was higher only for Forwards in MR versus PLA at baseline (P = .003, SD = 1.3) and S3 (P = .004, SD = 0.75). MR had no effect on physical performance metrics (P > .05). MR attenuated the rise in TS with higher acceptability at S1 and S3 (in Forwards only) with no effect on selected physical performance metrics. Longer-duration exercise (eg,a match) in hot-humid conditions eliciting markedly increased body temperatures could theoretically allow favorable changes in TS to enhance performance-these postulations warrant experimental investigation.

Impact of Continuous Focal Sampling Time Thresholds on Physical Activity Metrics When Using Video-Recorded Direct Observation

Purpose: To determine differences in physical activity metrics between 1-, 5-, and 10-s direct observation (DO) time thresholds and compare annotation completion time between different time thresholds. Methods: Participants (n = 10, mean age 40.7 ± 22.3 years, five males) were video recorded for 2 hr within a free-living setting. DO videos were annotated by one experienced annotator with a priori developed Posture and Behavior schemas. The annotation order of video, time threshold, and schema used was randomized. For analysis, annotations were collapsed into posture and behavior domains. Total video time is reported. Time to code videos, overall percent agreement, and statistical bias of each posture and behavior domain for the 5-s time threshold and 10-s time threshold were compared to 1-s time threshold output. Results: 19.7 hr of DO were recorded. On average, the 1-s time threshold took 183.9 ± 34.2 min to annotate with the Posture schema and 118.8 ± 23.6 min with the Behavior schema. Under the Posture schema, the 5-s time threshold was 31.7% faster, had 91.5% agreement, and all biases were &lt;±5 min, while the 10-s time threshold was 43.6% faster, had 89.2% agreement, and had biases ranging from −7.59 to 5.21 min. Under the Behavior schema, the 5-s time threshold was 16.0% faster, had 92.0% agreement, and had all biases &lt;±2.1 min, while the 10-s time threshold was 27.6% faster, had 88.3% agreement, and had all biases &lt;±3.9 min. Conclusion: Longer DO annotation time thresholds are accurate and faster but less precise for certain posture and behavior domains when compared to criterion 1-s time threshold in healthy adults.

Utilisation of transitional clusters exhibited within soccer game play to inform training design

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of 15min blocks on physical metrics during transitions, analyse frequency, type, duration, and recovery period between clusters of transitional activities (CTA) in elite football. During ten official matches 23 elite footballers were tracked using GPS devices. Metrics per minute (m·min-1) as well as absolute variables: total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD &gt; 19.8 km·h-1), sprint distance (SD &gt; 25.2 km·h-1), relative high-speed running distance (VelB4), relative sprint distance (VelB5), acceleration distance (AccB3 Dist, distance with variations in running speed &gt; 3 m·s-2), the number of high-intensity accelerations (HI Acc &gt; 3 m·s-2) and decelerations (HI Dec &gt; 3 m·s-2) were quantified. Significant effects of 15min blocks were found for TD (m) (p &lt; .001; ES = .078), TD (m·min-1) (p = .047; ES = .036), HSRD (m) (p = .033; ES = .039), VelB4 (m) (p &lt; .001; ES = .132), and HI Dec (n·min-1) (p = .002; ES = .059). Transitional activities recovery period was found to be 108.5 ± 26.2 s, CTA recovery period was 25.7 ± 3.6 s, while CTA peak duration reached 53.3 ± 18.2 s. This study indicates that physical metrics decrease in the last 15min blocks during transitions and high-pressure activities in games. In conclusion, repeated high intensity / high velocity activities frequently occur during contextualized peak intensity periods (transitions) in football, which should be reflected in modern training design.

The Association Between Ankle-Brachial Index and Daily Patterns of Physical Activity: Results From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with lower physical activity but less is known about its association with daily patterns of activity. We examined the cross-sectional association between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and objectively measured patterns of physical activity among Hispanic/Latino adults. We analyzed data from 7 688 participants (aged 45-74 years) in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. ABI was categorized as low (≤0.90, indicating PAD), borderline low (0.91-0.99), normal (1.00-1.40), and high (>1.40, indicating incompressible ankle arteries). Daily physical activity metrics derived from accelerometer data included: log of total activity counts (LTAC), total log-transformed activity counts (TLAC), and active-to-sedentary transition probability (ASTP). Average differences between ABI categories in physical activity, overall and by 4-hour time-of-day intervals, were assessed using linear regression and mixed-effects models, respectively. In Hispanic/Latino adults, 5.3% and 2.6% had low and high ABIs, respectively. After adjustment, having a low compared to a normal ABI was associated with lower volume (LTAC = -0.13, p < .01; TLAC = -74.4, p = .04) and more fragmented physical activity (ASTP = 1.22%, p < .01). Having a low ABI was linked with more fragmented physical activity after 12 pm (p < .01). Having a high ABI was associated with lower volumes of activity (TLAC = -132.0, p = .03). Having a low or high ABI is associated with lower and more fragmented physical activity in Hispanic/Latino adults. In adults with low ABI, physical activity is more fragmented in the afternoon to evening. Longitudinal research is warranted to expand these findings to guide targeted interventions for PAD or incompressible ankle arteries.

Kinesiophobia contributes to worse functional and patient-reported outcome measures in Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review.

To assess the effect of kinesiophobia or fear of reinjury on patient-reported outcome measures and physical performance measures in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Three databases were systematically screened for studies from inception to May 22nd, 2023 for literature investigating the impact of kinesiophobia on PROMs or physical performance metrics in AT. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R-AMSTAR guidelines as well as the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data on demographics, pain, level of activity, self-reported injury severity, quality of life, single-leg hop performance, and heel-raise performance were recorded. Data was presented primarily in a narrative summary fashion. The MINORS score was used for all studies to perform a quality assessment of included studies. Six studies comprising 705 patients were included in this review. Variations of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11 or TSK-17) were used in all studies. TSK scores were strongly correlated with the Pain Catastrophizing Score (PCS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and were correlated with decreased Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment Achilles (VISA-A) and Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores Quality of Life (FAOS-QoL) subscale scores. Kinesiophobia was associated with heel raise completion with conflicting evidence on correlations with hop test performance. Increased kinesiophobia scores (> 35 points), measured by TSK are associated with worse PROMs, including increased pain, decreased quality of life, increased self-reported severity, and is also associated with poorer physical performance measures in patients with AT. IV.

A comparison of physical image quality of two hologic digital mammography systems that utilise linear and 2D anti-scatter grids

Objective. Full-field digital mammography (FFDM) systems manufactured by Hologic that utilise either a 2D or linear anti-scatter grid have recently been installed in our clinic. The manufacturer advise that for matched dose, both grids deliver comparable image quality. The aim of this study was to test the manufacturer’s claim using advanced physical image quality metrics and to inform whether the different grids are indeed dose neutral. Approach. Effective detective quantum efficiency (eDQE), effective noise equivalent quanta (eNEQ) and effective dose efficiency (eDE) were measured on a Hologic Dimensions (2D grid) and a Hologic 3Dimensions (linear grid) FFDM system, both calibrated at installation to provide matched threshold contrast, according to the EUREF protocol. eDQE, eNEQ and eDE were calculated and compared using 2, 4, 6 and 7 cm thicknesses of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to simulate a clinically appropriate range of breast thicknesses. The beam qualities (target/filter and kilovoltage) chosen were identical between the two systems. Main results. All image quality metrics investigated show that the 2D grid outperforms the linear grid across all spatial frequencies. Furthermore, mean glandular dose (MGD) must be increased by up to 38% on those units that utilise the linear grid if eNEQ is to be matched, although MGD to the standard breast remains within NHSBSP tolerance and below the UK diagnostic reference level. The gradient and shape of each curve was the same irrespective of which grid was used, suggesting that subtle lesions (low frequency information) and micro-calcifications (high frequency information) will be imaged just as efficiently with a linear or 2D grid. Significance. If image quality is to be matched between those units utilising 2D and linear grids, dose must be increased on the latter. This information will be useful to the medical physicist tasked with the optimisation and standardisation of Hologic FFDM units.

A Python library for computing individual and merged non-CO2 algorithmic climate change functions: CLIMaCCF V1.0

Abstract. Aviation aims to reduce its climate effect by adopting trajectories that avoid regions of the atmosphere where aviation emissions have a large impact. To that end, prototype algorithmic climate change functions (aCCFs) can be used, which provide spatially and temporally resolved information on aviation's climate effect in terms of future near-surface temperature change. These aCCFs can be calculated with meteorological input data obtained from, e.g., numerical weather prediction models. We present here the open-source Python library called CLIMaCCF, an easy-to-use and flexible tool which efficiently calculates both the individual aCCFs (i.e., aCCF of water vapor, nitrogen oxide (NOx)-induced ozone production and methane depletion, and contrail cirrus) and the merged non-CO2 aCCFs that combine all these individual contributions. To construct merged aCCFs all individual aCCFs are converted to the same physical unit. This unit conversion needs the technical specification of aircraft and engine parameters, i.e., NOx emission indices and flown distance per kilogram of burned fuel. These aircraft- and engine-specific values are provided within CLIMaCCF version V1.0 for a set of aggregated aircraft and engine classes (i.e., regional, single-aisle, wide-body). Moreover, CLIMaCCF allows the user to choose from a range of physical climate metrics (i.e., average temperature response for pulse or future scenario emissions over the time horizons of 20, 50, or 100 years). Finally, we demonstrate the abilities of CLIMaCCF through a series of example applications.