Slalom Test Research Articles

Upper limb muscle strength and wheelchair-related abilities following an exoskeleton-assisted walking programme in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury: An exploratory study.

To measure the potential effects of an overground exoskeleton-assisted walking programme on upper limb strength and mass, as well as on wheelchair propulsion performances and abilities in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury. Prospective, single-group, pre-post intervention study. Ten individuals with chronic (≥ 18 months) spinal cord injury who use a wheelchair as their primary mode of locomotion and who had little-to-no motor function in the lower limbs. Individuals completed a progressive 16-week exoskeleton-assisted walking programme (34 × 1-h sessions, 1-3 sessions/week). Upper limb muscle strength was measured with dynamometers (isokinetic, Jamar). Upper limb lean mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) was used to calculate relative strength. Field tests (20-m wheelchair propulsion, and slalom test) and the Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire determined performances and abilities. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used with the following criteria: p < 0.1, effect size ≥ 0.5, and relative variation > 5%. Only natural velocity during the 20-m wheelchair propulsion test (i.e., fundamental wheelchair ability) changed following the intervention (p = 0.01, effect size = 0.82, relative variation = +14.5%). Overall, upper limb muscle function did not significantly and meaningfully change following the exoskeleton-assisted walking programme in this population. Additional research is needed to verify how changes in training volume would affect strength and advanced wheelchair-related abilities and performance, as well as the response in individuals who are deconditioned or novices to wheelchair use (e.g., subacute spinal cord injury).

Evaluating the Usefulness of a PNT Solution Using DGNSS-SBAS for Canoe Slalom: Simulated and Real-World Analysis

This study investigated the accuracy and precision of a commercially available PNT solution that uses DGNSS-SBAS technology. Time and position data were sampled at a frequency of 20Hz during both a short and long trajectory of a simulated controlled dry-land slalom, as well as during a real-world on-water slalom exercise. The primary objective was to assess the positional accuracy, availability, integrity, and service continuity of the PNT solution while evaluating its ability to differentiate between trajectories. Additionally, the simulated results were compared with an on-water real-world slalom test to validate the findings. The results of the controlled dry-land slalom test indicate that the PNT solution provided accurate measurements with an overall mean ± SD Hrms of 0.20 ± 0.02 m. The integrity measures, HDOD and PDOP, were found to be ideal to excellent, with values of 0.68 ± 0.03 and 1.36 ± 0.07, respectively. The PNT solution utilised an average of 20 ± 1 satellites from the constellation, resulting in an accuracy of &lt;1.5% when measuring the known trajectory of 50 simulated slalom runs. The data from the real-world on-water slalom test supported these findings, providing similar or improved results. Based on these findings, a PNT solution using DGNSS-SBAS can be considered an effective means of tracking athlete trajectory in the sport of canoe slalom. Future research should be conducted to quantify its efficacy more precisely.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity Level and Exercise Capacity and Respiratory Parameters in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) detrimentally impacts individuals' exercise capacity and respiratory parameters depending on sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunctions. Regular physical activity (PA) positively impacts cardiovascular health and pulmonary function in these individuals. This study determined the relationship between PA and exercise capacity and respiratory parameters in individuals with SCI. This cross-sectional study included 40 individuals with paraplegia. Assessments included the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals With Physical Disabilities (PASIPD), 6-min manual wheelchair propulsion test (MWPT6min), MWPT slalom test (MWPTslalom), 20-m MWPT propulsion test (MWPT20m), pulmonary function test (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow [PEF]), maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax), and maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax). Subjects' mean age and body mass index were 46 ± 13 y and 26.8 ± 5.2 kg/m2, respectively. PASIPD total score was significantly associated with MWPT6min (r = 0.657, P < .001), MWPTslalom (r = 0.403, P = .17) and MWPT20m (r = 0.477, P = .056), FEV1 (r = 0.552, P < .001), FEV1/FVC (r = 0.532, P = .02), PEF (r = 0.683, P = .004), PImax (r = 0.484, P = .01), and PEmax (r = 0.481, P = .16). However, PASIPD total score was not significantly associated with FVC (r = 0.168, P = .41). PA level influenced exercise capacity and pulmonary function in individuals with SCI and may play an important role in delimiting physical fitness.

Effect of nutritional status on the performance components of physical fitness of amateur basketball players in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Optimal nutritional status is crucial for enhancing the physical fitness components of amateur basketball players as it directly influences their strength, endurance, and overall performance. This study assessed the effect of nutritional status on the performance components of physical fitness of amateur basketball players in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional ex post facto study. Participants were 80 (40 male and 40 female) secondary school basketball players from a population of 160 (80 males (8 teams) and 80 females (8 teams) who were selected using random sampling technique from 16 registered teams from the 2023 Benue State Secondary School Basketball League organized by the Benue State Sports Council, Makurdi. All the participants underwent nutritional assessment based on WHO standards. The participants’ height and weight were measured in accordance with the protocol of ISAK. The Slalom test was performed to evaluate agility. The Harre circuit test (HCT) was used to assess coordination. Speed was assessed using the 50m dash. Reaction time was assessed using the reaction time ruler drop test. In all the tests, those with lower time were considered to be more fit and vice versa. Mean and standard deviation were computed for the performance of the participants in agility, coordination, speed and reaction time. The participants were split into three in relation to nutritional status (normal, thin/wasted and stunted). The analysis of variance was used to find out the different performance components of adolescents in relation to nutritional status. All the analyses were performed on 95% confidence intervals using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS v21). The result of the study indicated that nutrition has significant effects on agility (F=10.495, df=2, 77; p&lt;0.05), coordination (F=17.750, df=2, 77; p&lt;0.05), speed (F=5.908, df=2, 77; p&lt;0.05) and reaction time (p&lt;0.05) of amateur basketball players in Makurdi. It was concluded that nutritional status has a significant effect on several key performance components of physical fitness among amateur basketball players in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. It was recommended among others that coaches should take the nutritional status of their players as important as other parameters to ensure a better performance of their players in basketball. Key words: Nutritional status, physical fitness, performance, amateur, basketball, secondary school

Effects of a Strength Training Program on Basic Basketball Skills in Wheelchair Basketball Players

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of an upper extremity strength training program on basic basketball skills in wheelchair basketball players. The study consisted of a total of 27 wheelchair basketball players (15 in the training group and 12 in the control group). The basic basketball skills were assessed at the beginning and end of the training program with a slalom test, slalom with ball test, layup test, zone shot test, two-point shot test, and pass for accuracy test. The warm-up part of the strength training included the use of wheelchair and passing exercises with a basketball. The special strength program was applied to the training group three times a week for eight weeks. The control group continued with the routine education program. While there was a statistically significant difference in the slalom, slalom with ball, zone shot, and four-meter and eight-meter pass for accuracy tests in the training group (p0.05). It was determined that the basic basketball skills test of the control group did not yield a difference (p&gt;0.05). At the conclusion this research, it was determined that the upper extremity strength training program planned for wheelchair basketball players for eight weeks positively affected their basic basketball skills. It may be recommended to include this program in the warm-up session of the training program in order to improve sportive performance.

Coordinated Control for the Trajectory Tracking of Four-Wheel Independent Drive–Four-Wheel Independent Steering Electric Vehicles Based on the Extension Dynamic Stability Domain

In order to achieve multi-objective chassis coordination control for 4WID-4WIS (four-wheel independent drive–four-wheel independent steering) electric vehicles, this paper proposes a coordinated control strategy based on the extension dynamic stability domain. The strategy aims to improve trajectory tracking performance, handling stability, and economy. Firstly, expert PID and model predictive control (MPC) are used to achieve longitudinal speed tracking and lateral path tracking, respectively. Then, a sliding mode controller is designed to calculate the expected yaw moment based on the desired vehicle states. The extension theory is applied to construct the extension dynamic stability domain, taking into account the linear response characteristics of the vehicle. Different coordinated allocation strategies are devised within various extension domains, providing control targets for direct yaw moment control (DYC) and active rear steering (ARS). Additionally, a compound torque distribution strategy is formulated to optimize driving efficiency and tire adhesion rate, considering the vehicle’s economy and stability requirements. The optimal wheel torque is calculated based on this strategy. Simulation tests using the CarSim/Simulink co-simulation platform are conducted under slalom test and double-lane change to validate the control strategy. The test results demonstrate that the proposed control strategy not only achieves good trajectory tracking performance but also enhances handling stability and economy during driving.

Wheelchair handball classification system: purpose and validation evidence-based

The aim of the present work is to propose and validate an evidence-based Wheelchair Handball Classification System, that allows its widespread use and the standardization of the classification system in different Wheelchair Handball competitions. The study involved 98 Wheelchair Handball athletes of both sex (87 males, 11 females), aged between 14 and 76 years old (M=40.32; SD= 11.73) with physical impairments. All wheelchair handball players that had participated in the last 3 national championships were invited to participate. We applied the assessment protocol to the participants and athletes’ classification process had three phases: Medical and Physiological functional assessment; Technical assessment (evaluation of specific movements with wheelchair manipulation and Handball skills) and observation in a game situation (with videorecorder). We used a Classification Points Form to permit the assessment of muscle strength and range of movement of upper limbs, trunk, lower limbs, wheelchair manipulation and Handball skills. The manipulation of wheelchair was measured considering the symmetrical movement, acceleration, braking and change direction, using the Sprint 20m – speed test and a Slalom test. The handball skills were assessed, using dribbling, reception, catching the ball from the floor, shoulder and shopped pass and 9m to the goal shot. Data Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and an Ordinal Linear Regression. The dependent variable was the classification class and we considered five independent variables (mean of upper limbs, trunk, lower limbs, wheelchair manipulation and Handball skills). Data Analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics. The results showed that the proposed model presents a high degree of adjustment and permitted identify determinant variables of performance in that sport and indicates key tasks to optimize classification process. There was consistency in the specific parameters to assign a class to the athlete, according to their functional capacity, associated with the specific neuromotor alterations of each clinical condition.

Differences in Motor Abilities among Basketball Players in Relation to Biological Maturity

Basketball is a popular team sport with a combination of alternating and high-intensity activities. Physical characteristics related to age and maturity can be quite important for developing the career of a young athlete. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in motor skills among basketball players with regard to their biological maturity. Using the Mirwald equation, the total sample of participants was divided into three groups based on their biological maturity: early-maturing (postPHV), normally-maturing (midPHV), and late-maturing (prePHV). The sample of participants consisted of 51 basketball players (body height 171±12 cm; body weight 63±15.7 kg; BMI 21.3±3.8). Tests of speed (5, 10, 20m sprint), explosive power of the lower extremities (the countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJwas), the countermovement jump (CMJ), and the squat jump (SJ)), and agility (the t-test, zigzag, and slalom test) were evaluated. The one-factor ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference between groups in the slalom, t-test, and zig-zag test (p&lt;0.05). On the sprint tests and tests assessing explosive power no difference was found. We can conclude that this group of participants showed equal performance in motor skills on most tests, regardless of their maturity status. The primary significance of this study is that it shows coaches the importance of understanding their players’ biological maturation for optimal selection, suitable training design, and a reduction in the risk of injury.

Correlation between linear speed, change of direction speed and dribble deficit in male handball players

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between linear sprint and change of direction (COD) speed using the novel approach of the Dribble Deficit (DD) among professional handball players. This study included 14 male professional handball players (age = 23.1 ± 3.43). Each player performed the following tests: a 10, 20 and 30 meter linear sprint; a zig-zag test; a slalom test and 4 × 5 agility test with and without a ball. A significant correlation was found between the DD at 10 m and the 10 m sprint with the ball (p &lt; 0.05, r = 0.575). Additionally, the results showed that the values of dribble deficit during slalom test were related (p &lt; 0.01) to the 20-m sprint with the ball (r = 0.767), the 30-m sprint with a ball (r = 0.765) and the slalom with a ball (r = 0.938). Regression analyses showed significant influence of the linear sprint at 10 m on DD (p = 0.02, R2 = 0.373), and the zig-zag test without ball on the DD (p = 0.004, R2 = 0.514). The results suggest that the linear sprint and zig-zag test used to evaluate COD movement speed are associated with and influence DD in professional handball players. Further research on DD is necessary in order to determine that DD is not influence by physical performance and how we can use it in the future to calculate the time required for dribbling.

INFLUENCE OF BODY COMPOSITION ON BASIC MOTOR ABILITIES IN HANDBALL PLAYERS

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of body composition on motor abilities in handball players. The sample involved 16 male handball players aged 15-20. Body composition variables included body mass (BM), the body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (PBF) and percentage of muscle mass (PMM). For speed assessment, the 20m sprint test was used. The T-test, Slalom test and Zig-Zag test were used to estimate agility, while the squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ) and counter movement jump with arm swing (CMJa) were used to assess the muscle strength of the lower limbs. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the influence of body composition variables on basic motor abilities. Negative, statistically significant correlations were observed between BMI, PBF, sprint speed and agility (r = 0,52 – 0,66, R2 = 0,27 - 0,44, p &lt; 0,05). Muscle mass contributed to better performance on speed and agility tests (-0,55 &lt; r &lt; -0,67, R2 = 0,31 - 0,45, p &lt; 0,05). There were no significant relationships between BM and motor abilities, as well as between the muscle strength and body composition variables. These findings indicate that obesity contributes to slower linear and multidirectional movement, while muscle mass makes handball players faster. More research is needed in order to determine the influence of body composition on muscle strength, and the influence of body mass on specific handball movements.

The Effect of Menstrual Cycle Physiological Changes on Physical Fitness Patterns in Middle School Students Aged 12-14 Years

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the physiological changes associated with the menstrual cycle on some aspects of physical fitness, specifically speed, agility, and flexibility, among middle school students in Beirut aged 12 to 14 years old. To accomplish this, the study was conducted on a sample of 21 female students who were in good health and had a regular monthly cycle, and the descriptive approach was used to suit the nature of the study. Time and speed during the slalom and 30-meter sprint tests, as well as distance achieved during the trunk flexion test, were measured before and after menstruation. The study's findings revealed statistically significant differences at the level (0.05) in all variables: time, speed, and distance. This demonstrates the effect of the menstrual cycle on the elements of physical fitness, which is the focus of our research. The researchers recommended that physical education programs for girls be aligned with menstrual cycle requirements, taking into account the importance and necessity of exercising and not stopping during this time.

Torque Distribution Algorithm for Four In-wheel Motors Drive Electric Vehicle Based on Torque Vector Control

Torque distribution algorithm, including the calculation of additional yaw moment and the distribution of four in-wheel motors torque, is studied. An additional yaw moment controller based on the MPC is designed. The predictive model is constructed based on 2-DOF vehicle model. The optimal additional yaw moment is obtained by solving the equivalent quadratic programming problem, which considers the constraints of target yaw rate, CG sideslip angle and minimum variation of additional yaw moment.Wheel torque distribution based on the optimal tire adhesion coefficient is established to realize additional yaw moment. Combined with the constraints of front and rear axle driving force, additional yaw moment and tire friction circle, the optimal wheel force distribution problem is transformed into a quadratic programming problem. In the special conditions such as lateral force saturation and driving anti-skid function trigger, the constraints are relaxed to avoid the equation without feasible solution.The simulation results of transient steering test, steady state steering test and extreme steering test showed that the application of the algorithm can shorten the response time of yaw rate, improve the cornering behavior of the vehicle under large lateral acceleration, and reduce the maximum passing speed under in slalom test to improve the handling and stability of the vehicle.

Cultural adaptation and Turkish version of Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities in individuals with spinal cord injury: a reliability and validity study

Purpose To translate the “Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD)” into Turkish, to make a cultural adaptation, and to examine the psychometric properties including validity and reliability. Methods During the translation period cross-cultural adaptation design proposed by guideline was used. Patients completed the Turkish version of the PASIPD and it was applied again a week later. To determine the reliability and internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated. Test–retest reliability was determined by using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Construct validity was examined with factor analysis. Convergent validity was examined by comparing PASIPD with Functional Independent Measurement (FIM), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique Short (CHART-SF), and criterion validity was examined by comparing PASIPD with Manual wheelchair propulsion tests scores. Results Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.725. The ICC coefficient for the test–retest reliability was 0.851. PASIPD was explained by three factors. The ratio of explaining the total variance of these 3 factors was determined as 51.66%. FIM (r = 0.307, p = 0.040) and CHART-SF were moderately positively correlated with PASIPD total score. The correlation between the total score of PASIPD and NHP was r = −0.443 (p = 0.002). 20 Meters Propulsion (r = −0.404, p = 0.005) and Slalom Tests (r = −0.305, p = 0.037) were highly negative and 6 min Push Propulsion (r = 0.456, p = 0.001) were moderately positive with PASIPD total score. Conclusion The Turkish version of the PASIPD is a valid and reliable scale in patients with spinal cord injury. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The Turkish and cross-culturally adapted version of PASIPD is a useful physical activity scale to evaluate the physical activity level of SCI. The Turkish version of the PASIPD is a valid and reliable scale and can be used in Turkish patients with SCI. PASIPD can be used to compare physical activity levels between disability types and groups with and without disabilities. PASIPD can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of attempts to increase physical activity in patients with SCI.

The Effectiveness of Active Rehabilitation Camp on Physical Performance of Disabled People Moving in Wheelchairs

(1) Background: Regular participation in physical activity (PA) prevents many medical complications and improves the physical fitness of people with spinal cord injury, and in turn improves the functional independence, psychosocial status and quality of life. The goal of Active Rehabilitation Camps (ARCs) is to use various forms of PA in order for the participants to obtain the greatest efficiency and independence in everyday life. (2) Purpose: To evaluate the improvement in physical performance of people with chronic spinal cord disabilities moving in wheelchairs taking part in the Active Rehabilitation Camp depending on (a) sex, (b) type of disability, (c) the level of injury and (d) the type of wheelchair. (3) Methods: The study included 42 wheelchair users: 28 men and 14 women aged 18–65 years (34.7 ± 14.9 years) taking part in the Active Rehabilitation Camp. Finally, the study involved 27 paraplegics, 9 tetraplegics and 6 individuals with myelomeningocele. The participants took part in four fitness tests: (1) sprint test (SP)—individual time to cover a distance of 15 m in the wheelchair; (2) slalom test (SL)—time to ride between four cones front and back; (3) basketball ball throw at a distance (BT), (4) zig-zag test (ZZ)—riding continuously for 6 min on the designated track. The tests were performed at the beginning and at the end of the ACR. Active wheelchairs were used by 32 participants, and 10 participants used the classic wheelchairs. (4) Results: Paraplegics achieved the best average results in all the tests and the best improvement in physical performance in comparison to individuals with myelomeningocele and tetraplegics. People in active wheelchairs achieved a statistically significant improvement in the results of SL and ZZ (p < 0.001). People with injury above Th-9 level of the spinal cord achieved a statistically significant improvement in the results of SP (p < 0.01), SL and ZZ (p < 0.01). People with injury below Th6 achieved a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in SP, SL and ZZ. (5) Conclusions: Regular PA during the Active Rehabilitation Camp improves the physical performance of disabled people in wheelchairs, but the scale of improvement of physical performance fitness depends on the type of wheelchair used and the level and the type of injury.

Robust steering control for trajectory following in road traffic environments

The process of modelling vehicle motion in a road traffic environment requires the integration of trajectory generation with vehicle control. The steps involved here are generating a feasible trajectory based on the existing traffic and tracking the trajectory to control it with a steering angle input. Since the parameters of a physical system vary with changes in operating conditions, it is important to consider robustness when designing controllers. This article aims at developing a trajectory-following model with robust steering control strategies to accurately follow a generated trajectory. In this study, performance-based proportional, robust proportional and sliding mode control strategies are designed for trajectory following. The robustness of the proportional controller is established using Kharitonov’s theorem, which is compared with a proportional controller tuned for performance. Sliding mode control is designed for robustness and chattering elimination using two kinds of reaching laws – a constant reaching law and a novel power rate exponential reaching law. The controllers are designed using a dynamic bicycle model considering the error with respect to the trajectory. The controllers are then evaluated in IPG CarMaker®. The resulting trajectories and control inputs are compared for the considered control methodologies using the ISO double lane change and the Slalom tests. Sliding mode control with power rate exponential reaching law is concluded to be more robust as compared to the other controllers, with lower response times, up to 84% lower heading angle deviations from the trajectory and an overshoot of only 3.2% in lane changing.

Improving the execution speed of children alpine skiers, in accordance with the evolution of technique for slalom tests

Alpine skiing is a predominantly technical discipline, whose basic feature is balancing in sliding, it takes place outdoors, in special environmental conditions: altitude, weather conditions, terrain, and types of snow. Practiced regularly from an early age, under the proper guidance of coaches, skiing is transforming from a recreational sport, especially important for children’s health and their harmonious development, into a performance sport. This paper aims to present a new approach to the training systems of alpine skiers on snow. In addition to physical training close to the characteristics of the discipline - we consider that it is necessary a special physical training - of the physical qualities required by the competition effort, respectively of balancing in conditions of sliding on the snow. In this sense, the paper tries to demonstrate that by applying some efficient operational structures in the trainings carried out on the snow, it is possible to improve the execution speed and implicitly the technical expression in the slalom events.

CHANGES IN BODY COMPOSITION AND MUSCLE FITNESS DURING THE OFF-SEASON PERIOD IN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS

The aim of this research was to examine the effects of a 6-week off-season period on body composition and muscle fitness in young soccer players. A total of 48 young soccer players, randomly selected for the experimental group-EG (n=24; Age: 16.83±1.14 years; Height: 175.35±6.68 cm) and control group-CG (n=24; Age: 16.80±1.19 years; Height: 178.18±6.97 cm) took part in this research. The variables of body composition (body mass, body fat mass and BMI) and muscle fitness (CMJ, CMJAS, 20m sprint, slalom test and slalom test with ball) were measured. The first testing session (TS1) took place immediately after the end of the competition period. The second testing session (TS2) was after 2 weeks and the third testing session (TS3) was after 6 weeks from the beginning of the preparation period. Statistically significant differences were found after TS2 and TS3 in all the variables (p&lt;0.05) except in the variables of agility (slalom test and slalom test with a ball) in CG. A significant difference in the experimental group after TS2 was found in the 20m sprint (p&lt;0.05) and after TS3 in body mass (p&lt;0.05), body fat mass (p&lt;0.05), BMI (p&lt;0.05) and the 20m sprint (p&lt;0.05). An effect size analysis showed significant increases after TS2 between EG and CG in the variable body fat mass (ES=-0.73, moderate) and significant decreases in the variable CMJAS (ES=0.60, moderate). Significant increases after TS3 between EG and CG were found in the variable body fat mass (ES=-0.93, moderate) and significant decreases in both the variable of jumping performance CMJ (ES=0.81, moderate) and CMJAS (ES=0.91, moderate).

The Effects of Nutritional Habits on Physical Fitness Parameters in Athletes

Nutrition is one of the major component of sustainable energy, optimal body composition, improving physical fitness and maintaining good health status in athletes. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of nutritional habits on physical fitness parameters of athletes playing in university teams in different sports branches. Height, body weight of the athletes were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. 12 minute run test, 20 meter sprint test, slalom test, sit ups test, push up test, closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUET test), vertical jump test and hand grip strength test (right-left) were applied to the athletes. 72 athletes who participated in the study, 41.7% were female and 58.3% were male. It was found that the majority of athletes (60.0% for women; 66.7% for men) consumed 3-4 meals a day. While the majority of the athletes reported that they skipped meals, the most skipped meal was breakfast (p=0.05). It was observed that the group consuming 5 or more meals covered more distance in standing long jump and vertical jump tests. When the right and left hand grip strength examined, it was shown that the group who consumed 5 or more meals had better performance, but there was no statistically significant difference (p&gt;0.05). As a result, athletes need different nutritional programs depending on factors such as gender, age, sport, training/competition time. A well nourished athlete will have higher physical fitness and concentration ability and maximum efficiency of the training.

The effect of blood flow restriction and plyometric training methods on dynamic balance of Taekwondo athletes

Background and Study Aim. Taekwondo (TKD) is a combat sport emphasizing on kicking techniques and dynamic footwork. Specialized balance ability is crucial for Taekwondo practitioners. Nowadays balance could be improved with specific strength training such as blood flow restriction and plyometric training. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) and pliometric training methods on the development of dynamic balance at the martial art of Taekwondo.&#x0D; Material and Methods. Totally 31 TKD athletes between 15-19 ages participated voluntarily and were divided into three groups as blood flow restriction (n=11), plyometric training (n=10) and control groups (n=10). In addition to normal taekwondo training, 8 week training programs were applied to the pliometric and blood flow restriction groups, and no training program was applied to the control group. At the beginning and after the trainings, dynamic balance ability measured with Prokin Tecnobody equipment for 30 seconds slalom test. &#x0D; Results. The difference between pre-test and post-test values of BFR group’s dynamic balance (antero-posterior sway) was found to be statistically different (p&lt;.05) while according to the pliometric training results, there was no statistically significant difference (p&gt;.05). Also, there was not any difference in terms of gender (p&gt;.05).&#x0D; Conclusions. Strength development is neccessary for dynamic balance improvement in athletes. Since taekwondo athletes use strength and balance ability for rapid kicking and change direction, these motor abilities are important for success. Based on the findings of this study; it is recommended that BFR method may be useful and so it can be included in training programs.

Vision‐aided intelligent vehicle sideslip angle estimation based on a dynamic model

The vehicle sideslip angle is an important state for vehicle dynamic control, which needs to be estimated as it could not be obtained directly by the vehicle. To improve the estimation accuracy of the sideslip angle based on the intelligent vehicle platform, this study proposes a novel vehicle sideslip angle estimation algorithm with the fusion of dynamic model and vision information. Firstly, to further improve the model accuracy of the vehicle during lateral acceleration conditions, a vehicle dynamic model is established considering the acceleration error compensation with the assistance of attitude information. In addition, based on the lane line information obtained from the equipped camera in intelligent vehicles, a visual geometric model is established. Owing to the measurement delay and low sampling frequency of the camera, a multi-rate sideslip angle observer with delay compensation is designed to coordinate with the inter-frequency signal of the vehicle chassis. Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by the slalom test.