Soft Ball Research Articles

Electromyography Biofeedback Exergames to Enhance Grip Strength and Motivation.

Hand strength weakness affects the performance of most activities of daily living. This study aims to design, develop, and test an electromyography (EMG) biofeedback training system based on serious games to promote motivation and synchronization and proper work intensity in grip exercises for improving hand strength. An EMG surface sensor, soft balls with different stiffness and three exergames, conforms the system to drive videogame clues in response to EMG-inferred grip strength, while overseeing motivation. An experiment was designed to study the effect of performing handgrip (HG) exercises with the proposed system versus traditional exercises. Participants, organized into two groups, followed a training program for each hand. One group followed a HG exergame training (ET) with the dominant hand and traditional HG training with the nondominant hand and inverse sequence by the second group. Initial and final grip forces were measured using a digital dynamometer. Questionnaires evaluated motivation and user experience, and exercise performance was evaluated in terms of work and rest time percentage and maximal voluntary contraction percentage over contraction periods. Data were analyzed for statistically significant differences and increase of means. Participants showed significantly better exercise performance and higher grip forces, with sustained intrinsic motivation and user experience, with the ET. Improvement in force level arises evidently from the synchronized work-rest time pattern and appropriated intensity of the muscle activity. This leads to support that EMG biofeedback exergames improve motor neurons firing and resting.

Effectiveness of Palm Fisting Exercise on Occurrence of Thrombophlebitis among the IV Cannulated Patients Receiving Chemotherapy – A Selected Hospital of Delhi

Thrombophlebitis is a common complication among IV cannulated patients receiving chemotherapy. The main objectives of the present study were to compare the effect of palm fisting exercise on the occurrence of thrombophlebitis among the IV cannulated patients receiving chemotherapy in experimental and control groups and to find an association between the occurrences of thrombophlebitis with selected demographic variables in the experimental group. The quantitative research approach was used. The research design was post-test-only control design. Sample comprised of 60 patients who were newly cannulated in the arm and were receiving chemotherapy for at least two days from the medical oncology ward of Delhi State Cancer Institute, New Delhi, selected by the lottery method and assigned in to experimental and control groups. There was a significant difference of palm fisting exercise on the occurrence of thrombophlebitis among the IV cannulated patients receiving chemotherapy between the experimental and control groups. There was a significant difference of palm fisting exercise on the occurrence of thrombophlebitis among the IV cannulated patients receiving chemotherapy between the experimental and control group at 0.05 level of significance. In experimental group, there was a significant association between the occurrences of thrombophlebitis among the IV cannulated patients receiving chemotherapy with selected variables, viz., age, stages of cancer, duration of illness, concurrent illness, body mass index, size of the cannula, site of the cannula, duration of chemotherapy administration, number of present cycles of chemotherapy and other treatment modalities at 0.05 level of significance. So, palm fisting exercise with soft ball was effective in reducing the occurrence of thrombophlebitis among the IV cannulated patients receiving chemotherapy.

Effect of MELT method on thoracolumbar connective tissue: The full study

Altered connective tissue structure has been identified in adults with chronic low back pain (LBP). A self-care treatment for managing LBP is the MELT method. The MELT method is a hands-off, self-treatment that is said to alleviate chronic pain, release tension and restore mobility, utilizing specialized soft treatments balls, soft body roller and techniques mimicking manual therapy. The objective of this study was to determine whether thickness of thoracolumbar connective tissue and biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of myofascial tissue in the low back region change in subjects with chronic LBP as a result of MELT. This study was designed using a quasi experimental pre-post- design that analyzed data from subjects who performed MELT. Using ultrasound imaging and an algorithm developed in MATLAB, thickness of thoracolumbar connective tissue was analyzed in 22 subjects. A hand-held digital palpation device, called the MyotonPRO, was used to assess biomechanical properties such as stiffness, elasticity, tone and mechanical stress relaxation time of the thoracolumbar myofascial tissue. A forward bending test assessing flexibility and pain scale was added to see if MELT affected subjects with chronic LBP. A significant decrease in connective tissue thickness and pain was observed in participants. Significant increase in flexibility was also recorded.

Comparison of the effectiveness of three different methods in decreasing pain during venipuncture in children: ball squeezing, balloon inflating and distraction cards.

This study aimed to investigate three different distraction methods (squeezing a soft ball, balloon inflation and distraction cards) on pain and anxiety relief in children during phlebotomy. Needle-requiring medical procedures such as venipuncture, phlebotomy and intramuscular injections are common and significant sources of pain for children, and these cause anxiety, distress and fear. This study was a prospective, randomised controlled trial. The sample consisted of children (n=120) who required blood tests. Data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with the children, their parents and the observer before and after the procedure. The children's pain levels were assessed and reported by the parents and observers, and the children themselves who self-reported using Wong-Baker FACES. The children's anxiety levels were also assessed using the Children's Fear Scale. One hundred and twenty children (mean age: 9·64±2·07years) were included. No difference was found between the groups in the self-, parent- and observer-reported procedural pain levels (p=0·446, p=0·467, p=0·318 respectively). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the groups in procedural child anxiety levels according to the parents and observer (p=0·323, p=0·144 respectively). Pain and anxiety relief was seen in the three methods used during phlebotomy; however, no statistically significant difference was observed. This study contributes to the literature on nonpharmacologic pain relief methods during phlebotomy in children.

Coulomb's law for rolling friction

Measurements are presented on the coefficient of rolling friction for steel balls rolling on hard surfaces. Two simple techniques are described, both suitable for use in a student laboratory, and both capable of measuring friction coefficients as small as 0.0001. The coefficient of rolling friction depends strongly on ball radius, an effect first observed by Coulomb in 1785. In this work, the dependence on ball radius is found to be similar to that observed by Tabor in 1955 using steel balls on rubber and on soft metal surfaces. However, it is found that rolling friction on a hard surface is due primarily to surface roughness rather than the hysteresis losses commonly associated with soft balls or soft surfaces. It is also found that the coefficient of rolling friction is approximately proportional to rolling speed.

Design and Fabrication of a Ball Projecting Machine

To make a ball projecting machine which pitches various kinds of balls either soft, leather, baseball or tennis ball at desired line and length as required. It can throw the ball at predetermined speed with required spin/swing effect. Problem with the existing machines is that they are very expensive and because of very low competition they ask for extremely huge price. The project began from the research phase with the identification of basic components used in the making of bowling machine. A thorough review of the theory and operations involved in a bowling machine were studied. A basic design was plotted and after review final design was made. Fabrication was done which involved operations on lathe, milling, grinding, welding machines etc. First 2 motors were coupled with the wheels, and then it was installed on a cylindrical bar which was installed on a base plate. A drive is used which is connected with the motors. The first worm and worm wheel set is installed on the rotating shaft on top of the base plate. Second similar set is installed at bottom. A power screw is welded at bottom which allows which fits inside a circular disc which carries corresponding threads. Its rotation about those threads would provide vertical lift and fall, also rotation in horizontal plane providing height adjustment and line change respectively. Finally three hollow cylindrical bars are welded at periphery of the circular plate holding power screw to form a tripod stand. The result is an efficient working bowling machine which is relatively much cheap in manufacturing. It could project the ball at various speeds with desired spin/swing effect. It also provides the facility to project various kinds of balls.

Effectiveness of knowledge of result and knowledge of performance in the learning of a skilled motor activity by healthy young adults

[Purpose] The acquisition of motor skills are fundamental to human life. There is a lack of research on whether knowledge of performance or knowledge of result as augmented feedback is more effective. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of knowledge of result and knowledge of performance in the learning of a skilled motor activity by healthy young adults. [Subjects and Methods] A total of thirty healthy young adult males and females without any neurological or musculoskeletal impairment, between the age of 18–30 years were the subjects of the study. They were randomly allocated to 2 groups: group 1 was given knowledge of result as feedback, and knowledge of performance was given as feedback to group 2. Both the groups practiced the task of throwing a soft spongy ball for 6 days per week for 4 weeks, with 40 trials each day. The outcome measure used was the distance of the throw. [Results] The results were analyzed using the t-test. The mean distances thrown by both the groups showed highly significant improvements and throwing distance of group 2 showed better improvement than that of group 1. [Conclusion] Both types of augmented feedback were effective at improving skilled motor activity, but the knowledge of performance group showed better improvement than the knowledge of result group.

Posttraumatic Seroma Mimicking Tibial Edema in a Patient With Frequently Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome

Seromas are collections of serous fluid. A Japanese girl with refractory nephrotic syndrome showed posttraumatic seroma following a large soft ball hitting at the tibia. The seroma was misunderstood as tibial edema, but the seroma did not disappear after archiving complete remission. After the puncture, the seroma shrank and no flare-up occurred. Hypoalbuminemia associated with nephrotic syndrome may not only cause tibial edema, but also make the patient prone to seroma formation after trauma. Int J Clin Pediatr. 2016;5(2):36-37 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/ijcp248w

Elasticity of polymeric nanocolloidal particles.

Softness is an essential mechanical feature of macromolecular particles such as polymer-grafted nanocolloids, polyelectrolyte networks, cross-linked microgels as well as block copolymer and dendrimer micelles. Elasticity of individual particles directly controls their swelling, wetting, and adsorption behaviour, their aggregation and self-assembly as well as structural and rheological properties of suspensions. Here we use numerical simulations and self-consistent field theory to study the deformation behaviour of a single spherical polymer brush upon diametral compression. We observe a universal response, which is rationalised using scaling arguments and interpreted in terms of two coarse-grained models. At small and intermediate compressions the deformation can be accurately reproduced by modelling the brush as a liquid drop, whereas at large compressions the brush behaves as a soft ball. Applicable far beyond the pairwise-additive small-strain regime, the models may be used to describe microelasticity of nanocolloids in severe confinement including dense disordered and crystalline phases.

Physical Activity Benefits Creativity: Squeezing a Ball for Enhancing Creativity

Studies in embodied cognition show that physical sensations, such as touch and movement, influence cognitive processes. Two studies were conducted to test whether squeezing a soft versus a hard ball facilitates different types of creativity. Squeezing a malleable ball would increase divergent creativity by catalyzing multiple or alternative ideas, whereas squeezing a hard ball would increase convergent creativity by facilitating only a single correct response. In Study 1, participants squeezed either a hard ball or a soft ball while completing the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT), a divergent creativity test. The same procedures were used in Study 2 except that the TTCT was replaced with the Remote Associates Test, a convergent creativity test. Participants who squeezed a soft ball generated more original and diverse ideas (Study 1), whereas participants who squeezed a hard ball were better at coming up with a single correct answer (Study 2).

A Portable Soft Hand Exerciser With Variable Elastic Resistance for Rehabilitation and Strengthening of Finger, Wrist, and Hand1

Stroke is the leading cause of long term disability and has a major impact on societal and healthcare burden [1,2]. The recovery and rehabilitation process, if not well-managed, can lead to aftereffects which will impact on the quality of lives of the patients and their families. It was reported that early rehabilitation management after acute stroke leads to better outcomes and shorter hospitalization stays [3]. However, stroke rehabilitation is both manpower and resourceintensive. Hence, the shortage of skilled expertise and equipment is the primary limiting factor to the amount of rehabilitation each patient can receive. It is also observed that stroke patients spend a large part of their time resting in bed without any activity and this time could be better utilized for bedside therapy at their own convenience [4]. Existing hand exercisers, such as putty, elastic bands, grip strengtheners, soft balls and finger webs, are associated with disadvantages such as portability, durability, limited range of motion, and operational use on one hand only. Most devices also consist of only one elastic resistance in one unit, requiring the user to purchase multiple color-coded units as they progress in their rehabilitation or strength training. In this study, we aim to develop a portable, lightweight, and intuitively designed multifunctional soft hand exerciser with variable elastic resistances within one unit. The gradient feature of different resistance levels is expected to motivate and hasten user progress up the level of difficulty. This device should support a variety of finger, hand, wrist, and arm exercises in multiple planes of motion. Currently, this device is intended for use by outpatients suffering from hand injuries or disabilities, but with some residual strength in their fingers, hand, and wrist, and are in the stage of recovery toward regaining their strength. This portable and lightweight device is designed primarily for use at home to facilitate patient’s recovery outside of in-clinics therapy. Other user groups such as the elderly could also utilize this device for strength and flexibility training. Eventually, our goal is to make iterations to this device for use as a supplementary therapeutic intervention for stroke in-patients to self-manage a range of hand, finger, and wrist exercises by their bedside.

Research on dynamic characteristic of softness consolidation abrasives in machining process

Pneumatic wheel based on softness consolidation abrasives (SCA) is presented as a key machining tool mainly for the improvement of finishing efficiency to free-form surface of laser-hardened molds. In this case, though its softness fits for machining to free-form surface, it cannot keep all abrasives within bounds strictly, but it makes abrasives experience creep deformation, which always leads to unstable machining characteristics. For research on the working rule of SCA, dynamic characteristics of abrasives need to be investigated. Firstly, soft ball model is brought into analysis of the normal and shear contact forces between two particles. By introducing damping coefficient, formulas on displacement and velocity of SCA are given for theory analysis of creep deformation. After that, force chains are established by simulation, which proves that SCA possesses more cutting force than free abrasives. At the same time, creep deformation of SCA is confirmed in accordance with the analysis of velocity of the single particle. Subsequently, combined with the modified Preston formula, comparative machining tests on material removal are carried on a laser-hardened free-form surface. Experimental results show that material removal rate of SCA is higher than that of free abrasive by approximately 34.35 %. Moreover, abrasive size is discussed as a key parameter respectively according to consolidation effects and surface roughness. The final conclusion is that SCA is certified to improve finishing efficiency for laser-hardened surfaces as well as suitable for machining free-form surfaces.

Atypical object exploration in infants at-risk for autism during the first year of lifer.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder usually diagnosed by the end of the second year of life. Early signs of ASD within the first year of life are still unclear. The main purpose of the present study was to compare object exploration skills between infants at-risk for ASD and typically developing (TD) infants to determine early markers for autism within the first year of life. Sixteen at-risk infants and 16 TD infants were longitudinally followed from 6 to 15 months of age during an object exploration task involving three objects with distinct size, shape, and texture, i.e., a long rattle, a rigid circular ball, and a soft circular koosh ball. All sessions were videotaped for coding of manual exploration (grasping and dropping), oral exploration (mouthing), and visual exploration (looking). We also obtained follow-up outcomes using various developmental questionnaires at 18 months and email follow-up on developmental delays/ASD diagnosis after the infants’ second birthdays. Our results showed object-based differences in exploration patterns that extended across both groups. We also noticed context-dependent group differences for various exploratory behaviors across objects and ages. Specifically, at 6 months, at-risk infants showed less grasping of the rigid ball as well as less mouthing and greater looking at the rattle compared to TD infants. At 9 and 12 months, at-risk infants demonstrated significantly lower levels of purposeful dropping of all objects and greater looking at the rattle. Lastly, at 15 months, at-risk infants showed persistent mouthing of the rigid ball and rattle compared to TD infants. In addition, 10 out of 16 at-risk infants developed various motor, social, and language delays or ASD diagnosis at follow-up. Taken together, early context-dependent delays/abnormalities in object exploration could be markers for future developmental delays in infants at-risk for autism. Moreover, promoting early object experiences through socially embedded, free and structured play could have significant implications for multisystem development including perceptuo-motor, social communication, and cognitive development in at-risk infants.

Density bounds for outer parallel domains of unit ball packings

We give upper bounds for the density of unit ball packings relative to their outer parallel domains and discuss their connection to contact numbers. Also, packings of soft balls are introduced and upper bounds are given for the fraction of space covered by them.

On fuzzy soft metric spaces

In this paper an idea of fuzzy soft point is introduced and using it fuzzy soft metric space is established. The concepts like fuzzy soft open balls and fuzzy soft closed balls are introduced. Some properties of fuzzy soft metric spaces are developed.

To increase the hydrophobicity, non-stickiness and wear resistance of DLC surface by surface texturing using a laser ablation process

In this investigation, the hydrophobicity, non-stickiness and wear resistance of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are systemically altered by introducing different surface textures. The surface textures existed in forms of regular dimples or pillars. Regular dimples or pillars perpendicular to substrate surface were introduced using a laser ablation method. DLC was subsequently deposited on the textured surface using the magnetron sputtering technique. The effect of the geometric parameters on the surface properties was studied by varying the dimple density from 0% to 30% for dimpled samples, and the distance a between two grooves from 25 to 250μm for the pillared samples. The hydrophobicity was measured by using a contact angle goniometer and the non-stickiness was evaluated by button shear tests. The wear performance of the textured DLC surfaces was studied by using a reciprocating ball on flat wear tester against UHMWPE balls in simulated body fluid environment. The results showed that DLC surface with pillared structure and small a values (≤40μm) could lead to high hydrophobicity (contact angle>130°). In addition, good non-sticking behavior was observed on this surface structure with significant reduction of residual material of egg yolk as evaluated by shear tests at either 100 or 300 °C. From the wear tests, the DLC coating with dimple density of 10% reduced the friction and the wear of the soft UHMWPE ball. The improved hydrophobicity and non-stickiness of the pillared DLC with small a value could be due to large cavity density (over 80%), thereby promoting the hydrophobicity of DLC coating. The improved wear performance of the dimpled DLC could be due to the action of reservoirs that enhanced lubricant retention during sliding motions.

PERBEDAAN PENGARUH METODE LATIHAN DAN KOORDINASI MATA TANGAN TERHADAP KETERAMPILAN MEMUKUL BOLA SOFTBALL

The purpose of this study was to obtain information about the effect of differences in training methods and coordination of eye - hand Against softball hitting skills. This study used an experimental method with 2 x 3 factorial design. Study population was 66 students are from students of Department of Sports and Health Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, University of Tunas Pembangunan Surakarta. The study sample of 60 students with a purposive random sampling technique. Data collection techniques with hand-eye coordination test and test skills softball hitting skills. Engineering analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at level α = 0.05 siqnifikansi. The results of the study were 1). There is a significant difference between the methods of tee ball drills and training methods soft tos ball to hit the ball soft ball skills with a p-value = 0.016 is less than 0.05, 2). There are significant differences between students who have good hand eye coordination, moderate, lacking the skills to hit the ball soft ball with a p-value = 0.49 is smaller than 0.05, 3). There is interaction between training methods and hand-eye coordination to hit the ball soft ball skills with p-value = 0.001 is less than 0.05. From the results of this study concluded that (1) Method tos soft exercise ball has better results in improving the skills of hitting the ball soft ball. (2) Students who have good hand eye coordination have improved outcomes compared with students who have the hand eye coordination medium and low. (3) There is an interaction between method latihna and hand-eye coordination to hit the ball soft ball skills. a). Students who have a moderate hand-eye coordination will be faster in improving the skills of hitting the ball soft ball when given training method tee ball. b). Students who have good hand-eye coordination will be faster in improving the skills of hitting the ball soft ball when given training method soft tos ball. c). Students who have good hand-eye coordination will be lower in improving the skills of hitting the ball soft ball when given training method tee ball or soft tos ball.

The effect of two different hand exercises on grip strength, forearm circumference, and vascular maturation in patients who underwent arteriovenous fistula surgery.

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of two different hand exercises on hand strength and vascular maturation in patients who underwent arteriovenous fistula surgery.MethodsWe recruited 18 patients who had chronic kidney disease and had undergone arteriovenous fistula surgery for hemodialysis. After the surgery, 10 subjects performed hand-squeezing exercise with GD Grip, and other 8 subjects used Soft Ball. The subjects continued the exercises for 4 weeks. The hand grip strength, pinch strength (tip, palmar and lateral pinch), and forearm circumference of the subjects were assessed before and after the hand-squeezing exercise. The cephalic vein size, blood flow velocity and volume were also measured by ultrasonography in the operated limb.ResultsAll of the 3 types of pinch strengths, grip strength, and forearm circumference were significantly increased in the group using GD Grip. Cephalic vein size and blood flow volume were also significantly increased. However, blood flow velocity showed no difference after the exercise. The group using Soft Ball showed a significant increase in the tip and lateral pinch strength and forearm circumference. The cephalic vein size and blood flow volume were also significantly increased. On comparing the effect of the two different hand exercises, hand-squeezing exercise with GD Grip had a significantly better effect on the tip and palmar pinch strength than hand-squeezing exercise with Soft Ball. The effect on cephalic vein size was not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionThe results showed that hand squeezing exercise with GD Grip was more effective in increasing the tip and palmar pinch strength compared to hand squeezing exercise with soft ball.

Size Effects of Surface Roughness to Superhydrophobicity

Water droplets placed on a superhydrophobic surface act like soft balls that can easily deform, roll and bounce, leading to various novel behaviors such as self-cleaning and anti-icing. Thousands of plant and animal species have been observed to have superhydrophobic surfaces and all these surfaces seem to have roughness sizes in the micro-submicron range. The classical models don not predict this kind of specified size phenomenon. Here we review some recent findings, which show that scaling down the surface roughness into the micro-submicron range is a unique and elegant strategy to not only achieve superhydrophobicity, but also increase its stability against environmental disturbances. We further demonstrate that these findings can guide fabrication of stable and extreme liquid-repellant surfaces.

Smoking Impact on Grip Strength and Fatigue Resistance: Implications for Exercise and Hand Therapy Practice

Grip strength assessment reflects on overall health of the musculoskeletal system and is a predictor of functional prognosis and mortality. The purpose of this study was: examine whether grip-strength and fatigue resistance are impaired in smokers, determine if smoking-related impairments (fatigue-index) can be predicted by demographic data, duration of smoking, packets smoked-per-day, and physical activity. Maximum isometric grip strength (MIGS) of male smokers (n = 111) and nonsmokers (n = 66) was measured before/after induced fatigue using Jamar dynamometer at 5-handle positions. Fatigue index was calculated based on percentage change in MIGS initially and after induced fatigue. Number of repetitions to squeeze the soft rubber ball to induce fatigue was significantly lower in smokers compared with nonsmokers (t = 10.6, P < .001 dominant hand; t = 13.9, P < .001 nondominant), demonstrating a significantly higher fatigue-index for smokers than nonsmokers (t = -8.7, P < .001 dominant hand; t = -6.0, P < .001 nondominant). The effect of smoking status on MIGS scores was significantly different between smokers and nonsmokers after induced fatigue (β = -3.98, standard error = 0.59, P < .001) where smokers experienced on average a reduction of nearly 4 MIGS less than nonsmokers before fatigue. Smoking status was the strongest significant independent predictor of the fatigue-index. Smokers demonstrated reduced grip strength and fast fatigability in comparison with nonsmokers.