Methodological Guidelines Designed to Improve the Quality of Research on Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country (XC) ski races involve a variety of formats, two different techniques and tracks with highly variable topography and environmental conditions. In addition, XC skiing is a major component of both Nordic combined and biathlon competitions. Research in this area, both in the laboratory and field, encounters certain difficulties that may reduce the reliability and validity of the data obtained, as well as complicate comparisons between studies. Here, 13 international experts propose specific guidelines designed to enhance the quality of research and publications on XC skiing, as well as on the biathlon and Nordic combined skiing. We consider biomechanical (kinematic, kinetic and neuromuscular) and physiological methodology (at the systemic and/or muscle level), providing recommendations for standardization/control of the experimental setup. We describe the types of measuring equipment and technology that are most suitable in this context. Moreover, we also deal with certain aspects of nomenclature of the classical and skating sub-techniques. In addition to enhancing the quality of studies on XC skiing, Nordic combined and biathlon, our guidelines should also be of value for sport scientists and coaches in other disciplines where physiological and/or biomechanical measurements are performed in the laboratory and/or outdoors.

Analysis of keratopographic and biomechanical corneal indicators with evaluation of the impact of diagnostic results on myopic refraction patient management tactics

Purpose. To analyse keratopographic and biomechanical corneal indicators with the diagnostic results assessment of the influence on the treatment tactics of myopic refraction patient. Materials and methods. Keratotopographic and biomechanical parameters of the cornea in a patient with mild myopia were evaluated. Results. The Belin/Ambrosio (Enchanced Ectasia Display) - BAD keratoconus screening program was used on Pentacam HR, which did not reveal corneal pathology. According to the results of CBI (Corvis biomechanical index) on Corvis ST (OD - 0.61, OS - 0.48), that was indicating poor corneal biomechanical properties and a high risk of keratectasia development. Conclusion. Ophthalmic examination, using The Corvis ST (Oculus, Germany) biomechanical measurements, makes possible to reveal with greater sensitivity subclinical signs of a keratectatic process at the pre-clinical stage of development. Key words: keratotopography, corneal biomechanics, keratoconus.

Corneal biomechanical changes in allergic conjunctivitis

Background To explore corneal biomechanical changes, identify related factors and determine early indicators of keratoconus (KC) development risk in allergic conjunctivitis (AC) patients. Methods A total of 50 patients, including 20 eyes without AC and 30 eyes with AC were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent a complete ocular examination, including evaluations of clinical manifestations of AC, corneal tomography and densitometry by Pentacam, corneal biomechanics by Corvis ST, and corneal and epithelial thickness mapping by RTvue optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results The index of surface variance (ISV), index of vertical asymmetry (IVA), keratoconus index (KI), index of height decentration (IHD) and Belin/Ambrosio enhanced ectasia total deviation index (BAD-D) were significantly higher in the AC group than in the non-allergic conjunctivitis (NAC) group (P < 0.05). The tomography and biomechanical index (TBI) was also significantly higher in the AC group (P = 0.04). The average epithelial thickness in the 2–7 mm annulus was significantly thinner in the AC group than in the NAC group (P < 0.05). The average densitometry of the total cornea and the anterior layer were higher in the AC group than in the NAC group (P < 0.001). The ISV, IVA, KI, IHD and BAD-D were significantly correlated with the TBI and changes in corneal epithelial thickness in AC patients (P < 0.05). The changes in epithelial thickness were closely related to the eye rubbing frequency and allergic sign scores (P < 0.05). Conclusions AC patients should be advised to routinely undergo corneal tomographic and biomechanical measurements, and the TBI could be used as an indicator of KC development risk in AC patients. Trial registration Corneal Biomechanical Changes of Allergic Conjunctivitis, NCT04299399. Registered March 3, 2020 - Retrospectively registered.

Evaluation of Intraocular Pressure and Other Biomechanical Parameters to Distinguish between Subclinical Keratoconus and Healthy Corneas

(1) Purpose: To assess the main corneal response differences between normal and subclinical keratoconus (SCKC) with a Corvis® ST device. (2) Material and Methods: We selected 183 eyes of normal patients, of a mean age of 33 ± 9 years and 16 eyes of patients with SCKC of a similar mean age. We measured best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and corneal topography with a Pentacam HD device to select the SCKC group. Biomechanical measurements were performed using the Corvis® ST device. We carried out a non-parametric analysis of the data with SPSS software (Wilcoxon signed rank-test). (3) Results: We found statistically significant differences between the control and SCKC groups in some corneal biomechanical parameters: first and second applanation time (p = 0.05 and p = 0.02), maximum deformation amplitude (p = 0.016), highest concavity radius (p = 0.007), and second applanation length and corneal velocity ((p = 0.039 and p = 0.016). (4) Conclusions: Our results show that the use of normalised biomechanical parameters provided by noncontact tonometry, combined with a discriminant function theory, is a useful tool for detecting subclinical keratoconus.

Effects of myofiber isolation technique on sarcolemma biomechanics

Isolated myofibers are commonly used to understand the function of skeletal muscle in vivo. This can involve single isolated myofibers obtained from dissection or from enzymatic dissociation. Isolation via dissection allows control of sarcomere length and preserves tendon attachment but is labor-intensive, time-consuming and yields few viable myofibers. In contrast, enzymatic dissociation is fast and facile, produces hundreds of myofibers, and more importantly reduces the number of muscles/animals needed for studies. Biomechanical properties of the sarcolemma have been studied using myofibers from the extensor digitorum longus, but this has been limited to dissected myofibers, making data collection slow and difficult. We have modified this tool to perform biomechanical measurements of the sarcolemma in dissociated myofibers from the flexor digitorum brevis.

Restricted Rubber Band Training and Skill Performance on Some Biomechanical Indicators and Performance Accuracy in Scoring in Youth Basketball

The research aimed at designing training with rubber bands for youth basketball players as well as identifying the effect of these training on some biomechanical indicators and scoring accuracy. The researchers hypothesized statistical differences between pre and posttests for biomechanical indicators and scoring accuracy in the subjects of the research. The research was applied on a sample of youth basketball players from the national center for gifted in basketball. The researchers conducted special physical tests and video typing to conclude biomechanical measurements of scoring. The experiment was applied for eight weeks with three training sessions per week. They concluded that there is a development in biomechanical indicators of scoring in the subjects under study as well as developing push force and strength of legs due to the training used.

Online questionnaire, clinical and biomechanical measurements for outcome prediction of plantar heel pain: feasibility for a cohort study

Background Plantar heel pain (PHP) accounts for 11-15% of foot symptoms requiring professional care in adults. Recovery is variable, with no robust prognostic guides for sufferers or clinicians. Therefore, we aimed to determine the validity, reliability and feasibility of questionnaire, clinical and biomechanical measures selected to generate a prognostic model in a subsequent cohort study. Methods Thirty-six people (19 females & 17 males; 20-63 years) were recruited with equal numbers in each of three groups: people with PHP (PwPHP), other foot pain and healthy controls. Eighteen people performed a questionnaire battery twice in a randomised order to determine online and face to face agreement. The remaining 18 completed the questionnaire battery once, plus clinical and biomechanical measurements. A progressive loading challenge was developed and assessed. Results There were no systematic differences between online and face to face administration of questionnaires ( p-values all >.05 ) nor an administration order effect (d =-0.31-0.25). Questionnaire reliability was good or excellent (ICC 2,1_absolute ) (ICC 0.86-0.99), except for two subscales. Full completion of the survey was only 77%, taking 29±14 minutes. Clinically, PwPHP had significantly less ankle dorsiflexion and hip internal rotation compared to healthy controls [mean (±SD) for PHP-OP-H = 14°(±6)-18°(±8)-28°(±10); 43°(±4)- 45°(±9)-57°(±12) respectively; p<.02 for both]. Plantar fascia thickness was significantly higher in PwPHP (3.6(0.4) mm vs 2.9(0.4) mm, p=.01 ) than the other groups. The graded loading challenge led to progressively increasing kinetic foot load. Conclusion Online questionnaire administration was valid therefore facilitating large cohort recruitment and being relevant to remote service evaluation and research. The graded loaded challenge increases load progressively and warrants future research. The physical and ultrasound examination revealed expected differences between groups. Clinician and researchers can be confident with these methodological approaches and the cohort study is feasible.

Comparative Biomechanical Analysis of the Hurdle Clearance Technique of Colin Jackson and Dayron Robles: Key Studies

The purpose of the study was to compare the biomechanical parameters of the hurdle clearance technique of the fifth hurdle in the 110 m hurdle race of Colin Jackson of Great Britain (12.91 s world record was set in 1994) and Dayron Robles of Cuba (12.87 s world record was set in 2008), two world record holders. Despite the athletes having performed at different times, we used comparable biomechanical diagnostic technology for both hurdlers. Biomechanical measurements for both were performed by the Laboratory for Movement Control of the Institute of Sport, Faculty of Sport in Ljubljana. A three-dimensional video analysis of the fifth hurdle clearance technique was used. High standards of biomechanical measurements were taken into account, thus ensuring the high objectivity of the obtained results. The following program was used: the ARIEL kinematic program (Ariel Dynamics Inc., Trabuco Canyon, CA, USA). The results of the comparative analysis found minimal differences between the two athletes, which was expected given their excellence. Dayron Robles’s hurdle clearance was more effective, as it was characterized by a smaller loss of horizontal center of mass (COM) velocity. Robles’s hurdle clearance took 0.50 s: 0.10 s for the take-off, 0.33 s for the flight phase, and 0.07 s for the landing phase. Colin Jackson completed the hurdle clearance slightly slower, as it took him 0.54 s. Jackson’s take-off phase also lasted 0.10 s, his flight phase 0.36 s, and his landing 0.08 s. The two athletes are quite different in their morphological constitution. Dayron Robles is 10 cm taller than Colin Jackson, resulting in a lower flight parabola of CM during hurdle clearance of the Cuban athlete. Dayron Robles has a more effective hurdle clearance technique compared to Jackson’s achievement. It can be considered that their individual techniques of overcoming the hurdle, reached their individual highest efficiency at this time.