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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1984

Exercise and sports equipment: some ergonomics aspects.

Sports equipment encompasses a gamut of devices used in laboratory, training and competitive contexts and these form the content of this paper. Ergometers range in sophistication from friction braked stationary bicycles to computer controlled simulators which incorporate exercise modes specific to the athletic user. These are now used in training, as experimental devices and in some instances for competition purposes. Training equipment exhibits a similar emphasis on exercise specificity, safety being an important aspect of its use. Design of projectiles for sporting activities has mainly reflected their traditional modes of use, the introduction of synthetic materials having some ergonomics implications. Similarly, materials science and design technology have contributed innovations in equipment for racquet sports and hitting implements. The changes have tended to be associated with availability of new materials for product construction and have implications for safety and skill in the transition to using the new products. Ski equipment design illustrates ergonomics factors in interfacing the performer with the sporting environment and how equipment has progressed by regenerative design processes. Enhancement of performance in some sports must be accompanied by an awareness of safety requirements: where appropriate, risks to participants should be reduced by use of protective clothing and equipment. Enforced validation of protective equipment is recommended to raise safety levels in certain sports and the safety of spectators must not be neglected. Human factors criteria can then be applied in monitoring, officiating and spectating at sporting events.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Human perceptions of sports equipment under playing conditions.

Assessment of the 'performance' of sports equipment is generally derived from physical and technical parameters, such as power, speed, distance and accuracy. However, from a psychological perspective, players need to feel comfortable with their equipment and confident in its properties. These factors can only be measured through the subjective assessment of individual perceptions. Focusing on a group of elite golfers, this study presents a formalized approach for eliciting and structuring players' descriptions of their perception of sports equipment. Qualitative methods of inquiry were used to generate perceptions from a group of professional golfers (n = 15) during play testing. The equipment characteristics of significance to the golfers emerged from an inductive analysis of their responses. However, although this method of representation of the results helped to identify the key components or dimensions of a player's subjective perception, it was unable to determine potential relationships between the dimensions. With this in mind, a new technique, called 'structured relationship modelling', was developed. Ten general dimensions emerged from the analysis, of which three are presented here together with a section of the relationship model. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of qualitative techniques for eliciting human perceptions and of structured relationship models for representation of the associations found.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sports-related injuries in children. A study of their characteristics, frequency, and severity, with comparison to other types of accidental injuries.

In 1981 to 1982, within a 1 year period, details were recorded of children aged 0 to 15 years and 3 months, who were treated for accidental injury in a French health care district; 789 sports-related accidents were registered, representing 11% of all accidents. Sports areas were the leading sites of accident among children over age 12. Out-of-school sports accidents were more frequent among boys, but boys and girls had similar injury rates in school physical education. Compared to home, school, and road accidents, sports accidents had the highest rate of upper limb injury. The fracture rate was 22% and the hospitalization rate 11%. In most cases children were injured without any participation of other players or sports equipment. Sports-related injuries were usually benign, but several hospital admissions for the same accident were required in 20% of the admitted children (significantly higher than in home, school, and road accidents), and the time elapsed between the accident and the end of the last stay in hospital was significantly greater than in other kinds of accidents. This might be explained by a higher rate of epiphyseal fractures (10%) and internal fixation (17%). Musculoskeletal sequelae were observed in 12% of inpatient children.

Accidents↗
PubMed1991

Sports protective equipment.

It is important for the primary care and team physician to become more involved and better informed regarding the athletic equipment process. With the increase in litigation related to sport participation and caused by athletic protective equipment misuse or malfunction, the primary care and team physician can not afford to be an uninformed bystander. Primary care and team physicians serve a very necessary role in the protection of an athlete because they are usually able to serve independently of the school or sponsoring group, thus keeping the athlete's safety and health the primary consideration. Many athletic injuries occur as "unavoidable" accidents, but many others are "preventable." One of the variables involved in preventing injuries is to follow high standards of quality, fitting, use, and maintenance of athletic protective equipment. When we obtain athletic protective equipment, we have made a decision to control the risk of injury. The primary care and team physicians should accept a share of the responsibility in decreasing risk of sports injuries. Diverse public opinion has been generated over catastrophic injuries resulting from sport participation. Most of those injuries involve either the head or neck and may be either permanently disabling or lethal. Any part of the body may be subjected to injury. Sports protective equipment is available for many different sports, with many different injury risks, and for any part of the body. Many involved in the athletic health care delivery system continue to struggle with the "noncompliant" athletic patient. Not surprisingly, the "noncompliant" athletic patient. Not surprisingly, the noncompliant athletes have a higher recurrence rate of injury than do those who are compliant. Anything that the primary care and team physicians can do to decrease the desire of the athletic patient to resist orders for modification of activities to allow an injury to heal is important.

Athletic Injuries↗
PubMed2004

The influence of impact object characteristics on impact force and force absorption by mouthguard material.

Most impact force and impact energy absorption tests for mouthguards have used a steel ball in a drop-ball or the pendulum device. However, in reality most sports-related trauma is caused by objects other than the steel ball, e.g. various sized balls, hockey puck, or bat or stick. Also, the elasticity, the velocity and the mass of the object could change the degree and the extent of injuries. In this study, we attempted to measure the impact force from actual sports equipment in order to clarify the exact mechanism of dental-related sports injuries and the protective effects of mouthguards. The present study was conducted using the pendulum impact device and load cell. Impact objects were removable. Seven mobile impact objects were selected for testing: a steel ball, baseball, softball, field hockey ball, ice hockey puck, cricket ball, and wooden baseball bat. The mouthguard material used in this study was a 3-mm-thick Drufosoft (Dreve-Dentamid GmbH, Unna, Germany), and test samples were made of the one-layer type. The peak transmitted forces without mouthguard ranged from the smallest (ice hockey stick, 46.9 kgf) to the biggest (steel ball, 481.6 kgf). The peak transmitted forces were smaller when the mouthguard was attached than without it for all impact materials but the effect was significantly influenced by the object type. The steel ball showed the biggest (62.1%) absorption ability while the wooden bat showed the second biggest (38.3%). The other balls or the puck showed from 0.6 to 6.0% absorbency. These results show that it is important to test the effectiveness of mouthguards on specific types of sports equipment. In future, we may select different materials and mouthguard designs suitable for specific sports.

Absorption↗
PubMed1994

The longitudinal variability of ground reaction forces in experienced and inexperienced runners.

The hypothesis of a 'movement pattern fixation' or 'movement stereotype' for running was tested by measuring four ground reaction force variables on three separate test sessions in a longitudinal study. Of the four variables chosen to investigate this hypothesis, two reflected the shock absorption characteristics of a runner plus footwear and two reflected characteristics of running style. The former two were the magnitude of the vertical force impact peak, and the force load rate leading to this peak, while the latter two were the impulses of the breaking and propulsion phases of foot contact obtained from the anterior-posterior component of the ground reaction force. Two groups of subjects were used, seven experienced runners and seven inexperienced runners. The results showed evidence of a 'movement pattern fixation' in seven of the fourteen subjects. Thirteen subjects showed substantial differences (p < 0.001) in one or more variable, while only one subject did not show any difference in any variable across all test sessions. Differences between experienced and inexperienced runners were small for the shock absorption variables, but marked for the running style variables. Generally inexperienced runners demonstrated greater braking and propulsion impulses, and greater variability in these two variables, indicating that they were using a less economical action. It is concluded that a movement pattern fixation was shown to exist, and has implications for the testing of sports equipment. These implications are to do with the conditions required to establish the efficacy of sports equipment through athlete response testing.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Optimal handle angle of the fencing foil for improved performance.

Improperly designed hand tools and sports equipment contribute to undesired injuries and accidents. The idea of bending the tool, not the wrist, has been applied to sports equipment. According to Bennett's idea, the design of an ideal handle angle should be in the range of 14 degrees to 24 degrees. Thus design of the handle angle in the sport of fencing is also important. A well-designed handle angle could not only reduce ulnar deviation to avoid wrist injury but also enhance performance. An experiment with several different handle angles was conducted to analyze the effect on performance. Analysis showed an angle of 18 degrees to 21 degrees provided best overall performance in fencing.

Hand↗
PubMed1994

Change in fibrinolytic activity as a parameter for assessing local mechanical stimulation during physical exercise.

The influences of mechanical force during physical exercise on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis were investigated and the effects of sports equipment, especially shoes were also examined. As an experimental model, local mechanical vibration was applied to the palm of the hand. General coagulation parameters did not change, but fibrinolytic activity was elevated due to the tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) released from vascular endothelial cells stimulated by vibration. The influence of mechanical stimulation by repeated side-jumping with bare feet was examined on the sole of the foot. As with t-PA, the von Willebrand Factor antigen (vWF:Ag) derived from vascular endothelial cells also tended to increase, but not as much as when wearing sports shoes. Sports shoes protected the blood vessels of the feet from damage by mechanical force during physical exercise. Changes in fibrinolytic activity and t-PA could be useful for assessing local mechanical stimulation during physical exercise and also as indexes for the development of new sports equipment and its improvement.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Training and equipment to prevent athletic head and neck injuries.

Due to the potential for catastrophic neurotraumas and cervical spine injuries in sport, the sports health care professional must take proper measures to prevent such injuries. Strength training of the cervical spine, teaching of proper sporting techniques, and use of protective sports equipment are three primary means of attempting to prevent neurotraumas and cervical spine injuries in sports. There are other avenues to assist in preventing these injuries, such as flexibility programs. The sports health care professional, therefore, must be knowledgeable of the needs of each individual athlete when developing prevention plans.

Athletic Injuries↗
PubMed2006

Opportunities for student physical activity in elementary schools: a cross-sectional survey of frequency and correlates.

The objectives of this study were to describe opportunities for student physical activity (PA) in elementary schools and to identify factors in the school environment associated with higher PA opportunity. Self-report questionnaires were completed by school principals and physical education teachers in 277 schools (88% response) in metropolitan Montreal. Correlates of opportunity were identified using ordinal logistic regression. There was substantial variation in PA opportunities between schools. Higher opportunity was associated with role modeling of PA by school principals, their interest in increasing PA through links to the municipality, adequate financial and human resources, access to school sports facilities, adequate space for storing student sports equipment, and suburban location. There is both the need and the potential for intervention to increase PA opportunities in elementary schools. Addressing barriers related to resources and access to sports facilities may help reduce disparities between schools in opportunities for students to engage in PA.

Attitude↗
PubMed2000

Traumatic dental injuries and Alpine skiing.

The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence and type of traumatic dental injuries after maxillofacial injuries as a result of Alpine skiing. During an 8-year period (from January 1991 to December 1998) 7600 patients with facial injuries were registered at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Innsbruck, Austria. Of 784 patients with skiing-related facial injuries (524 males, 260 females) 326 (41.6%) sustained injuries to 639 teeth. The age groups predominantly affected were between 7 and 32 years. Luxation injuries occurred in 338 (53%) teeth, fractures accounted for 270 tooth injuries (42%), and only 35 (5%) were lost at the place of the accident. Of skiers with traumatic dental injuries 58% had concomitant soft tissue injuries, while 23.3% had associated facial bone fractures. The most common causes of injury were falls in 42% (329 patients) and collisions with other persons in 24.1% (189 patients). Being hit by one's own sports equipment (11%) was the third most common cause. Collisions with obstacles accounted for 9% and lift accidents for 5.6% of injuries. The probability of suffering dentoalveolar trauma during skiing varied depending on the injury mechanism. There was a 2-fold risk for dentoalveolar trauma when colliding with objects, a 3.5-fold risk when hit by one's own equipment and a 8.5-fold risk during lift accidents. Dental injuries occurred in about 2% of all injured skiers. Dental health professionals should be aware of the high incidence and the distribution of dental trauma and facial injuries caused by skiing.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2006

Research strategies for safety evaluation of nanomaterials, part VII: evaluating consumer exposure to nanoscale materials.

Considerable media attention has recently been given to novel applications for products that contain nanoscale materials. These products could have utility in several industries that market consumer products, including textiles, sporting equipment, cosmetics, consumer electronics, and household cleaners. Some of the purported benefits of these products include improved performance, convenience, lower cost, as well as other desirable features, when compared to the conventional products that do not contain nanoscale materials. Although there are numerous likely consumer advantages from products containing nanoscale materials, there is very little information available regarding consumer exposure to the nanoscale materials in these products or any associated risks from these exposures. This paper seeks to review a limited subset of products that contain nanoscale materials, assess the available data for evaluating the consumer exposures and potential hazards associated with these products, and discuss the capacity of U.S. regulatory agencies to address the potential risks associated with these products.

Cosmetics↗
PubMed2000

Prevention of commotio cordis in baseball: an evaluation of chest protectors.

BACKGROUND: In a recent study of fatal chest impacts by baseballs, 28% of the children were wearing a chest protector. This study evaluates the effectiveness of chest protectors in reducing the risk of commotio cordis. METHODS: Five commercially available chest protectors were placed on a three-rib structure simulating the chest and impacted at 40, 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour by a standard baseball. Ten repeated tests were conducted on each vest in random order, and on the control (unprotected chest). The viscous response (or viscous criterion [VC]) was used to assess differences in fatality risk. RESULTS: One vest had a statistically lower VC (average, 50.6%, p < 0.05) for all impact speeds. Three averaged 18.7% to 27.7% lower VC, but were significantly different only at higher speeds. One vest had an average 34.2% higher VC, and was significantly higher at 40 to 50 miles per hour (p < 0.05). A method was proposed linking laboratory test results to real-world incidents of ventricular fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of commercially available chest protectors fail to provide consistent reductions in commotio cordis risk. Nonetheless, there are benefits from their use in baseball until improved safety equipment is developed and standard tests are established to assess sport equipment effectiveness.

Athletic Injuries↗
PubMed1991

Product-related home accidents in children. A survey of 1590 accidents.

In a well defined geographical area a total of 1590 accidents related to home products in children 0-15 years of age were prospectively registered. The incidence of product-related accidents was 279 per 10,000 children per year. A higher incidence in boys and a decreasing incidence of accidents with age was found. The most common localization of lesions was upper extremities 41% and face and skull 30%. In children 0-4 years of age household and child furniture, constructional features of the house and corrosives, hot liquids and heating equipment were the most common products causing accidents, whereas in children 5-15 years of age playthings and sports equipment as well as constructional features of the house were involved in a higher percentage of accidents.

Accidents, Home↗
PubMed1989

[Performance diagnosis of the locomotor system and sensory organs?].

The quantitative significance of the sensory organs in sport is discussed by means of the visual parameters static and dynamic visual acuity and the equilibrium that is specific for a particular kind of sport. Spectators with normal visual acuity can identify footballs, tennis balls etc. used in game sports, with relative ease, compared with sports equipment used in athletics. However, since moving objects can attain an angular velocity of 400 degrees/s and higher in certain sports, the mean dynamic visual acuity is unable to cope with such speeds, this being only 200 to 230 degrees/s. Dynamic visual acuity can be trained, thus attaining higher levels in game sports. Processes of balance regulation during cycling (or in rhythmical sports gymnastics) are discussed in connection with and subsequent to the problem of the intersensory perception conflict. Finally, the article sums up criteria for the observation of movement and for minimising intersensory perception conflicts.

Humans↗
PubMed1983

Socialization of adolescent girls into physical activity.

This study examined variables which influence the socialization of adolescent girls into physical activity using the three components of Kenyon and McPherson's (1973) model: personal attributes, socializing agents, and socialization situations. The questionnaire was completed by 661 girls from Grades 6 to 10. Of the six measures of physical activity, participation was significantly different among grades for three variables but not for three others. Different components of the socialization model were more important for certain types of activities than for others. For competitive interschool teams and intramural activities, certain personal attributes (movement satisfaction and self-confident, independent, and assertive self-descriptions) were most important. For community-organized activities, socializing agents and socialization situations (socioeconomic status) were most influential, while for the total activities participated in, socialization situations (amount of sports equipment) were crucial.

Adolescent↗