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Author Dario G. Liebermann; Larry Katz openurl 
  Title On the assessment of lower-limb power capability Type Journal Article
  Year 2003 Publication Isokinetics and Exercise Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 11 Issue 2 Pages 87-94  
  Keywords  
  Abstract Purpose: This study assessed the reliability and validity of different methods used to estimate lower-limb muscular power capability based on mechanical variables. For this purpose, vertical jumping was compared with isokinetic knee extensions and with power tests used by practitioners.

Methods: Four groups of subjects (N = 106) were tested in different conditions. Group-I performed countermovement vertical jumps (CMJ) on a force plate followed by left and right knee extensions on an isokinetic device at 120, 180 and 240 deg�s-1. Group-II performed CMJ trials followed by 20-m sprints, hand-reach jumps and 1RM leg-press testing. Group-III carried out squat jumps (SJ) in addition to CMJ trials. Finally, Group-IV performed the CMJ test and was retested twice after a short inter-session interval (1–4 days) and after a long one (4.5–5 months). The Pearson correlation was used to assess the validity and reliability of CMJ (p ≤ 0.01, ).

Results: Mean peak power during CMJ was correlated with sprint time (r = -0.882
) and leg-press 1 RM (r = 0.797), but less with peak hand-reach height (r = 0.695; p ≤ 0.05). Isokinetic knee extension power showed also a significant correlation with CMJ power, but its strength depended on the angular velocity (Isok-120 r = 0.702; Isok-180 r = 0.737; Isok-240 r = 0.599). Test-retests showed a strong correlation after a short interval (r = 0.915) and after a long one (r = 0.890). Using the SJ technique did not have any effect on reliability (r = 0.914**).

Conclusions: CMJ matches other methods used for testing lower-limb power capability. It is highly reliable and it allows a valid assessment of muscular power. Since CMJ is also simple and accurate to perform, it is the recommended method.
 
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  Call Number Serial 63  
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Author Friedman, Jason; Brown, Scott; Finkbeiner, Matthew pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Linking cognitive and reaching trajectories via intermittent movement control Type Journal Article
  Year 2013 Publication Journal of Mathematical Psychology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 57 Issue 3-4 Pages 140-151  
  Keywords Decision making; Diffusion model; Reaction times; Arm movements; Submovements  
  Abstract Theories of decision-making have traditionally been constrained by reaction time data. A limitation of reaction time data, particularly for studying the temporal dynamics of cognitive processing, is that they index only the endpoint of the decision making process. Recently, physical reaching trajectories have been used as proxies for underlying mental trajectories through decision space. We suggest that this approach has been oversimplified: while it is possible for the motor control system to access the current state of the evidence accumulation process, this access is intermittent. Instead, we demonstrate how a model of arm movements that assumes intermittent, not continuous, access to the decision process is sufficient to describe the effects of stimulus quality and viewing time in curved reaching movements.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 70  
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Author Dario G. Liebermann; Larry Katz; and Ruth Morey Sorrentino openurl 
  Title Experienced Coaches’ Attitudes Towards Science and Technology Type Journal Article
  Year 2005 Publication International Journal of Computer Science in Sport Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 4 Issue 1 Pages 21-28  
  Keywords  
  Abstract In this study, the attitude of experienced coaches towards technologies and sport

sciences was assessed. A questionnaire was used to evaluate three areas: (1)

Attitudes towards technology and sport science in coaching, (2) Technology and

scientific knowledge in practice, and (3) Perceived importance of technology and

science in enhancing sport results. A group of 27 highly experienced coaches

completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of three parts, starting

with demographic information, followed by a series of 27 questions with answers

on a Likert scale ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree, and finally,

coaches were requested to rank 14 well-defined ‘coaching goals’ from 1 (most

important) to 14 (least important). Results showed that top-level coaches rated

having a good relationship with the athletes’ as a major goal. Overall, members of

this group of experienced coaches seem to recognize the general importance of

sport sciences, and appear to be positive about the use of sport technologies, but

do not necessarily translate these positive attitudes into actual practice within

their competitive sport environments, even when they all use information

technology for other activities. According to these results, sport science

researchers and technology developers need to adapt their strategies. Coaching

education should encourage coaches to incorporate technologies as part of their

coaching routines. Developing innovative resources and incorporating them in

coaching education, as is done in some countries, may be a starting point.

However, placing the emphasis on educating successful coaches on the practical

use of technology and scientific knowledge is suggested as a short-term goal.

This may allow for a more immediate effect on the attitude and practice of less

senior coaches that tend to adopt methods and training routines through following

the personal example provided by top-level coaches.
 
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 66  
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Author Frenkel-Toledoa, S.; Bentin, S.; Perry, A.; Liebermann, D. G.; Soroker, N. doi  openurl
  Title Mirror-neuron system recruitment by action observation: Effects of focal brain damage on mu suppression Type Journal Article
  Year 2014 Publication NeuroImage Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 87 Issue Pages 127-137  
  Keywords  
  Abstract Mu suppression is the attenuation of EEG power in the alpha frequency range (8-12 Hz), recorded over the sensorimotor cortex during execution and observation of motor actions. Based on this dual characteristic it is thought to signalize activation of a human analogue of the mirror neuron system (MNS) found in macaque monkeys, though much uncertainty remains concerning its specificity and full significance. To further explore the hypothesized relationship between mu suppression and MNS activation, we investigated how it is affected by damage to cortical regions, including areas where the MNS is thought to reside. EEG was recorded in 33 first-event stroke patients during observation of video-clips showing reaching and grasping hand movements. We examined the modulation of EEG oscillations at central and occipital sites, and analyzed separately the lower (8-10 Hz) and higher (10-12 Hz) segments of the alpha/mu range. Suppression was determined relative to observation of a non-biological movement. Normalized lesion data were used to investigate how damage to regions of the fronto-parietal cortex affects the pattern of suppression. The magnitude of mu suppression during action observation was significantly reduced in the affected hemisphere compared to the unaffected hemisphere. Differences between the hemispheres were significant at central (sensorimotor) sites but not at occipital (visual) sites. Total hemispheric volume loss did not correlate with mu suppression. Suppression in the lower mu range in the unaffected hemisphere (C3) correlated with lesion extent within the right inferior parietal cortex. Our lesion study supports the role of mu suppression as a marker of MNS activation, as suggested by findings gathered in previous studies in normal subjects.  
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  Call Number Serial 71  
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Author Park, J.; Pazin, N.; Friedman, J.; Zatsiorsky, V.M.; Latash, M.L. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Mechanical properties of the human hand digits: Age-related differences Type Journal Article
  Year 2014 Publication Clinical Biomechanics Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 29 Issue 2 Pages 129–137  
  Keywords hand; aging; friction; apparent stiffness; damping  
  Abstract Background

Mechanical properties of human digits may have significant implications for the hand function. We quantified several mechanical characteristics of individual digits in young and older adults.

Methods

Digit tip friction was measured at several normal force values using a method of induced relative motion between the digit tip and the object surface. A modified quick-release paradigm was used to estimate digit apparent stiffness, damping, and inertial parameters. The subjects grasped a vertical handle instrumented with force/moment sensors using a prismatic grasp with four digits; the handle was fixed to the table. Unexpectedly, one of the sensors yielded leading to a quick displacement of the corresponding digit. A second-order, linear model was used to fit the force/displacement data.

Findings

Friction of the digit pads was significantly lower in older adults. The apparent stiffness coefficient values were higher while the damping coefficients were lower in older adults leading to lower damping ratio. The damping ratio was above unity for most data in young adults and below unity for older adults. Quick release of a digit led to force changes in other digits of the hand, likely due to inertial hand properties. These phenomena of “mechanical enslaving” were smaller in older adults although no significant difference was found in the inertial parameter in the two groups.

Interpretations

The decreased friction and damping ratio present challenges for the control of everyday prehensile tasks. They may lead to excessive digit forces and low stability of the grasped object.
 
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  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0268-0033 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 73  
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