...BIOMECHANICS The term biomechanics means the study of the structure and function of biological systems using the methods of mechanics. Biomechanics studies the process of kinematics and used in the study of sports actions, such as the motion of throwing a baseball. Why do some golfers slice the ball? How can workers avoid developing low back pain? What cues can a physical education teacher provide to help students learn the underhand volleyball serve? Why do some elderly individuals tend to fall? We have all admired the fluid, graceful movements of highly skilled performers in various sports. We have also observed the awkward first steps of a young child, the slow progress of an injured person with a walking cast, and the hesitant, uneven gait of an elderly person using a cane. Virtually every activity class includes a student who seems to acquire new skills with utmost ease and a student who trips when executing a jump or misses the ball when attempting to catch, strike, or serve. What enables some individuals to execute complex movements so easily, while others appear to have difficulty with relatively simple movement skills? Although the answers to these questions may be rooted in physiological, psychological, or sociological issues, the problems identified are all biomechanical in nature. This book will provide a foundation for identifying, analyzing, and solving problems related to the biomechanics of human movement. Definition of Biomechanics The term biomechanics combines...
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...Physical Education Terminology Match the following (numbered) terms on the left to their (lettered) definition on the right. |1. Aerobic Activity |a. Reflects the process that students individually engage in to | | |support improvements in, or maintenance of, levels of fitness | | |that have been established through initial fitness appraisals. | |2. Biomechanics |b. Skills that see the body moving through space. They include | | |such skills as walking, running, leaping, and sliding. | |3. Fitness Appraisal |c. Provide information about specific components of a skill that | | |help the performer move skilfully by transferring the cognitive | | |understanding of the movement to the motor performance, thus | | |increasing the potential for skilful movement. | |4. Lead-up Games |d. Skills that see the body moving while remaining in one spot. | | ...
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...Company Strategy: Although the company enjoys good organic growth opportunities, it is definitely in the mature growth stage. To counter this, Nike has increasingly turned to acquiring brands both for inorganic growth, and to allow the company to compete on different levels in the industry. Through this type of brand portfolio use, Nike is able to sell in discount retailers, increasing growth and ultimately revenues without fear of discounting the core Nike brand. The company’s track record is generally favourable with its acquisitions, with exceptions including the relatively recent sales of Bauer (April 2008) and Starter brands (Dec 2007). Not all portfolio acquisitions have been extremely successful for Nike, so future purchases must be examined carefully before an analyst can assume the purchase will be a significant growth driver for the company. For example, Bauer was sold for $200M after being purchased in 1995 for $409M. Although hockey seemed like a hot market at the time, the market softened and a re‐evaluation of the brand found that Bauer was primarily in a North American position, not becoming a global growth driver. This geographic limitation and slow growth ultimately lead to Nike selling the company to focus on faster growing global sports markets. Cole Haan, Converse, Exeter Brands Group, Hurley, Umbro, NIKE Bauer Hockey (which sold in April, 2008) and NIKE Golf accounted for approximately 14 percent of total revenues. The subsidiary companies...
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...the knee joint and assisting with joint biomechanics by mainly providing shock absorption during weight bearing. Injuries to a healthy meniscus are usually produced by a compressive force coupled with transverse-plane tibiofemoral rotation as the knee moves from flexion to extension during rapid cutting or pivoting (Brindle, 2001, 160). Meniscus tears can be considered acute or chronic depending on the mechanism of injury and the participants injury history. The patient may even be able to continue participation in activities but will notice a significant loss of the range of motion in the knee joint and a feeling that the knee is “giving out”. In many cases, it is the medial meniscus that is more commonly injured due to the fact that it is much less stable because of its crescent shape, and because it is also attached to the medial collateral ligament. Mechanisms of Injury The possible mechanisms of injury for meniscus tears varies from rapid cutting or changing of directions while running, to extreme compressive force to the lower leg region causing unnatural stress on the menisci. There are three different types of tears to the menisci which include a “bucket handle” tear, “parrot beak”, and a horizontal tear. “Bucket handle” tears occur when the femur and tibia trap the meniscus when the knee turns medially or laterally (Micheli, 2011). This can be triggered by swift cutting or rapid deceleration in sports such as football or soccer. The second type of tear is known as the...
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...Jim Albert and Ruud H. Koning (eds.) Statistical Thinking in Sports CRC PRESS Boca Raton Ann Arbor London Tokyo Contents 1 Introduction Jim Albert and Ruud H. Koning 1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1.1 Patterns of world records in sports (2 articles) . . . . . . . 1.1.2 Competition, rankings and betting in soccer (3 articles) . . 1.1.3 An investigation into some popular baseball myths (3 articles) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1.4 Uncertainty of attendance at sports events (2 articles) . . . 1.1.5 Home advantage, myths in tennis, drafting in hockey pools, American football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modelling the development of world records in running Gerard H. Kuper and Elmer Sterken 2.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 Modelling world records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.1 Cross-sectional approach . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.2 Fitting the individual curves . . . . . . . . 2.3 Selection of the functional form . . . . . . . . . . 2.3.1 Candidate functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3.2 Theoretical selection of curves . . . . . . . 2.3.3 Fitting the models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3.4 The Gompertz curve in more detail...
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...Low back pain by young athletes; is practicing sports, prevention or a risk factor to develop low back pain? Ziva Tavcar, Msc Human Movement Science Clinique Valmont, Switzerland Introduction Low back pain is a common problem in a modern society and is present also among pre- and adolescents as well by young athletes. Relationship between low back pain and physical activity shows that physical and psychical factors of over active or inactive life-style lead among genetically predisposed individuals to a higher risk for low back pain. Thus better understanding of a problem, earlier diagnostic and right management prevent earlier apparition of recurrences and chronicity in adulthood. Spinal pain Spinal pain appears due to variety of symptoms, which are experienced at least once in a lifetime by approximately 80% of a general population [1]. Classification of spinal pain concerns affected region (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or irradiation in the limbs), duration (acute, sub-acute, chronic), or level of functional disability [1]. Lumbar pain is determined as a pain, muscle tension or stiffness that occurs between the last thoracic vertebra and the lower gluteal folds, with or without leg pain [1–3]. Chronic low back pain appears more often by working population in adulthood [1] and fluctuates during time, appears at different occurrences with different intensities and disability [4]. The complexity of symptoms could be associated with physical, psychical and recently genetic...
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...2. Increasing competition in developing economies Amidst heavy competition to be a market leader in developing economies, there are quite a few issues to be noted. a. Losing market share in China – Li Ning. It is worth noting that Nike does not have a Chinese online website store to facilitate customers to come online and learn/buy Nike’s products. b. Price sensitivity – Developing markets are generally price sensitive markets. Nike’s premium and high quality brand image doesn’t sync with the expectations of the customer. In other words, the differentiation strategy might not bring as good results as it had brought in the USA. 3. Significant reliance on IT and sophistication in managing supply chains. Nike is heavily dependent on information technology systems across our supply chain, including product design, production, forecasting, ordering, manufacturing, transportation, sales, and distribution. Nike’s ability to effectively manage and maintain our because the product design and innovation forms the backbone of the company. Nike success 1. The key reasons for the success of Nike are associated with its global brand promotion. Due to its extensive advertising campaigns the Nike’s brand is known in almost every household worldwide. 2. Nike (now, called the unofficial sponsor!) has generated the most buzz online in the lead up to the World Cup. Much greater than Adidas, it’s arch-rival and official sponsor. Coca Cola, Sony, Visa and other FIFA partners are lagging...
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...Introduction The athletic wear industry has expanded over the years and has become more competitive with more aggressive marketing strategies, in an attempt to achieve growth and increase market share. The Under Armour brand has been built on differentiation, authenticity, and originality. An advanced second skin microfiber under garment to control perspiration and body temperature, for athletes as well as those who lead active lifestyles, is the cornerstone of Under Armour’s business. Since founder Kevin Plank first launched the original Under Armour compression t-shirt in 1996, the company has experienced rapid growth, with distribution to over 500 retail stores, outfitting agreements with athletic teams, and international expansion. Over the past decade, Under Armour has expanded its marketing efforts and has not limited itself to only athletic wear by increasing its product offerings to include footwear, accessories, children’s wear, and women’s active wear. Problem Statement Under Armour has excelled in its product and marketing strategy to date, however the company must seek to improve the future prospects for growth, including, but not limited to, product manufacturing, operations and distribution, and market expansion. Analysis With the growing popularity of collegiate and competitive sports and physically active lifestyles Under Armour has experienced continuous growth and success, despite the many competitors saturating the sports apparel market in recent decades...
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...FSU Winner Florida State’s Caitlin Quinn has been named the NSCA’s Assistant Strength Coach of the Year. http://www.seminoles.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/112613aaa.html Critical Condition A California high school football player is in critical condition after suffering neck and spinal cord injuries during a game. http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/corona/corona-headlines-index/20131124-santiago-football-player-remains-in-critical-condition.ece State Total More than 4,400 middle and high school student-athletes in Massachusetts suffered head injuries last year, according to reports filed by the schools. http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/11/25/mass-schools-report-head-injuries-among-athletes-compliance-with-concussion-law-rises/njPFK6a92knIhcvY9UGxdN/story.html Refueling Product A new product can allegedly help athletes refuel during competition by providing precise carb and electrolyte recommendations based on a quick analysis of their sweat. http://www.prweb.com/releases/FuelstripMMA/UFCBellator/prweb11284260.htm Vegan Praise Several top athletes credit veganism with playing a key role in their success. http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/elite-athletes-reveal-the-vegan-diet-secret-behind-their-success/story-fneuzkvr-1226768537898 Baseline Challenges Three new studies of baseline testing highlight the difficult of accurately assessing an athlete’s true baseline ability. http://www.momsteam.com/studies-show-pitfalls-in-baseline-neurocognitive-testing ...
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...Physiology & Behavior 90 (2007) 274 – 284 Altered sleep–wake cycles and physical performance in athletes Thomas Reilly ⁎, Ben Edwards Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Henry Cotton Campus, 15-21 Webster Street, Liverpool, L3 2ET, United Kingdom Received 14 August 2006; accepted 4 September 2006 Abstract Sleep–waking cycles are fundamental in human circadian rhythms and their disruption can have consequences for behaviour and performance. Such disturbances occur due to domestic or occupational schedules that do not permit normal sleep quotas, rapid travel across multiple meridians and extreme athletic and recreational endeavours where sleep is restricted or totally deprived. There are methodological issues in quantifying the physiological and performance consequences of alterations in the sleep–wake cycle if the effects on circadian rhythms are to be separated from the fatigue process. Individual requirements for sleep show large variations but chronic reduction in sleep can lead to immuno-suppression. There are still unanswered questions about the sleep needs of athletes, the role of ‘power naps’ and the potential for exercise in improving the quality of sleep. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Keywords: Circadian rhythm; Exercise; Jet-lag; Shift-work 1. Introduction The sleep–wakefulness cycle is the most discernable of human circadian functions, activity being associated with the hours of daylight and sleep...
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...Steering Behaviors For Autonomous Characters Craig W. Reynolds Sony Computer Entertainment America 919 East Hillsdale Boulevard Foster City, California 94404 craig_reynolds@playstation.sony.com http://www.red.com/cwr/ cwr@red.com Keywords: Animation Techniques, Virtual/Interactive Environments, Games, Simulation, behavioral animation, autonomous agent, situated, embodied, reactive, vehicle, steering, path planning, path following, pursuit, evasion, obstacle avoidance, collision avoidance, flocking, group behavior, navigation, artificial life, improvisation. Abstract This paper presents solutions for one requirement of autonomous characters in animation and games: the ability to navigate around their world in a life-like and improvisational manner. These “steering behaviors” are largely independent of the particulars of the character’s means of locomotion. Combinations of steering behaviors can be used to achieve higher level goals This paper divides motion behavior into three levels. It will focus on the (For example: get from here to there while avoiding obstacles, follow this corridor, join that group of characters...) middle level of steering behaviors, briefly describe the lower level of locomotion, and touch lightly on the higher level of goal setting and strategy. Introduction Autonomous characters are a type of autonomous agent intended for use in computer animation and interactive media such as games and virtual reality. These agents represent a This stands...
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...The wearable computing market: a global analysis By Jody Ranck CONNECTED CONSUMER Table of contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION HISTORY FITNESS AND WELLNESS DEVICES European sector Other areas of fitness WEARABLES IN THE ENTERPRISE ENVIRONMENT OPTICAL WARE SKIN SENSORS DISABILITY TECHNOLOGIES FASHION AND ALTERNATIVE PARADIGMS FOR COMPUTING THE INTERSECTION OF WEARABLES, GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT AUGMENTED REALITY AND WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES TRENDS COMPANIES TO WATCH KEY TAKEAWAYS ABOUT JODY RANCK ABOUT GIGAOM PRO FURTHER READING 3 4 6 7 8 9 9 10 12 13 15 17 18 19 22 24 25 25 26 The wearable computing market: a global analysis July 2012 -2 - CONNECTED CONSUMER Executive summary “During a Formula 1 race a driver experiences wrenching forces of more than 4.5G. His heart rate may exceed 180 beats per minute and his blood pressure could rise by half. With soaring temperatures inside the cramped cockpit he will also dehydrate, typically losing 2–3 litres of water during the race. Yet the driver must concentrate well enough to achieve lap times that might vary by just a tenth of a second. This is tough, on both mind and body. Hence it is not just the performance of the car itself which an array of sensors keeps an eye on, wirelessly transmitting data about the engine, suspension and so on to the pit crews. The drivers’ own vital signs are constantly monitored, too.” —Economist, Nov. 3, 2011 Wearable computing, or wearables, has recently moved from the realm...
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...The use of video feedback as a performance analysis coaching tool in amateur level ice hockey. Martin Lee Bachelor’s Thesis Degree Programme in Sports and Leisure Management. 2011 Abstract Date of presentation 11.5.2011 Group or year of entry DP VI Number of pages and appendices 48 +2 Degree programme Author or authors Martin Lee Title of report The use of video feedback as a performance analysis coaching tool in amateur level ice hockey. Teacher/s or supervisor/s Mika Vähälummukka, Kari Savolainen With the advancement of digital video and computer technology over the past ten years there has been a considerable increase noted in the use of video analysis as a coaching tool in ice hockey. This has been especially noted in the greater Montreal area of Canada, where coaches are often under pressure to develop emerging talented players who aspire to a pro hockey career. The purpose of this research was to investigate how much performance analysis through video was being used and what it was being used for. The focus area was on amateur teams from midget level through to college and junior pro, such as the QMJHL. To collect data a questionnire was used to survey the coaches and players views on using video analysis as a tool for coaching. The study was done in Montreal Quebec, Canada with coaches that ranged from midget grade, through junior to college and men’s pro. The survey covered what video analysis is currently being used for, what both the coaches and players...
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...Business Environmental Audit Critically assess the strategic Direction of the Nike brand William Hanrahan (060953199) ACE1004 Introduction to Management Contents 1.0 Executive Summary 2.0 Introduction 3.0 Nike 3.1 History 3.2 The Market 3.3 Industry Analysis 3.4 Trouble Ahead for Nike? 3.5 Nike Advertising 3.6 Brands of Choice 3.7 Nikes other Brands 3.8 Targeting New Markets 3.9 Financial Performance 4.0 External Market Drivers 4.1 Political Drivers 4.2 Economic Drivers 4.3 Socio-Cultural Drivers 4.4 Technological Drivers 4.5 Environmental Drivers 4.6 Legal Drivers 4.7 Charity Work 5.0 Competitive Environment 5.1 Porter’s Five Forces 5.2 Competitor Analysis 5.3 Nike vs. Fake Goods 5.4 Stakeholders 5.5 Stakeholder Mapping 6.0 The Brand 6.1 Competitive Advantage 6.2 The Swoosh 6.3 Routes to Competitive Advantage 6.4 Ansoff Matrix 7.0 Conclusions 7.1 Swot Analysis 8.0 Recommendations 8.1 Reflection 9.0 Portfolio of Information Sources 9.1 Primary Sources 9.2 Secondary Sources 1.0 Executive Summary Nike was founded in 1972 by Philip Knight and Bill Bowerman. Bowerman is well known in America as the University of Oregon coach. He brought jogging to America, built an unrivalled track and field program at that university, and taught his athletes to seek the competitive advantage everywhere - in their bodies, their gear and their passion. The Marketing men at Nike would like us believe that the brand is more than a product, it is an experience that we are buying into. Wherever...
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...NIKE, INC. ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K Table of Contents Page PART I ITEM 1. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sales and Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United States Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....
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