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Computerized Wobble Boards (WB) are inexpensive, transportable and user-friendly devices to objectively quantify the dynamic balance performances out of laboratory settings, although it has not been established if they are reliable and valid tools. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of a computerized WB. Thirty-nine (18 female, 21 male) young adults (age: 23.3±2.1years; body mass: 65.9±1.8kg; height: 168.2±8.8cm; leg length: 78.8±5.7cm; BMI: 23.2±2.1kg·m) participated in the study. Subjects were assessed during three separate sessions on different days with a 48h rest in between. A total number of two WB single limb tests and one Y Balance Test (YBT) were performed. The WB performance was registered using the proprietary software and represented by the time spent in the target zone, which represented the 0° tilt angle measured by the tri-axial accelerometer in the WB. YBT normalized reach distances were recorded for the anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral directions. Intraclass correlation coefficient, 95% confidence interval, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate intrasession and intersession reliability, while Pearson product moment correlation was used to determine concurrent validity. Reliability ranged from fair to excellent, showing acceptable levels of error and low minimal detectable change. However, all correlation coefficients between WB and YBT outcomes were poor. Despite the two methods addressing different aspects of balance performance, WB seems to validly serve its purpose and showed good reliability. Therefore, computerized WBs have the potential to become essential devices for dynamic balance assessment.

Giancotti, GF, Fusco, A, Varalda, C, Capranica, L, and Cortis, C. Biomechanical analysis of suspension training push-up. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 602-609, 2018-The aims of this study were to evaluate the load distribution between upper and lower extremities during suspension training (ST) push-up at different lengths of ST device and to predict useful equations to estimate the training load. After giving informed consent for participation, 25 subjects (17 men and 8 women; age = 28.1 ± 5.2 years; body mass = 69.4 ± 14.3 kg; height = 171.6 ± 11.3 cm; body mass index (BMI) = 23.4 ± 3.3 kg·m) were involved in the study. Each subject performed 14 static push-ups at 7 different lengths of ST device in 2 different elbow positions. The load distribution between upper and lower extremities was evaluated through a load cell and a force platform, respectively. To evaluate body inclination, all tests were recorded and analyzed through motion analysis software. To estimate the training load, a multilevel model regression (p ≤ 0.05) was used. Results showed that when the length of the ST device increased, the body inclination decreased, whereas the ground reaction force decreased and the load on the ST device increased. Moreover, when subjects moved from extended to flexed elbow, the ground reaction force decreased and the load on the ST device increased. In the created regression model (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.24), the reaction force was the dependent variable, whereas the length of the ST device, BMI, and elbow position were the independent variables. The main findings were that the load distribution between upper and lower extremities changes both when modifying the body inclination and the length of the straps. The use of predicted equations could help practitioners to personalize the workouts according to different specific aims by modifying the length of the ST device to guarantee load progression.

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PurposeWith the coronavirus outbreak, the preventive measures include staying at home and isolation, increasing sedentary behaviours and risk for worsening of chronic diseases. To explore alternative forms of home-based physical activity, the study aim was to evaluate physiological (heart rate [HR], respiratory exchange ratio [RER], oxygen consumption [V̇O₂], Energy expenditure [EE], metabolic equivalent task [MET]) and psychological (session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE], enjoyment) parameters of real (Zumba^® class [ZC]) and exergame (Zumba^® Fitness Rush [ZFR]) activities in relation to sex.MethodsOverall, 12 female (age: 24.7 ± 0.9 years) and 8 male (age: 25.3 ± 2.1 years) college students randomly performer 2 experimental 60-min sessions, ZC and ZFR, during which HR (expressed as percentage of individual maximal HR [%HRmax]), V̇O₂, RER, MET and EE were measured. After each session, sRPE and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) were used to monitor exercise intensity and enjoyment, respectively.ResultsMain effects for sex (<i>p</i> = 0.02) and modality (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) emerged for %HRmax, with women showing higher values than men and ZC showing higher values than ZFR. EE presented main effects for sex (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) and modality (<i>p</i> = 0.0002), with higher values in men and in ZC. Main effect (<i>p</i> = 0.0001) for modality emerged also for V̇O₂ and MET, with higher values in ZC regardless of sex. No significant differences were observed for RER, sRPE, or PACES.ConclusionsAlthough ZC elicited higher cardiovascular and metabolic responses, ZFR, classified as a moderate-to-vigorous activity, could be used to maintain regular physical activity in a safe home environment during the coronavirus crisis.