Video games can empower their players beyond reality, giving them extraordinary abilities. We investigate a novel class of games that provide empowerment in both the real and the virtual world, in this case using a trampoline as part of the human-computer interface. We studied whether novice trampoline jumpers can learn trampolining skills while playing a platform jumping game implemented using...

A spring gun was constructed to propel objects at known velocities of between 1 and 4.5 m.s-1. This was used to project insects and various models in a vertical trajectory. By comparing the height attained in air by the insects or models with the height theoretically possible in vacuo, the energy lost against air resistance was observed. Small insects have a higher frontal area to mass ratio th...

Although there has been substantial research on the acute effects of static stretching on subsequent force and power development, the outcome after stretching of the antagonist musculature has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of static stretching of antagonist musculature on multiple strength and power measures. Sixteen trained men were tested for vert...

AIM To determine if there are correlations between the physical fitness of young soccer players assessed by field and laboratory testing. METHODS Thirty four male soccer players took part in the study (mean (SD) age 17.5 (1.1) years, height 177.8 (6.7) cm, weight 70.5 (6.4) kg). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)MAX) during treadmill running and vertical jump height on a force platform were measure...

The reliability of the reactive strength index (RSI) and time to stabilization (TTS) during maximal-effort plyometric depth jumps was examined. Twenty-two subjects performed three depth jumps from a height of 30 cm. Measures such as height of jump (JH), ground-contact time (CT), RSI, and TTS were obtained and analyzed for reliability using Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient and intraclass c...

Olympic weightlifting movements and their variations are believed to be among the most effective ways to improve power, strength, and speed in athletes. This study investigated the effects of two Olympic weightlifting variations (hang cleans and hang snatches), on power (vertical jump height), strength (1RM back squat), and speed (40-yard sprint) in female collegiate athletes. 23 NCAA Division ...

CONTEXT Insufficient hip and thigh strength may increase an athlete's susceptibility to injury. However, screening for strength deficits using isometric and isokinetic instrumentation may not be practical in all clinical scenarios. OBJECTIVE To determine if functional performance tests are valid indicators of hip and thigh strength. DESIGN Descriptive laboratory study. SETTING Research la...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of deadlifts as a postactivation potentiation stimulus on vertical jump performance. Fifteen men (age, 23.9 ̆ 4.2 years; height, 176.3 ̆ 8.6 cm; mass, 76.1 ̆ 16.3 kg) participated in the study. Participants visited the lab for three sessions, each separated by at least 48 h. One repetition maximum (1RM) in the deadlift was measured during...

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between functional asymmetry of lower limbs, taking into account morphological features of the feet, and jumping ability in men and women. METHODS The study population consisted of 56 subjects, 30 women (age: 20.29 ± 0.59 years; body mass: 58.13 ± 4.58 kg, body height: 165.60 ± 5.03 cm) and 26 men (age: 20.41 ± 0.78 years, body ma...