http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/sports_science/ Science of sports. Read about new body sensors to monitor and improve athletic performance, methods of selecting sports teams, and more in our sports science section. en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:05:01 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/sports_science/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104123041.htm A new study shows that amputees who use running-specific prosthetic legs have no performance advantage over counterparts who use their biological legs. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104123041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109142123.htm Researchers are studying blood using computer models that simulate how the fluid and the cells it contains move around. One new study shows how components in blood line up to prepare for healing; another demonstrates the best shape to use for man-made nanoparticles that target cancers -- a surfboard. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109142123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106201101.htm Pay attention, Shaq: Two engineers have figured out the best way to shoot a free throw -- a frequently underappreciated skill that gets more important as the game clock winds down. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106201101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103121611.htm Longer toes and a unique ankle structure provide sprinters with the burst of acceleration that separates them from other runners, according to biomechanists. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103121611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101657.htm A deceased former college football player who died at age 42 was already suffering from the degenerative brain disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This is the first time an advanced case of CTE has been discovered in a college football player that did not play professionally. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918101718.htm Researchers have developed an effective real-time performance management and feedback system for alpine ski racers that allow skiers to better understand their carved turning skills and improve their performance. A new study describes the development of the vLink Racing Computer System and investigates the effectiveness of this system. Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918101718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090628085923.htm Scientists are studying footballing ability (soccer ability) to gain insight into the role that skill plays in the physical performance of vertebrates. The results show that skill is as important, if not more important, than athletic ability. The study also suggests a scientific method that could help professional football clubs in the selection and identification of new talent. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090628085923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904091036.htm After nearly three years in the making, the time has come for the bobsled developed by Swiss researchers to be handed over to the athletes. Hopes are high: "CITIUS" is expected to help the Swiss bobsleigh team to glory at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904091036.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706141004.htm The cooperative soccer playing robots of the Universität Stuttgart are world champions in the middle size league of robot soccer. After one of the most interesting competitions in the history of Robocup from 29th June to 5th July, 2009, in Graz, the 1. RFC Stuttgart on the last day of the competition succeeded in winning the world championship 2009 in an exciting game against the team of Tech United from Eindhoven (The Netherlands) with the final result of 4:1. Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706141004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602083356.htm A juggler and a conductor were among the artists who helped create a device which can retrieve dozens of different movement sequences in a matter of minutes. Motion capture tools are used by the performing arts for everything from live productions to creative screen-bound works, choreographic notation and archiving, but it is difficult to identify required sequences for a given project amid the mass of data these tools generate. A new prototype data retrieval tool makes selecting movement features or sequences much easier: the user 'sketches' the required movement with a mouse or pen and this triggers a search for a similar sequence. Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602083356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529074954.htm Instrumentation embedded in equipments and worn by athletes can optimize training and allow sporting competitions to enter a new phase of objective scoring. The latest issue of Sports Technology published features a collection of articles dedicated to the instrumentation of athletes and equipment during competitions. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529074954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527121051.htm When Chicago Blackhawk's leading scorer Martin Havlat returned to the ice for game four of the Western Conference Final after sustaining a concussion only two days earlier, questions were raised surrounding his swift return. According to a new study, similar questions were raised by 25 percent of minor league hockey players who did not know if an athlete with symptoms of a concussion should continue to play hockey. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527121051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529185009.htm The fifth largest and newest water tunnel in the United States has just been completed. The tunnel has been under construction for more than a year, holds thousands of gallons of water and has taken more than 5,000 man hours to build to its current state. Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529185009.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090506093948.htm The Bold Hearts, a student team from the University of Hertfordshire, has just won the Humanoid Simulation League in the Robocup German Open 2009. The team is now preparing for the Robocup World Championships in Austria, which will run from 29 June to 5 July, where they will play against student teams from across the globe. Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090506093948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090503204418.htm A student has developed a ski and snowboard landing pad with the hopes of setting a new standard in safety for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Tue, 05 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090503204418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090402143742.htm The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels should make the playoffs in the American League in 2009 with most other teams lagging well behind. The National League should see another very tight race in the Eastern Division as has occurred in recent years. However, this year it looks like there may be a three-way tie among the defending World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies, the Atlanta Braves, and the New York Mets. Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090402143742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326152517.htm The system immediately detects and validates touches in all fencing categories, without the need for the inconvenient and expensive wired equipment that was used in the sport to date. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326152517.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090318140622.htm Trainers have used it for decades to help athletes build muscle. Late-night TV commercials hawk it as an effortless flab buster. But an engineering researcher says electrical stimulation -- a simple, decades-old technique to prompt muscles to contract -- can be combined with sophisticated computer learning technology to help people regain more precise, more life-like control of paralyzed limbs. Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090318140622.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311120401.htm A student is using his knowledge of sports science to assist soldiers as they prepare to face harsh conditions in Afghanistan. Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311120401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309122203.htm Whether slalom or alpine skiing, competitive skiing is all about thousandths of a second. Hence, professional athletes must constantly refine their technique. Small radio transmitters will make it possible to analyze pros’ habits more closely. Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309122203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090220102256.htm Scientists have developed an intelligent sensor networks monitor to measure important vital signs of patients or measure their activity. Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090220102256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090218223151.htm With its light body made of Kevlar, sleek aerodynamic design and three Olympic-racing wheelchair tires, it looks like something that escaped from the Batcave. Sat, 28 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090218223151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090220131402.htm Scientists have managed to program clones that imitate the actions of humans playing soccer (known as football in the U.K.) on a computer. The clones learn the players’ behavior and apply this knowledge in order to avoid their opponents and score goals. Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090220131402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090210161902.htm A surgical technique known as targeted muscle reinnervation appears to enable patients with arm amputations to have improved control of functions with an artificial arm, according to a new study. Sat, 14 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090210161902.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119113903.htm Eight mechanical engineering students have taken on something big: in the context of their focus project, they are designing a sailing boat to sail autonomously across the Atlantic. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119113903.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119112654.htm After nearly two years of development and production, the day had arrived: the "Citius" bobsleigh went into the wind tunnel. The tests exceeded expectations. Now the next hurdle must be cleared: the ice track. Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119112654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090113101116.htm Researchers in Taiwan are designing a computer for pedal cyclists that tells them when to change gear to optimize the power they develop while maintaining comfort. Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090113101116.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081222122603.htm Researchers have made significant progress in understanding a class of materials that has resisted analysis for decades. Their findings could lead to the rapid discovery of a variety of useful new kinds of glass made of metallic alloys with potentially significant mechanical, chemical and magnetic applications. Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081222122603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081209221703.htm A warm-up program that focuses on improving strength, balance, core stability and muscular awareness cuts injury in female footballers by a third and severe injuries by almost a half, according to new research. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081209221703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081211161734.htm Engineers are working on a new "virtual" crash test dummy, one that will live entirely within computers, but will be more realistic than any physical dummy ever subjected to a crash test. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081211161734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081123190508.htm Scientists may soon give avid golfers another way to improve their game -- better balls that fly farther. Up to now, dimple design has been more of an art than a science. For many years, sporting goods companies would design their dimple patterns by simple trial and error, testing prototype after prototype against one another. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081123190508.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118122107.htm Researchers have discovered how to train the brain of athletes to improve their overall athletic performance. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118122107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081117193017.htm Researchers have determined that the two most popular brands of football helmet faceshields can withstand a hit equivalent to a kick in the face and provide that protection without disrupting players' vision. The eye specialists used an air cannon to hurl baseballs at the plastic faceshields. The impact was designed to mimic the force of a kick to the face, considered the riskiest way to sustain an eye injury in football. Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081117193017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081027121506.htm A universal bias in the way people perceive moving objects means that tennis referees are more likely to make mistakes when they call balls "out" than when they call them "in," according to a new report. Because recent rule changes allow professional tennis players to challenge the refs' calls, athletes could exploit the new findings to their advantage. Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081027121506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081029121931.htm Taking up bowling or tennis is an excellent way to stay fit. But if you're not careful, you might find that these amateur sports can have unexpected long-term health risks. Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081029121931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081027101350.htm Imagine you are a police detective trying to identify a suspect wearing a trench coat, baggy pants and a baseball cap pulled low. Or imagine you are a fashion industry executive who wants to market virtual clothing that customers of all shapes and sizes can try online before they purchase. Computer scientists have now created a computer program that for the first time can accurately estimate the human body's shape from digital images or video. Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081027101350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003123250.htm German athlete Wojtek Czyz, running with a space-tech enhanced prosthetic leg, set a new world record at the Paralympics 2008 in Beijing, reaching an amazing 6.50 m and beating the previous world record by 27 cm. Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003123250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081021190640.htm European researchers have developed a smart fabric that can monitor muscular overload and help prevent repetitive strain injury or RSI. But that is just the beginning. The team is also exploring a pregnancy belt to monitor baby's heartbeat, clothing to help coach hockey, and shirts that monitor muscle fatigue during training. Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081021190640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081015144129.htm Researchers have demonstrated for the first time that a direct artificial connection from the brain to muscles can restore voluntary movement in monkeys whose arms have been temporarily anesthetized. Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081015144129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926194609.htm The American Physical Therapy Association is urging female athletes -- particularly soccer players -- to consider a new warm-up program to help lower their growing risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926194609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926120520.htm With baseball playoffs heating up and the World Series right around the corner, it's guaranteed that fans will see daring slides, both feet-first and head-first, and even slides on bang-bang plays at first. Who gets there faster, the head-first slider or the feet-first? The heads first player, says an engineering professor and big-time baseball fan. It's a matter of the player's center of gravity. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080926120520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903112034.htm It seems paradoxical but the more people ride bicycles on our city streets, the less likely they are to be injured in traffic accidents. International research reveals that as cycling participation increases, a cyclist is far less likely to collide with a motor vehicle or suffer injury and death - and what's true for cyclists is true for pedestrians. Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903112034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820081159.htm Engineers using the University of Southampton's R J Mitchell wind tunnel have helped the British Cycling team win Gold in Beijing. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820081159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817231406.htm Swimmers from around the world are setting world and Olympic records in Beijing this month and most are doing it wearing a swimsuit made of fabric tested at NASA. Among the Olympic gold medalists wearing Speedo's LZR Racer are Americans Michael Phelps -- who has now won more Olympic gold medals than any athlete in the modern era -- and Natalie Coughlin. Both had a hand in developing the skintight body suit. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817231406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080808104931.htm Milliseconds can mean the difference between triumph and defeat in the world of Olympic sports, leading more trainers and athletes to look toward technology as a tool to get an edge on the competition. A fluids mechanics professor is using experimental flow measurement techniques to help American swimmers sharpen their strokes, shave seconds from their lap times, and race toward a gold medal in Beijing. Sun, 10 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080808104931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080807175444.htm A new study examines if no-nose bike seats would be effective in alleviating the harm caused by using a traditional seat. Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080807175444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804190639.htm Researchers have uncovered new information about how we perceive fast moving, incoming objects -- such as tennis or cricket balls. The new research studies why the human brain has difficulty perceiving fast moving objects coming from straight ahead; something that should be a key survival skill. This has implications for understanding how sportspeople make decisions about playing a shot but could also be important for improving road safety and for the development of robotic vision systems. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804190639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804100152.htm Diving into cool, refreshing water is a favorite summer pastime for millions, and a fan favorite sport at the Olympics. Now, the first comprehensive study of diving board injuries is out, and it shows, on average, someone is injured on a diving board every hour of every day in the US. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804100152.htm