Duathlon consists of two durations of running separated by cycling in a format similar to triathlon. The addition of cycling and the associated loadings on the neuromuscular system can modify spatiotemporal variables in running including trunk motion, which can impact running economy. Changes to trunk motion can be inferred by measuring accelerations of the centre of mass (CoM). However, there is scarce research into trunk dynamics in duathlon. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use an inertial sensor (an accelerometer) to compare acceleration magnitudes of the trunk in the vertical, mediolateral, and anteroposterior directions during a simulated field-based duathlon. Specifically, running performance and magnitudes of trunk acceleration were compared pre and post a cycling load. Ten well-trained duathletes (seven males, three females (mean ± SD; age: 31.1 ± 3.4 years; body mass: 70.9 ± 6.9 kg; body height: 177 ± 5.82 cm; 9.45 ± 1.7 weekly training hours per week; 9.15 ± 5.2 years training experience)) completed a 5 km run performed at a self-selected pace (described as moderate intensity) prior to 20 km of continuous cycling at four varied cadence conditions. This was immediately followed by a 2.5 km run. Mean completion times for the final 2.5 km in running pre-cycling (4.03:05 ± 0.018) compared to the 2.5 km in running post-cycling (4.08:16 ± 0.024) were significantly different. Regarding trunk acceleration, the largest difference was seen in the vertical direction (y axis) as greater magnitudes of acceleration occurred during the initial 1 km of running post-cycling combined with overall significant alterations in acceleration between running pre- and post-cycling (p = 0.0093). The influence of prior cycling on trunk acceleration activity in running likely indicates that greater vertical and mediolateral trunk motion contributes to decremental running performance. In future, further advanced simulation and analysis could be performed in ecologically valid contexts whereby multiple accelerometers might be used to model a more complete set of dynamics.

Triathlon has been an Olympic sport since the 2000 Sydney Olympics and has developed rapidly, leading to variations in race categories. Although running after cycling necessitates a postural change from a non-weight-bearing activity to a weight bearing one, no study has quantified the magnitude of trunk acceleration during cycling in different seat positions and the consequential effect on running. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a triaxial accelerometer to determine acceleration magnitudes of the trunk in a 20 km outdoor cycling event in two seat positions that were immediately followed by a 5 km overground run. Interpretation of data was evaluated based on cadence changes while triathletes cycled in an aerodynamic position in two seat positions. Running data was evaluated based on sinusoidal curves and foot strike peaks. The evaluation of accelerometer derived data within a characteristic overground setting suggests that cycling in an adjusted seat position significantly reduced trunk acceleration in both longitudinal and mediolateral directions with large effects ( p < 0.0001, d > 0.9). A significant and large effect was found in both longitudinal and anteroposterior trunk acceleration in post-cycle running between seat positions ( d > 0.9, p < 0.0001). In the longitudinal direction, a significant reduction in trunk acceleration occurred when running after the seat was adjusted with participants completing the 5 km run faster (21:55 ± 3:17 min compared to 22:05 ± 2:53 min). The results suggest that when the seat position is adjusted based on individual anthropometrics, overall trunk acceleration magnitude is reduced in both cycling and running. Accessible and practical sensor technology could be beneficial for postural considerations in triathlons.

Understanding the success of any teaching program often needs to look wider than just metrics.This is particularly true for STEM disciplines where the metrics of unqualified success are clear.However, for students who struggle in class it can remain something of a mystery, or worse, it becomes demotivating resulting in failure to engage.Thus by looking beyond performance metrics towards engagement and mitigating attitudinal changes, barriers to learning may be uncovered. PURPOSE OR GOALA previously reported successful multidisciplinary STEM program using physical activity was examined to identify statistically relevant indicators for its success.This was to aid in translational opportunities to other STEM areas that are of a national priority.Success to improve student engagement in STEM subjects was the underlying objective, especially for student cohorts that have been identified by various agencies as typical non-engagers. APPROACH OR METHODOLOGY/METHODSThis study using a 360 degree stakeholder analysis of technology of a short term STEM intervention to determine measures of its success and failures.It uses semi structured interviews to capture feedback from students, educators and educational system administrators.Traditional hard measures of scholastic of performance was also be used.Measures of academic records is an example of scholastic performance that were used. ACTUAL OR ANTICIPATED OUTCOMESBased on earlier work, we anticipate that changes in attitudinal experience of STEM and higher engagement with the education system will be a short term outcome.Reflective analysis from the stakeholders (educators) will likely provide longitudinal information about the efficacy of the program.If the anticipated outcomes are shown as accurate, collaborations with key stakeholders will be established to develop novel curricula based on what has been found, while still fitting the established education curriculum requirements. CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS/SUMMARYFrom the earlier research and what is anticipated to be found in this study, greater student engagement in STEM based learning is possible.This will lead to further collaborations in order to develop novel teaching methods built on each student's own physical and play activities.

While the sport of short-distance (Sprint) triathlon provides an opportunity to research the effect of the center of mass (CoM) when cycling and running, much remains to be done. The literature has failed to consistently or adequately report how changes to hand position influence subsequent running as inferred by the magnitude of CoM acceleration. The demands of cycle training in a drops and aerodynamic position followed by running remain unquantified in Sprint Distance triathlon. Thus, far data collected indicate that the cycle to run transition (T2) is important for overall race success. While many age-groupers participate in Sprint Distance triathlon, the lack of T2 based research make comparisons between cycle hand position and ensuing running difficult. The motion of the human body when cycling and running in triathlon can be described by the motion of its CoM in a local coordinate system. Unobtrusive wearable sensors have proven to be an informative resource to monitor the magnitude of CoM accelerations in running. However, the extent to which they are used in cycling is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyse the temporal magnitudes of CoM acceleration when cycling position and cadence is changed and to analyse these effects on running after cycling. Ten recreational triathletes completed two 20 km cycling trials at varied cadence in a drops position (parts of the handlebars that curve outward, CycleDrops) and an aerodynamic position (arms bent, forearms parallel to the ground, CycleAero) immediately followed by a 5 km run at self-selected pace. Torso kinematics by way of CoM acceleration magnitude were captured in a typical training setting using a triaxial accelerometer. CoM acceleration was quantified in m/s2 and variability was measured by the coefficient of variation (CV) and root mean square (RMS). Results from CycleAero indicated that acceleration of the CoM in longitudinal (CV = 1%) and mediolateral directions (CV = 3%) was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) compared to CycleDrops. As for rate of perceived exertion (RPE), a significant difference was observed with triathletes reporting higher values in CycleAero alongside a greater CoM acceleration magnitude in the anteroposterior direction. The CoM varied significantly from RunAero with less longitudinal (CV = 0.2, p < 0.001) and mediolateral acceleration observed (CV = 7.5%, p < 0.001) compared to RunDrops. Although greater longitudinal acceleration was observed in the initial 1 km epoch of RunAero, triathletes then seemingly adjusted their CoM trajectory to record lower magnitudes until completion of the 5 km run, completing the run quicker compared to RunDrops (22.56 min1 ± 0.2, 23.34 min1 ± 0.5, p < 0.001, CV = 1.3%). Coaches may look to use triaxial accelerometers to monitor performance in both cycling and running after cycling.

Indoor spin cycling has gained popularity as a training modality for triathletes. Part of its appeal is that it can form a component of a structured periodised training program and provide an alternative to outdoor cycling. Indices of physiological components (i.e., the metabolic equivalent, caloric cost, perceived exertion) and changes in the body position can be inferred by wearable technology such as an accelerometer. This pilot study aimed to investigate the relationship between the rating of perceived exertion, heart rate reserve, and the metabolic equivalent between the whole body centre of mass acceleration using a sacrum mounted triaxial accelerometer during 20 minutes of 6 varied power conditions of indoor spin cycling. Compared with other conditions, cycling at a steady state (>152-205 W) resulted in extremely large effects (> 0.9) in mediolateral acceleration and the rating of perceived exertion (p < 0.0001). The relationship between the body position (aerodynamic to drops) induced significant changes in anteroposterior acceleration magnitude (p < 0.0001), although moving from drops to the aerodynamic position was not significant despite a large increase in heart rate reserve and extremely large effects of perceived exertion. The rating of perceived exertion scale and the metabolic equivalent comparative to the whole body centre of mass acceleration magnitude and power displayed a strong correlation (r = 0.865). An individually determined whole body centre of mass accelerations combined with perceived exertion, the metabolic equivalent and heart rate reserve could potentially contribute to improved indoor triathlete spin cycling performance.

Anecdotally, engineering and STEM professionals make decisions about their career choice as early as primary school.During this time there are significant developmental biology changes in the body, with a tendency for gender differences, cultural differences and access to STEM rich environments having strong influences on choice.Understanding the key factors in career decisions and in particular the timing of those decisions is critical to attracting students to STEM professions, as well as noting other barriers to participation based on gender, socioeconomic status and cultural differences.

Background: Adding new approaches to teaching curriculums can be both expensive and complex to learn. The aim of this research was to gain insight into students’ literacy and confidence in learning sports science with new wearable technologies, specifically a novel program known as STEMfit. Methods: A three-phase design was carried out, with 36 students participating and exposed to wearable devices and associated software. This was to determine whether the technology hardware (phase one) and associated software (phase two) were used in a positive way that demonstrated user confidence. Results: Hardware included choosing a scalable wearable device that worked in conjunction with familiar and readily available software (Microsoft Excel) that extracted data through VBA coding. This allowed for students to experience and provide survey feedback on the usability and confidence gained when interacting with the STEMfit program. Outcomes indicated strong acceptance of the program, with high levels of motivation, resulting in a positive uptake of wearable technology as a teaching tool by students. The initial finding of this study offers an opportunity to further test the STEMfit program on other student cohorts as well as testing the scalability of the system into other year groups at the university level.

CONTEXT Nothing has changed the delivery of education as fast as the impact of COVID-19. Online learning is the 'new normal' with many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) courses having to rapidly make this transition from traditional on-campus teaching. The literature shows that rich environments of formal face to face lectures and verbally engaging workshops provide a sense of community, social contracts and development of collegiate relationships between students. It is essential that education providers continue to offer opportunities for students to experience this element of higher education, rather than overlook this component of learning, as it can easily be lost in computer screen to computer screen engagement. PURPOSE OR GOAL This paper described how the literature surrounding online engagement was applied to enhance student engagement in a large cohort undergraduate course. In particular the transition from face to face to online and mixed modalities was investigated. Key engagement metrics as outlined in the literature and student survey results were utilised to gauge student satisfaction when development of a social environment is taken into consideration during course development. APPROACH OR METHODOLOGY/METHODS This work examines a transitioned large cohort course to quantify the effects of creating online community that replicates much of the face-to-face environment. It uses teaching survey instruments to identify pre and post intervention effectiveness from past cohorts and those exposed to the intervention. Semi structured surveys in the form of open questions were used to elicit free form responses and word frequency analysis is used to measure engagement. ACTUAL OR ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES In content heavy subjects such as STEM disciplines, the development of the online environment and teacher presence as well as social presence in subject delivery has a demonstratable effect on student engagement as measured by student satisfaction and learning outcomes. CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS/SUMMARY Key elements in the learning environment were found to have contributed substantially to the outcomes. These include supporting students in time management, supporting developing brains in undergraduate cohorts, peer interaction and developing online community. Although there was concern that the inclusion of online activities and games would be perceived as additional work, these contributed to enhanced student engagement in the online space. Copyright © Willis, Lee, James and Whale, 2021.

A biomechanical variable of interest to cyclists and cycling coaches is postural stability. A cyclist’s position on a bicycle can be easily measured in a laboratory environment using motion capture software, but is difficult to measure in the field. The focus of this paper was to identify the legitimacy of a sacrum mounted triaxial accelerometer to identify temporal acceleration magnitudes of the centre of mass (CoM) whilst cycling against a motion analysis system. To provide validation of the sensor, data was collected at the torso as cyclists pedaled at varied cadences against a motion analysis system. The effects of cycling cadence and changes to torso angle via changes to hand position revealed that wearable technology (accelerometers) provide legitimacy in the assessment of torso accelerations during cycling. The minimal variation and change in agreement between the two systems during cycling indicates the adherence method of the accelerometer was suitable.

Triathletes often use a time trial bicycle with an increased seat tube angle combined with aerodynamic handlebars that allow for a decreased upper body and trunk to improve aerodynamics. In this respect, the adjustment of the seat tube and saddle is an important feature of fitting bicycle to triathlete to positively impact performance. Limited published evidence concerning trunk acceleration, saddle position and aerodynamics by way of the drag coefficient (Cd) in triathlon cycling makes comparisons difficult. Therefore, an overground varied cycle cadence in a previously validated saddle position was conducted to detect differences in trunk acceleration magnitude whilst a multivariable linear regression was used to estimate Cd based on saddle position, trunk acceleration and cadence. Data was collected by a trunk-mounted triaxial accelerometer to estimate kinematic determinants of triathlete cycling performance in conjunction with trunk acceleration magnitude and cadence that contribute to Cd. Seven participants completed a 1 x 5 km overground cycling trial at varied cadence on a characteristic triathlon circuit. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate that cycling at higher cadences increased trunk acceleration magnitude with a projected Cd of 0.277. Longitudinal trunk acceleration represented 39% of the outcome variable explained by the model. To illustrate the practical relevance of the statistical models, mean total trunk acceleration and cadence were applied to predict Cd. Higher magnitudes of total trunk acceleration combined with cycling at a cadence of 95-100 rev/min(1) resulted in greater Cd (0.283).

Appropriate cycling cleat adjustment could improve triathlon performance in both cycling and running. Prior recommendations regarding cleat adjustment have comprised aligning the first metatarsal head above the pedal spindle or somewhat forward. However, contemporary research has questioned this approach in triathlons due to the need to run immediately after cycling. Subsequently, moving the pedal cleat posteriorly could be more appropriate. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a triaxial accelerometer to determine acceleration magnitudes of the trunk in outdoor cycling in two different bicycle cleat positions and the consequential impact on trunk acceleration during running. Seven recreational triathletes performed a 20 km cycle and a 5 km run using their own triathlon bicycle complete with aerodynamic bars and gearing. Interpretation of data was evaluated based on cadence changes whilst triathletes cycled in an aerodynamic position in two cleat positions immediately followed by a self-paced overground run. The evaluation of accelerometer-derived data within a characteristic overground setting suggests a significant increase in total trunk acceleration magnitude during cycling with a posterior cleat with significant increases to longitudinal acceleration (p = 0.04) despite a small effect (d = 0.2) to the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Cycling with a posterior cleat significantly reduced longitudinal trunk acceleration in running and overall acceleration magnitudes (p < 0.0001) with a large effect size (d = 0.9) and a significant reduction in RPE (p = 0.02). In addition, running after cycling in a posterior cleat was faster compared to running after cycling in a standard cleat location. Practically, the magnitude of trunk acceleration during cycling in a posterior cleat position as well as running after posterior cleat cycling differed from that when cycling in the fore-aft position followed by running. Therefore, the notion that running varies after cycling is not merely an individual athlete’s perception, but a valid observation that can be modified when cleat position is altered. Training specifically with a posterior cleat in cycling might improve running performance when trunk accelerations are analysed.

In the multisport of triathlon cycling is the longest of the three sequential disciplines. Triathlon bicycles differ from road bicycles with steeper seat tube angles with a change to saddle height altering the seat tube angle. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a tri axial accelerometer to determine acceleration magnitudes of the trunk in outdoor cycling in two saddle positions. Interpretation of data was evaluated based on cadence changes whilst triathletes cycled in an aerodynamic position in two saddle positions. The evaluation of accelerometer derived data within a characteristic overground setting suggests a significant reduction in mediolateral acceleration of the trunk, yielding a 25.1% decrease when saddle height was altered alongside reduced rate of perceived exertion (3.9%). Minimal differences were observed in anteroposterior and longitudinal acceleration. Evaluation of sensor data revealed a polynomial expression of the subtle changes between both saddle positions. This study shows that a triaxial accelerometer has capability to continuously measure acceleration magnitude of trunk movements during an in-the-field, varied cadence cycle protocol. Accessible and practical sensor technology could be relevant for postural considerations when exploring saddle position in dynamic settings.

There are currently no evidence-based practical automated injury risk factor estimation tools to monitor low back compressive force in ambulatory or sporting environments. For this purpose, inertial sensors may potentially replace laboratory-based systems with comparable results. The objective was to investigate inertial sensor validity to monitor low back compression force. Thirty participants completed a series of lifting tasks from the floor. Back compression force was estimated using a hand calculated method, an inertial sensor method and a three-dimensional motion capture method. Results demonstrated that semi-automation with a sensor had a higher agreement with motion capture compared to the hand calculated method, with angle errors of less than six degrees and back compression force errors of less than 200 Newtons. It was concluded that inertial sensors are valid to implement for static low back compression force estimations.

In tertiary education, disciplines such as sports science that require experimental components in their courses represent a significant challenge for online and distance education. This paper demonstrates the design and construction of an enriched experiment, together with the prototype software solution which can all be operated remotely using a web-based client. It presents research that investigated how to visualise data from internet of things (IoT) sensor devices (inertial sensor) used for tracking football sideline throw-ins. In this simple experiment, data was collected from one footballer, fitted with a single inertial sensor. A two-dimensional (2D) video, three-dimensional (3D) motion capture system and inertial sensor were all used to detect the release point of a sideline ball throw-in. In this project, inertial sensor data was used to create a 3D model using web graphical language and three.js.

Natural reproduction of pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus has been limited for decades and a recruitment bottleneck is hypothesized to occur during the larval stage of development. In this study, we evaluated the effects of water velocity and temperature on swimming activity, energy use, settling behavior, and mortality of endogenously feeding larvae. Swimming activity of drifting sturgeon larvae (i.e., fish exhibiting negative rheotaxis) increased at low water velocity. In subsequent experiments, we observed greater energy depletion and resultant mortality of larvae in no-flow environments (0 cm s-1 ) compared to tanks with water velocity ranging from 3.5 to 8.3 cm s-1 . Growth rate of drifting larvae was positively related to water temperature (18.7 to 23.3 °C). But reduced growth rate at low water temperature (18.7 °C) resulted in protracted development that extended average drift duration by ~4 d compared to larvae reared at 23.3 °C. This study provides evidence that cooler summer water temperatures, characteristic of present-day conditions in the upper Missouri River, can reduce larval development and extend both the drift duration and distance requirements of S. albus. Moreover, if dispersed into low velocity environments, such as in reservoir headwaters, larvae may experience increased mortality owing to a mismatch between early life stage drift requirements and habitat conditions in the river. Manipulation of water releases to increase seasonal water temperature below dams may aid survival of S. albus larvae by shortening the time and distance spent drifting.

School-based education programmes are increasingly focused on the teaching of skills thought to be more suitable for an increasingly technological society. These STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills are often seen as enablers for the workforce of tomorrow. This paper utilises wearable sensors during prescribed physical activity as a vehicle for student engagement through their direct involvement in the creation of personalised data sets, direct questioning about their physical activity and the development of a nexus between what they do and fundamental physical properties such as the laws of motion. Results demonstrate the technical challenges, including the selection of appropriate monitoring technologies and development of appropriate technology tools suitable for school cohorts, together with sample results obtained through field trials in metropolitan and remote schools to demonstrate the utility of such technologies.

This book bridges a gap between technical research and the widespread adoption of inertial sensors in biomechanical assessment and ambulatory studies of locomotion. It provides a guide to using inertial sensors for those from the sports science discipline.