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The purpose of this study was to compare sensorimotor testing methods. Therefore 15 healthy and sporty subjects undertook five different sensorimotor tests and repeated the same tests six weeks later without executing any specific sensorimotor training. The main outcome was that movement unspecific and simple tests like the Counter Movement Jump, the maximum isometric force and rate of force development on a blocked leg-press or a single-leg-stance with closed eyes have a better retest-reliability than more specific movements like a balance test on a balance board or a complex movement like a single-legged jump landing. Tests with a specific movement show a learning effect and at complex movements there was almost no correlation, as slight changes in the motion sequence can lead to big differences in the measured scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was the assessment and comparison of trunk kinematics during restricted (knee not beyond toes) and unrestricted squats. Eight repetitions of restricted and unrestricted squats with 0, 25% and 50% bodyweight loading using a barbell were assessed with a 12 camera motion analysis system. A trunk marker set was developed and applied that allowed the measurement of the 3D kinematics of the trunk, divided into three segments (lumbar, thoracic and upper trunk) and the analysis of the sagittal curvature (lumbar and thoracic spine). The preliminary results of four subjects showed a larger range of sagittal motion between lumbar and pelvic segments for the restricted compared to the unrestricted squat. The lumbar curvature straightened with increasing load. The unrestricted execution seems to lead to higher stresses in the lower back. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]