The difference between squat jump and countermovement jump in 770 male and female participants from different sports

Traditionally, a larger difference between countermovement (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) was seen as beneficial, as it reflects the ability to utilize the stretch-shortening cycle. However, strong arguments have been made that this might not always be the case, as larger differences between the jumps could also suggest higher muscle-tendon slack, or poor capability to take this slack up quickly. The purpose of this study was to explore SJ and CMJ, as well as the CMJ to SJ difference (CMJSJ_Diff) in 9 groups of young athletes. In total, 712 athletes from various disciplines (mean age range: 15.7-36.3 years) and 58 physical education students (mean age: 19.6 years) participated in the study. The major finding of this study was that the groups that showed better SJ and CMJ performance did not show the larger CMJSJ_Diff. For instance, SJ and CMJ heights were highest in short-distance runners and lowest in long-distance runners, while the largest and smallest CMJSJ_Diff was shown in physical education students and speed skaters, respectively. Male athletes had a higher CMJSJ_Diff than female athletes, but the difference was very small. While a larger CMJSJ_Diff has been traditionally associated viewed as positive, our results could indicate both superior ability to utilize the stretch-shortening cycle, as well as poor ability of rapid force development and excessive muscle slack. Further studies are needed to directly investigate the associations between CMJSJ_Diff and indicators of athletic performance.

Water-induced Effects on the Hardness and Modulus of Contemporary Sealants Derived from Instrumented Indentation Testing (IIT)

AIM

To compare the mechanical properties of four different types of contemporary fissure sealants before and after water storage employing a modern instrumented indentation testing (IIT) method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four different types of materials used in everyday practice were deliberately selected. Fissurit (FIS) is a highly filled resin, Embrace (EMB) is a bisphenol A (BPA)-free unfilled resin, Helioseal (HEL) is an unfilled resin, and Riva Protect (RIV) is a glass-ionomer material. Six cylindrical specimens from each material were prepared (h: 3 mm, Ø: 15 mm), and Martens hardness (HM), elastic modulus (E_IT), elastic index (η_IT), and Vickers hardness (HV) were determined employing an IIT machine according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14577:2015. Then, the samples were stored in water at 37°C for 48 hours and measured again at the same surface. The mechanical properties tested (HM, E_IT, η_IT, and HV) were statistically analyzed by two-way repeated measurements analysis of variance (ANOVA) employing materials and conditions as discriminating variables. Statistically significant differences were identified by Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test. In all cases, a 95% level of significance was set (p = 0.05).

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences in selected mechanical properties were allocated among materials tested. The artificial aging had a detrimental effect on HM, E_IT, and HV apart from η_IT for FIS, EMB, and HEL. In contrast, no significant differences were identified for RIV before and after water storage for all aforementioned properties apart from η_IT.

CONCLUSION

Significant differences were identified in mechanical properties among materials tested and thus differences in their clinical behavior are anticipated.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study contributes to the understanding of the mechanical properties of different dental sealants with respect to water contact, which may influence the choice by the therapist.