James Webster

Determining the effect of cricket leg guards on running performance

Abstract Modern-day cricket has experienced a shift towards limited over games, where the emphasis is on scoring runs at a rapid rate. Although the use of protective equipment in cricket is mandatory, players perceive that leg guards, in particular, can restrict their motion. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of cricket leg guards on running performance. Initial testing revealed that wearing pads significantly increased the total time taken to complete three runs by up to 0.5 s compared with running without pads (P < 0.05). In addition, we found that the degree of impedance was dependent on pad design and could not be solely attributed to additional weight. To assess possible causes of reduced running performance, a biomechanical analysis was performed, investigating running kinematics, stride parameters, and ground reaction forces. The results revealed that the widest pad had the greatest effect on running kinematics, increasing hip abduction and decreasing hip extension, resulting in a shortened stride length (by 0.10 m) and increased stride width (by 0.12 m) compared with running without pads. Wearing pads also significantly increased peak braking force (by up to 0.3 times body weight [BW]), braking impulse (by up to 0.012 BW · s−1), peak mediolateral force (by up to 0.17 BW), and mediolateral impulse (by up to 0.016 BW · s−1) compared with running without pads, which resulted in reduced force applied in the direction of locomotion. The consequence of this reduction in running performance is an increased risk of being run-out or a reduction in the number of runs that could be scored from a particular shot.

A Multi-sensor System for Monitoring the Performance of Elite Swimmers

A comprehensive system is required to monitor numerous variables of a swimmer’s performance. Current methods of analysis do not offer solutions which record and analyse multiple performance parameters simultaneously. The research presented in this paper provides an overview of an integrated system which has been developed to monitor several components of a swimmer’s start, free swimming and turn concurrently. The integrated system is comprised of a wearable wireless sensor, vision components, force platform, pressure pad, LED markers and audio communication.

Incorporating subjective end-user perceptions in the design process: a study of leg guard comfort in cricket

During the design of sports equipment, the main focus is usually on physical performance attributes, neglecting key subjective factors such as feel or comfort. The personal protective equipment worn in sport is a typical example of where injury prevention has taken precedence over user comfort, but it is anticipated that, with an improved approach to the design process, comfort can be enhanced without sacrificing protection. Using cricket leg guards as an example, this study aims to develop a systematic method for assessing user perceptions and incorporating them into the design process. Using this method, players’ perceptions of the factors that influence comfort were elicited through the use of co-discovery sessions, focus groups, and individual interviews and analysed through an inductive process to produce a comfort model. The relative importance of the different comfort dimensions were identified through the use of an online questionnaire utilizing the analytical hierarchy process method. Through the combination of these methods, six general dimensions were identified with a weighting regarding the amount to which each one determines a users perceived comfort. These results demonstrate how subjective analysis can be integrated into the design process, allowing for end users’ preferences to be considered and integrated.

Development of a Comfort Model for Cricket Leg Guards (P9)

Within sport, personal protective equipment (PPE) is becoming increasingly important due to the intense schedules of sports performers and the cost of injury. Traditional PPE often restricts the movement of the user and is uncomfortable to wear because it is usually cumbersome, heavy, and ill-fitting. As a result, wearing PPE has been found to adversely effect both cognitive and physical performance, as well as having a detrimental affect on players’ well being (Fox et al., 1966, Adams and Keyserling, 1996). Comfort and fit are, therefore, considered important factors in the design of PPE. The majority of research within PPE has focused on the prevention of injury through mechanical impact tests, neglecting psychological factors such as comfort. Using cricket leg guards as an example, the aim of this study is to develop a better understanding of factors influencing players’ perceptions of comfort and performance so that, in future, products can be developed that are more suitable for the user. In this study, three methods were used to elicit players’ perceptions of cricket pads; these were co-discovery, focus groups following practical testing, and interviews. Twenty one cricketers currently playing at county first or second team level, participated in testing six different pads, covering a range of styles. Once the testing was complete the data was transcribed and the specific characteristics of PPE which influence and determine comfort emerged through using an inductive analysis. This analysis procedure allows the characteristics of importance to the player emerge from the data rather than from previous literature, which is beneficial in exploratory research. From the analysis six main themes were identified — protection, aesthetics, sensorial comfort, thermal comfort, weight and fit. The knowledge gained can be used in this, and future, projects to develop better product design specifications and to evaluate PPE.