This paper covers a brief review of both the advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of various smoothing filters in the analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) data for the purpose of potential medical diagnostics. The EEG data are very prone to the occurrence of various internal and external artifacts and signal distortions. In this paper, three types of smoothing filters were compared: smooth filter, median filter and Savitzky–Golay filter. The authors of this paper compared those filters and proved their usefulness, as they made the analyzed data more legible for diagnostic purposes. The obtained results were promising, however, the studies on finding perfect filtering methods are still in progress.

Human motion capture is commonly used in various fields, including sport, to analyze, understand, and synthesize kinematic and kinetic data. Specialized computer vision and marker-based optical motion capture techniques constitute the gold-standard for accurate and robust human motion capture. The dataset presented consists of recordings of 37 Kyokushin karate athletes of different ages (children, young people, and adults) and skill levels (from 4th dan to 9th kyu) executing the following techniques: reverse lunge punch (Gyaku-Zuki), front kick (Mae-Geri), roundhouse kick (Mawashi-Geri), and spinning back kick (Ushiro-Mawashi-Geri). Each technique was performed approximately three times per recording (i.e., to create a single data file), and under three conditions where participants kicked or punched (i) in the air, (ii) a training shield, or (iii) an opponent. Each participant undertook a minimum of two trials per condition. The data presented was captured using a Vicon optical motion capture system with Plug-In Gait software. Three dimensional trajectories of 39 reflective markers were recorded. The resultant dataset contains a total of 1,411 recordings, with 3,229 single kicks and punches. The recordings are available in C3D file format. The dataset provides the opportunity for kinematic analysis of different combat sport techniques in attacking and defensive situations.

Background: Each of the techniques used in sport is a complex technique requiring a combination of neuromuscular conduction, motor anticipation, and extremely developed proprioception. This is especially the case in martial arts when we deal with a kick or a blow to a specific target. Methods: The main purpose of this study was to determine the kinematic differences in the tested movement pattern among athletes with different levels of advancement in the conditions of kicking: in the air, at a target (a shield), and in direct contact with a competitor. Comparative analysis was performed among 26 players: 13 advanced (group G1) and 13 beginners (group G2). Kinematic data was recorded using an optical motion capture system. The examination consisted of performing three tests of mae-geri kick in sequences of three kicks in three different conditions (without a target, with a static target, and with an opponent). The examination was performed with the back leg and only the moment of kick was analyzed. Results: The most significant differences were observed in the movement of head, torso, hip, knee, and ankle segments, especially during a kick at a shield. Based on the conducted analysis, we can assume that karate training changes the strategy of neuromuscular control, promoting improvement of mobility pattern efficiency. Conclusion: Acquiring this type of knowledge can lead to better results, elimination of errors in training, especially in the initial period of training, and the prevention of possible injuries that occur during exercise or competition.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mirror therapy on arm and hand function in subacute stroke in patients. The study included 60 hemiparetic right-handed patients after ischemic stroke 8-10 weeks after onset. They underwent stationary comprehensive rehabilitation in the rehabilitation centre. They were divided into two randomly assigned groups: mirror (n=30) and control (n=30). For both groups, two subgroups were created: one that included patients with right arm paresis (n=15) and the other that included patients with left arm paresis (n=15). The mirror group received an additional intervention: training with a mirror for 5 days/week, 2 sessions/day, for 21 days. Each single session lasted for 15 min. The control group (n=30) underwent a conventional rehabilitation program without mirror therapy. To evaluate self-care in performing activities of daily living, the Functional Index 'Repty' was used. To evaluate hand and arm function, the Frenchay Arm Test and the Motor Status Score were used. Measurements were performed twice: before and after 21 days of applied rehabilitation. No significant improvement in hand and arm function in both subgroups in Frenchay Arm Test and Motor Status Score scales was observed. However, there was a significant improvement in self-care of activities of daily living in the right arm paresis subgroup in the mirror group measured using the Functional Index 'Repty'. Mirror therapy improves self-care of activities of daily living for patients with right arm paresis after stroke.

The main purpose of this study was to determine the changes in kinematic parameters of ischemic stroke affected upper limbs, during simple functional activity, to determine the most relevant changes. The OptiTrack system was used for motion capture. To determine upper extremity function in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) tasks. During particular phases, the following matrices were chosen: mean and peak speed, normalized movement unit, normalized jerk and phase movement time. The chosen matrices represent the speed and smoothness profile of end-point data. The the arm-trunk compensation was also taken into consideration. Twenty stroke patients, in early (G1 from 1 to 3 months after stroke) and chronic stage (G2 from 6 months to 1 year), were studied. The large and small cylinder forward and back transporting phases were evaluated. The most significant differences between groups G1 and G2 were in mean and peak speed of the forward transport of the large and small cylinders for the paretic limb. Significant differences were also found for the smoothness (measured by movement unit, mean and peak speed and jerk) where the G2 group had a rougher motion. There were also differences in arm-trunk compensation in the frontal plane. The variables used in the study showed applicability in assessing kinematic parameters in both the early and chronic period after stroke.

The aim of the present study was to examine differences in the movement structure and the coordination aspects expressed by bioelectrical tension indicators between a group of experts/sprinters and a group of novices/students. A group consisted of 20 sprinters and a control group consisted of 35 master's physical education students. A 16-channel surface electromyography (14 muscles) and two cameras with recording speed of 250 frames/per second were used. Significant differences were found between reaction time (p<0.005) and time at 30 m of the covered sprinting distance (p<0.001) between the students and advance athletes. Furthermore, the sprinters activated the back foot (taking off the starting blocks) and the front foot (first ground contact) earlier, which correlated with the attained times at 5 (r=0.66) and 10 m (r=0.62) of the covered sprinting distance. The most important component of the sprint start, apart from the muscle strength of the legs, is the appropriate motor coordination, which greatly affects the generation of power in the legs at the right time and optimal duration.