Keynote Lectures

In Vivo Measurement of Muscle Architecture: Physiological and Methodological Considerations
Olivier Seynnes, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (NIH), Norway, Norway

A Theoretical Framework for Integrating Virtual Reality Systems in Learning Designs of a Professional Football Youth Academy Practice Programme
Keith Davids, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom, United Kingdom

Biofabrication as a New Technology to Sports Medicine: Mimicking Implants for Bone and Cartilage Regeneration
Pedro Morouço, Clínica Espregueira - FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Porto, Portugal, Portugal, Portugal

Abstract
In Vivo Measurement of Muscle Architecture: Physiological and Methodological Considerations In vivo muscle architecture measurements are nowadays included in many research projects on muscle structure, function and plasticity. The spatial arrangement of muscle fascicles is associated with a number of functional features and is also increasingly integrated in clinical settings. However, broad variations in measurements cloud our understanding of the functional significance of muscle architecture and its plasticity. This variation is caused by a number of factors, including the limitations of two-dimensional measurements, assumptions about the homogeneity of fascicle length and behaviour in different muscle regions or predictions generally based on resting anatomy. This presentation will propose 1) a practical review of important considerations to assess muscle architecture using 2D ultrasonography and to highlight the limitations of this technique and, 2) a review of the evidence supporting the link between architecture and function.

Abstract
A rapidly developing area of research concerns use of Virtual Reality (VR) systems to develop understanding of sport performance in order to enhance training effectiveness and efficiency. A recent systematic review by Neumann et al. (2017) identified twenty articles revealing that current research on VR systems for enhancing sport performance has targeted factors related to the athlete, task and environment, focusing mainly on endurance sports such as cycling, running and rowing. Research, from an ecological psychology perspective, on VR systems for understanding team sports performance (e.g., see Craig, 2013; Correia et al., 2012), has implicated relevance of information and action in experimental task design. This presentation describes a collaborative project, framed by an ecological dynamics rationale that can develop learning designs for integration of VR systems into practice programmes for elite youth footballers.
Key concepts in ecological dynamics, such as perception-action coupling, representative design of practice environments and provision of opportunities to explore affordance landscapes, can enrich learning designs with VR systems in elite football. An ecological dynamics rationale for integration of digital technologies, like VR systems, can provide a framework for a Department of Methodology in elite sports organisations to coordinate the work of all practitioners (e.g., coaches, trainers, technicians, performance analysts, sport scientists and psychologists) to enhance skill and expertise in athletes, alongside practical training activities.
An ecological dynamics framework provides design principles to enrich the development of youth athletes through: (i) a deep integration of perception, cognition and action in performance preparation by exploiting practice 'repetition without repetition'; (ii) individualisation of training activities, focusing on specificity of individual learning needs; (iii) enhancement of emotional control and adaptive performance behaviours by providing opportunities for self-regulation and experience of fun during learning; and (iv), protecting against physical effects of over-training and for continued learning when recovering from injuries.

Abstract
We all know that degenerative diseases (e.g. Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis) are a supreme problem for such an aging and sedentary society. If years ago this was a concern for people over 60, nowadays it is becoming very common to identify younger people with joint pain and stiffness. Regarding its treatment, on one hand, exercise should be a clear recommendation, and on the other hand, significant advances are being given in regenerative medicine, with promising results for the society. However, it is not clear is which type(s) and intensity of exercises should be performed, as an increased load over the joints with joint malalignment will be worse than better. Furthermore, biofabrication, making suitable the production of customized implants, have the promise to deliver a bioactive structure that totally mimics the native tissue of the patient. To do so, an optimal balance between mechanical and biological properties, along with the degradation rate, should be found. Yet, when implanted, how will they respond to the normal mechanical loading over time? And to the abnormal? So, should a treated patient be enrolled in exercise to decrease his/her body mass? With which type of exercise? Several questions demonstrating the stimulating triad that researchers should look up to for promising treatments. Examples will be given on engineering different biomaterials, processes and applications, stimulating the creative thinking of the audience.