Forensic reconstruction and scenario evaluation are crucial in investigations of suspicious deaths related to falls from a height. In such cases, distinguishing between accidental falls, being pushed or jumping is an important but difficult task, since objective methods to do so are currently lacking. This paper explores the possibility of repurposing a passive rigid body model of a human from commercially available crash simulation software for forensic reconstruction and scenario evaluation of humans dropping from heights. To use this approach, a prerequisite is that the human body model can produce realistic movements compared to those of a real human, given similar environmental conditions. Therefore, this study assessed the validity of the commercially available Simcenter Madymo Pedestrian Model (MPM) for simulating human fall movements. Experimental kinematic and kinetic data was collected from nine participants, who dropped from a height in three different ways: passively tilting over, getting pushed, and jumping. Next, the performance of the MPM in reproducing the kinematics of the experimental falls was assessed by comparing the orientation of the body 0.3 s after platform release. The results show that the MPM currently does not consistently reproduce the experimentally recorded falling movements across multiple falling conditions and outcome measures. The MPM must therefore be adapted if to be used for forensic reconstruction and scenario evaluation, for example by implementing active movement. ... Read more

More insight into in-field mechanical power in cyclical sports is useful for coaches, sport scientists, and athletes for various reasons. To estimate in-field mechanical power, the use of wearable sensors can be a convenient solution. However, as many model options and approaches for mechanical power estimation using wearable sensors exist, and the optimal combination differs between sports and depends on the intended aim, determining the best setup for a given sport can be challenging. This review aims to provide an overview and discussion of the present methods to estimate in-field mechanical power in different cyclical sports. Overall, in-field mechanical power estimation can be complex, such that methods are often simplified to improve feasibility. For example, for some sports, power meters exist that use the main propulsive force for mechanical power estimation. Another non-invasive method usable for in-field mechanical power estimation is the use of inertial measurement units (IMUs). These wearable sensors can either be used as stand-alone approach or in combination with force sensors. However, every method has consequences for interpretation of power values. Based on the findings of this review, recommendations for mechanical power measurement and interpretation in kayaking, rowing, wheelchair propulsion, speed skating, and cross-country skiing are done. ... Read more