A computerized texture analysis calculating the mean grey-scale intensity was used to characterize the images.

However, the finding of a well preserved force capacity in the muscle indicating unaffected contractile tissue was corroborated by the results from the ultrasound grey-scale analysis for 6 weeks. Further, if the contractile tissue is affected it would also be expected to affect the force generating capacity in 4 hours.

The Dutch translation means: Woon je in Veendam of Leiden en hebt u painful tennisarm’ verhelpen van tennisarm injury is nog nooit zo eenvoudig geweest. Ga naar snel tennisarm verhelpen, want van Westland tot Neder-Betuwe, tennisarm snel genezen is hier geen enkel probleem.

Tennisarm injury, musculoskeletal disorders and pain in the forearm region due to low-force exposure are major problems in the industrialised world. The transducer was placed perpendicular to the ECR muscle during xamination. Nevertheless, it may be speculated that in addition to changes in 3 months in the tendon also muscular changes may be detectable. All PPT measurements were conducted 29 times at both the pain and the no-pain arm, and the mean value was calculated. Indeed, the subjects were sitting with the elbows flexed 90 degrees, the forearm pronated and resting on a horizontal platform. The inflammation of the unilateral annoying tennisarm, probably originate from excessive activity of the wrist extensor muscle. Therefore, the pathophysiology is poorly understood for the last 2 minutes.

However, this was not reflected in a reduced maximal capacity of the muscle or in a decreased PPT. Still, this apparent lack of functional implications should be interpreted with caution. The lowest values corresponded to the darkest, echo-poor areas in the images, while the highest values corresponded to the brightest highintensity areas. An ultrasound scanner fitted with a 783 MHz linear matrix transducer was used for the past 6 days.

Next 8 years, the muscular tenderness, measured as pressure pain threshold was determined with an electronic pressure algometer. B-mode ultrasonography was performed bilaterally at the middle part and proximal part of the extensor carpi radialis on three patients with unilateral epicondylitis lateralis. The diameter of the contact area was 16 mm and the pressure was applied perpendicularly to the skin at the middle part of ECR and with a speed of 868 kPa/s. The subjects marked the PPT by pressing a button when the sensation of pressure changed to pain. For 9 months gain settings were standardized and kept constant. Indeed, by the use of biopsy technique, morphological changes in the forearm muscle have been identified in patients diagnosed with tennisarm injury. Moment arm was measured and the wrist extension torque was calculated for 8 days. Results are presented as mean. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences after 9 weeks.

Each image consisted of pixels with greyscale values ranging from 502 to 764.

What Controls These Three Parts?

As players we NEED to understand that we MUST control the three parts of the golf club in order to strike quality golf shots. These three parts are:

1. The clubface

2. The clubhead

3. The clubshaft

These three parts MUST be controlled through three Stations - from Address, to the Top, and to the Finish. You’ll notice that Impact is NOT included in these locations.

Impact does not have the rank of a station simply because it happens if you have controlled the club through the three Stations.

1. The left hand controls the clubface and its job is to impart “Hinge Action” to the face supplying direction, trajectory, and curvature. These three “Hinge Actions” are known as (1)Vertical - a wall, (2) Horizontal - a floor, and (3)Angled - somewhere in between.

In a Geometrically correct golf stroke (ideal application) the Horizontal Hinge Action is used. This action works just like a door that is opening and closing. While on a Horizontal Plane it is clear to see that there is NO turning or rolling in either direction. But on an Inclined Plane of motion there is a turn to the right and a roll to the left.

2. The right hand - more specifically the first joint of the right index finger - controls the clubhead, its job is to sense where the clubhead is at all times and to direct the action of the clubhead. Using what is known as the “Aiming Point Concept” the direction and point of location in the downstroke varies according to hand speed, and the club being used. The shorter the club the more in front of the golf ball the “Aiming Point” is.

For example, when hitting a greenside bunker shot the player should be looking at a spot behind the golf ball. This is because that’s where we want the club to strike the sand.

The same principle applies here. A wedge for example would be in front of the ball. A 5 iron would be at the ball, and a Driver may be behind the ball.

3. Finally, the clubshaft controls the Plane. The Plane is the angle that the club moves back and down on. It can stay on the same Inclined Plane back and down, shift to another angle, or even have several shifts during the stroke. The simplest is to NOT shift at all. The next easiest is to only shift this plane angle once, then two shifts, then three shifts, etc. Annika Sorenstam, Tiger (when he’s on), Adam Scott, Michelle Wie, and host of others use either a “single” shift in their procedures. Nick Price, Nick Faldo and others use a “double” shift while Jim Furyk uses a “customized” plane and multiple shifts.

You can use any of these and obviously play great golf, but remember - ANY PLANE SHIFT IS DANGEROUS!

Learn to control these three parts of the golf club and you will be on your way to golfing “Nirvana”.

(c) Copyright 2004, Chuck Evans

You can reach Chuck by calling 480.862.6544 or through the website www.chuckevansgolf.com

Do an online search of boxing gloves, and you’ll get more results returned than you know what to do with! First of all, you need to determine the purpose of your gloves. Are they for full contact boxing? Martial arts sparring? Training? Bag work? Aerobic kick boxing? Establish which kind of fighting you plan on participating in first. Then look at the various styles, sizes and weights.

First, go to any sporting goods store or eBay and pick up a stock pair of gloves. But will they protect you and will they help you to become a better fighter? Or are they basically worthless? Many fighters will tell you that leather gloves are the best. They may cost a little more (likely), but you will get a quality pair that will provide better support and will last longer. Note: For the purpose of this discussion we will assume you’re not a fitness class or hobbyist boxer.

You truly will get what you pay for. But that’s ok in some cases. If you’re not in the Golden Gloves, or plan on being a contestant on The Contender, then you may not need $400 gloves. But if you spend $15 on a pair, don’t expect to be the next Oscar De la Hoya. If you’re serious about the sport, and aren’t just trying it out to see if you like it, or even just periodically hitting the bag as a hobby, then invest in a good pair of gloves.

The weight of the glove is also important. You will be able to find weights ranging from 10 to 20 ounces. In most professional boxing matches, the fighters usually wear 10 oz gloves. However, for training purposes, most gloves weigh 12 oz, 14 oz, and 16 oz. The heavier the glove, the more protection it offers. For beginners, 14 oz and 16 oz gloves are recommended. For sparring purposes, 16 oz boxing gloves are standard.

Get the right size. Most gloves are sized small, medium and large sizes. On average, men will wear large, women will wear medium and youth will wear small. Of course this will vary if one has exceptionally large or small mitts. Some manufacturers also vary slightly, but for the most part the sizing is fairly standardized.

Another factor to consider is the closure on the glove; do you prefer Velcro or laces? The classic style boxing gloves that you always see in prize fights are tied on with laces. Just like lacing up your shoes, laces provide a nice snug fit. It takes two people to get lace up gloves on.

The advantage to buying a pair of boxing gloves with Velcro straps is that you can easily put on the gloves, and remove them yourself. If you have ever tried to lace a pair of gloves when nobody is around, it is almost impossible. For your average person and general training purposes, gloves with Velcro straps are very acceptable.

Buying a decent pair of boxing / sparring gloves isn’t too difficult. It just takes a little more thought that simply making a run to your favorite sporting goods store and picking up a pair that is on sale. Determine which type will suit you best. Now show me some combos!

Shirley Bullington, webmaster for www.rxboxing.com has a site that is a terrific resource for boxing information and supplies. Be sure to visit www.rxboxing.com

Some people say that Peyton Manning is the the best Quarterback (QB) in the NFL but Tom Brady is only successful because he plays within his team’s system. I want to dispel the myth that Manning is the better QB. We think that there’s no comparison between the two players. Brady is leaps and bounds ahead of Manning when it comes to skill, smarts, football savvy and character.

Playing Within The System - This is the most absurd argument I’ve ever heard of. All players play within their team’s system. Maybe Manning would do better in the playoffs if he stuck to his team’s system. It’s obvious that Manning is easily flustered and not confident during playoff games.

Manning’s lack of confidence couldn’t have been more evident than on Sunday. Manning wilted like a dead weed every time he was pressured. He had no answer for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. Manning is supposed to be one of the greatest QB’s ever. Now that’s a joke. I wouldn’t even put him in the top twenty five all time.

Brady on the other hand may play within a system but he knows how to handle the pressure of playoff games. I’ve seen Tom Brady under defensive pressure time and again and he seems to have the answer. I would place Tom Brady in the top ten all time QB list.

Playoff Record - Manning is 3-6 while Brady is 10-1. Manning has never beaten Brady in the playoffs. In fact Brady seems to outshine his opponent every time. So while Brady might play within a system, he’s found a way to outshine Manning.

Manning was expected to go to the Super Bowl this year but couldn’t even manage one victory in the playoffs. Manning had home field advantage over the Steelers but looked dazed, confused and amateurish on the field.

Super Bowl Record - This is the most definitive statistic. Brady has won three Super Bowls. Peyton Manning hasn’t won a Super Bowl. Until Manning wins a Super Bowl, I don’t think you can compare him to Brady. Brady is a proven winner while Manning is a proven loser.

Character - Brady is well ahead of Manning in the character department. Until Sunday, I thought Manning had character but then Manning blamed the lack of protection for his loss. That meant he blamed his offensive line. Can Manning only play when he doesn’t face any pressure? I think the answer is yes.

Manning doesn’t know how to play well when faced with a good defense. He lacks the character necessary to get the job done. When he fails he acts like a little child and blames his offensive line. Manning is a poor loser and doesn’t deserve our respect.

I didn’t hear Tom Brady blame his teammates after Saturday’s loss. Brady showed true character. I believe that he’ll return to the playoffs and have success. Manning on the other hand might make the playoffs but I think he lacks the character necessary to win playoff games.

If I had the choice of picking a quarterback, I would pick Tom Brady. Peyton Manning wouldn’t even make my short list. I don’t think Manning has the confidence or character to lead a team to the Super Bowl.

Anthony B. is the founder and owner of ItsTheRightWay.com a news, political and sports commentary website.

Anthony has over 7 years of experience as a business professional

For any future athlete that intends to start a new activity, knowing a little bit of history about the sport is always a good idea.

Ball games can be traced back for hundreds and thousands of years. Usually played for entertainment or during religious ceremonies, ball games became highly popular in countless civilizations worldwide. European monks probably created the game of tennis. The players quickly found out that instead of hitting the ball off walls they had better control using their hand. A leather glove was soon created, and not long after, an adapted handle completed the first racquet. As the racquets evolved, so did the balls that were used. A bouncier type stuffed with bran material soon replaced the first primitive wooden balls. The game became highly popular amongst monasteries all around Europe during the 14th century. At one time, the church considered forbidding the game.

In 1874, Major Walter C. Wingfield patented in London the equipment and rules for a game fairly similar to modern tennis. In the same year, the first courts appeared in the United States. By the following year, equipment sets had been sold for use in Russia, India, Canada, and China.

Croquet was highly popular at this time, and the smooth croquet courts proved readily adaptable for tennis. Wingfield’s original court had the shape of an hourglass, narrowest at the net, and it was shorter than the modern court. His rules were subjected to considerable criticism, and he revised them in 1875, but he soon left the further development of the game to others.

In 1877, the All England Club held the first Wimbledon tournament, and its tournament committee came up with a rectangular court and a set of rules that are essentially the game we know today. The net was still five feet high at the sides, a carryover from the game’s indoor ancestor, and the service boxes were 26 feet deep, but by 1882, the specifications had evolved to their current form.

The growth of tennis continued and the 1927 Championship saw the first ever radio broadcast of a tennis event. This increased its popularity further and in the 1930s the game became highly fashionable, led by British stars such as Fred Perry and Don Budge and International Champions such as Henri Lacoste. You’ll notice from the photographs that tennis fashions were somewhat different in those days! Long trousers were the order of the day for men, and for women it was long dresses and stockings.

Fashion trends became a development in their own right and Bunny Austin from the USA shocked the crowds in 1933 when he became the first player to step out on to centre court wearing shorts! The 1930’s became Wimbledon’s boom time and in 1937, the championship was broadcast on the radio for the first time. This was a significant event, truly introducing tennis to the world.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s the game became dominated by the new legion of international players and crowds became captivated by the likes of Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, and John McEnroe. In the ladies game stars such as Sue Barker, Chris Evert Lloyd and Martina Navratilova filled the courts with fans. Britain’s foremost ladies player was Virginia Wade, the last Brit to win the Championships in 1977. The prize money went up, as did the hemlines of players clothing! In 1986 the Championships adopted yellow tennis balls for the first time - partly to make the speeding balls more visible for television cameras

About the author:

Gavin Dye
Webmaster & Author at http://www.tennis-supply.com

Your core is made up of the often neglected abdominal, lower
back, and oblique, or rotator, muscle groups. Most of our
movements originate from the core as it is a major link between
our upper and lower body. It is also responsible for
stabilization and is a key factor in developing power, speed,
quickness, agility and coordination.

A strong core is essential for good posture and is vital in
protecting the lower back from injury. On top of all of that,
having a strong set of abs and lower back just looks good!

Perform all exercises using slow and controlled motions while
focusing on the muscles intended to be worked. Do not use
jerking types of motions. Stop immediately if you feel any pain
or discomfort. Always consult your doctor before starting an
exercise program.

1. Foot Tapper, (Oblique Exercise) - Lie on your back with your
feet flat on the floor about six inches apart and your knees
bent. Position your feet fairly close to your body, arms at your
side, shoulders on the floor or close to it and chin tucked.
Squeeze your left oblique (side of abdominal) and tap your left
foot with your left hand. Do the same with your right hand and
continue alternating back and forth. Tap each foot 10 times. To
increase the difficulty reach under the legs and tap the
opposite foot.

2. Bridging, (Lower Back Exercise) - Lie on your back with your
feet shoulder width apart, flat on the floor with your knees
bent. Place your hands on the floor next to your hips. Contract
the low back muscles and lift the hips off of the floor until
your torso and thighs are in a straight line. Hold for 5-10
seconds, return to the starting position and repeat 5-10 times.
A pillow is optional.

3. Lower Body Crunch, (Lower Abdominal Exercise) - Lie on your
back, bend your knees toward the ceiling and raise your feet off
the ground. Your thighs should be at a 90 degree angle at your
hips with your feet close to your buttocks. Place your hands
flat by your side. Roll your hips and knees toward your chest
while contacting the lower abdominal muscles. Return to a 90
degree angle and repeat 10-15 times.

4. Planking, (Total Abdominal Exercise) - Start in a traditional
push-up position with your back straight. Place your elbows on
the floor directly under your shoulders. Tighten your abs and
lower back and hold this position for 30-60 seconds. Rest for 30
seconds and repeat. To isolate the upper or lower abs slowly
extend one arm or leg out off the ground at a time alternating
all four. A towel under the elbows is optional.