French may be regarded by many as the language of love, but few may realise it can also be considered the language of science. Le Système International d'Unités, or the International System of Units (SI), was established in 1960 by the 11th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM, Conférence Générale des Poids et Mesures). The CGPM, created by a diplomatic treaty called the Metre Convention signed in Paris in 1875, ensures wide dissemination and modification of the SI as necessary to reflect the latest advances in science and technology. The SI units consists of units of measurement devised around a number of base units. While the physical and life sciences fully embrace this system, other related professions have been slower to fully appreciate it. Even in the clinical setting, using incorrect units to describe quantities is rife: how many of you have equipment, programs, or forms, which require you to enter weight in kilograms or height in centimetres? Using the SI units system, weight is reported in Newton’s (N) based on the formula: force (weight) = mass x acceleration (F=ma), while mass (kg) refers to the amount of matter contained in an object or being. An ‘out of this world’ example clearly illustrates the fundamental difference: a person with a mass of 80kg would weigh ~785N (F=ma [80kg x 9.81m.s-2]) on earth. If this person were on Mars, for example, their mass would remain the same but their weight would now be ~296N (80kg x 3.7-2). While using the SI system is the correct way to present measures, there are occasions when presenting non SI units can also be useful. Representing weight (force) as a percentage of an individual’s body weight (BW) enables a better comparison between individuals. For example, if a 50kg female gymnast and a 100kg male boxer both impart 2000N of force then, using the SI system, they would exert the same force. However, their relative forces would be profoundly different: ~4 and ~2 times their BW respectively. I am not suggesting that you should be as pedantic as I am known for being, but the use of the SI system should be encouraged as it allows us all to standardise the way we present data, which can only be advantageous when disseminating important information and knowledge.

Welcome to Issue 1 (Vol 4) of the JST

Lecture over; it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Issue 1 (Vol 4) of the JST. This issue is the largest issue of the JST to date and includes contributions from a range of professionals and academics from the UK, Europe and the United States; continuing the JST’s encouragement of inter-professional alliances. The lead article of this issue covers the structure, function and properties of bone; acting as the first part of a feature devoted to the causes, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. There are two articles concerned with the characteristics and fitness levels of female athletes; one in relation to basketball, the other football (soccer). The acute affects of static and dynamic stretching are discussed, with respect to vertical jumping performance, while a biomechanical analysis of squatting and its implications for ACL injury prevention is also presented. A case study of the application of whole body vibration as an exercise intervention for rheumatoid arthritis continues the recent popularity, in the JST and the wider literature, of vibration research in health and exercise. The final paper assesses the reliability and validity of a new adaptation of agility testing. The diversity of the papers presented in this issue further highlights the inter- and multi- disciplinary aspirations of the journal, while its volume is an indication of the journal’s continuing development and popularity. We, as an editorial team, therefore continue to encourage JST readers to contribute to the journal in a number of ways; be this through submitting articles (original research, reviews or case studies), commenting on previous issues, or providing book and product reviews. Inviting scholarly input creates a forum for discussion and a means to connecting with the wider community. For further details or comments, please contact the editor.