Life Sciences Commons^™

How Joint Torques Affect Hamstring Injury Risk In Sprinting Swing-Stance Transition, Yuliang Sun, Shutao Wei, Yunjian Zhong, Li Li, Yu Liu

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Purpose: The potential mechanisms of hamstring strain injuries in athletes are not well understood. The study, therefore, was aimed at understanding hamstring mechanics by studying loading conditions during maximum-effort overground sprinting.

Methods: Three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction force data were collected from eight elite male sprinters sprinting at their maximum effort. Maximal isometric torques of the hip and knee were also collected. Data from the sprinting gait cycle were analyzed via an intersegmental dynamics approach, and the different joint torque components were calculated.

Results: During the initial stance phase, the ground reaction force passed anteriorly to the …

Effects Of A Training Program To Enhance Autonomy Supportive Behaviors Among Youth Soccer Coaches, Jody L. Langdon, Robert J. Schlote, Brandonn S. Harris, Glenn P. Burdette Iii, Sara Rothberger

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and implementation of a training emphasizing the use of autonomy supportive coaching behaviors among youth soccer coaches in game-play situations as well as evaluating its effects on motivational processes among athletes. Participants included youth sport soccer coaches and their intact teams. Coaches received a series of autonomy-supportive coaching training interventions based on successful programs in general and physical education (Reeve, Jang, Carrell, Jeon & Barch, 2004; Cheon, Reeve & Moon, 2012). Athletes completed questionnaires to assess perceived autonomy support, basic need satisfaction, and motivation (Harris & Watson, 2011). Observations indicated coaches were not …

Benefits Of Exercise Intervention In Reducing Neuropathic Pain, John L. Dobson, James L. Mcmillan, Li Li

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Peripheral neuropathy is a widespread and potentially incapacitating pathological condition that encompasses more than 100 different forms and manifestations of nerve damage. The diverse pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathy affects autonomic, motor and/or sensory neurons, and the symptoms that typify the condition are abnormal cutaneous sensation, muscle dysfunction and, most notably, chronic pain. Chronic neuropathic pain is difficult to treat and is often characterized by either exaggerated responses to painful stimuli (hyperalgesia) or pain resulting from stimuli that would not normally provoke pain (allodynia). The objective of this review is to provide an overview of some pathways associated with the development …

The Financial Burden Of Physical Inactivity, Li Li

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

According to the World Health Organization, “physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality causing an estimated 3.2 million (annual) deaths globally.”¹

In the Research Highlight of the first issue of this journal, I reviewed the evidence which supports the notion that physical inactivity can cost lives, in terms of longevity and quality of life, especially in the last few years of our lives.² Here, I would like to review the literature that reveals the financial burden due to physical inactivity.

In a classic paper, Katzmarzyk and Janssen³ estimated that the …

Shoulder Muscle Activation Of Novice And Resistance Trained Women During Variations Of Dumbbell Press Exercises, Joshua Luczak, Andy Bosak, Bryan Riemann

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Previous research has compared the effects of trunk inclination angle on muscle activation using barbells and Smith machines in men. Whether similar effects occur with the use of dumbbells or in women remains unknown. The purpose was to compare upper extremity surface electromyographical (EMG) activity between dumbbell bench, incline, and shoulder presses. Dominate arm EMG data were recorded for collegiate-aged female resistance trained individuals (n=12) and novice female resistance trained exercisers (n=12) from which average EMG amplitude for each repetition phase (concentric, eccentric) was computed. No significant differences were found between experienced and novice resistance trained individuals. For the upper …

Determination Of Biomechanical Differences Between Elite And Novice San Shou Female Athletes, Chuanyin Jiang, Michael W. Olson, Li Li

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Determining the key factors in athletic performance is important for developing the technique and strength of athletes. Many martial arts forms have been studied, but a relatively new form of martial arts competition, San Shou, has not been analyzed. The purpose of this study was to determine key attributes necessary in the development of the San Shou athlete, particularly in female participants. Six elite and six novice competitors performed 30 continuous repetitions of cyclic extension and flexion of the trunk segment, knee joints, and elbows joints at two velocities, 60°/second and 180°/second, using an isokinetic dynamometer. Variables of interest were …

Complexity-Based Measures Inform Tai Chi's Impact On Standing Postural Control In Older Adults With Peripheral Neuropathy, Brad Manor, Lewis A. Lipsitz, Peter M. Wayne, C-K Peng, Li Li

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Background: Tai Chi training enhances physical function and may reduce falls in older adults with and without balance disorders, yet its effect on postural control as quantified by the magnitude or speed of center-of-pressure (COP) excursions beneath the feet is less clear. We hypothesized that COP metrics derived from complex systems theory may better capture the multi-component stimulus that Tai Chi has on the postural control system, as compared with traditional COP measures.

Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of a pilot, non-controlled intervention study that examined the effects of Tai Chi on standing COP dynamics, plantar sensation, and physical …

Mini Review: Linkages Between Essential Tremor And Parkinson's Disease?, Yiwen Wu, Jianqing Ding, Yuan Gao, Shangdi Chen, Li Li, Rena Li

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are two of the most common movement disorders. Tremors are the primary symptoms of ET and of some PD patients, the two are often mistaken for each other. Especially since there are no available differentiate tests for the tremor of ET or PD, the early diagnoses mainly based on clinical assessments of medical symptoms, family and medication history, and examination by physicians. There is increasing evidence suggesting an association between ET and PD, such as a similar tremor frequency, overlapping resting tremors (a typical PD tremor), postural tremors (mainly in ET patients) in …

To Sotl Or Not To Sotl?, Diana Sturges

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Excerpt: "To be, or not to be, that is the question" is one of the most famous lines from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. As a soliloquy, Hamlet's speech represents a monologue of his thoughts and feelings and addresses existential questions. It is generally accepted that in his speech Hamlet is wondering whether he should choose between life and death. Life seems to be full of hardships, yet there is uncertainty at what lies beyond life, what happens after death? It is assumed that the audience (if there is one) would not hear the speaker, however, Hamlet-the character of the play …

Endurance Tests Are The Most Reliable Core Stability Related Measurements, Andy Waldhelm, Li Li

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Purpose: To determine the intra-tester reliability of clinical measurements that assess five components related to core stability: strength, endurance, flexibility, motor control, and function. Methods: Participants were 15 college-aged males who had not suffered any orthopedic injury in the past year. Core strength measurements included eight isometric tests and a sit-up test. The four core endurance tests were the trunk flexor test, trunk extensor test, and bilateral side bridge tests. Flexibility tests included the sit-and-reach test and active range of the trunk and hip joint motions. Proprioception via passive reposition tests of the hips and a single limb balance test …

Muscular Activity Characteristics Associated With Preparation For Gait Transition, Li Li, Lorna L. Ogden

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate lower extremity neuromuscular activity patterns during gait transitions with continuously changing locomotion speeds.

Methods: Muscular activities related to gait transitions (walk to run and run to walk) induced by changing treadmill speed were compared to muscular activities during walk and run at constant speeds. All transition and constant speed conditions were conducted in similar speed range. Surface electromyographic activities of gluteus maximus (GM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris long head (BFL), tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius (GA), and soleus (SL) were collected and analyzed. The influences of speed and …

People Can Live Longer By Having More Physical Activity, Li Li

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

We all know being physically active is good for you. But do we know how good? People can live up to 3 years longer, even with as little as 15 min of physical activity a day, according to last October's report by Wen and his colleagues¹at the China Medical University in Taiwan, China.

Many researchers in the field of sport and health sciences know being physically active can bring many benefits to one's life. But this message has sometimes been disseminated using a negative tone. So much so, Bortz² of California, USA, has coined the word “inactivity” …

Kinematic Analysis Of Four Plyometric Push-Up Variations, Laura H. Moore, Michael J. Tankovich, Bryan L. Riemann, George J. Davies

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Plyometric research in the upper extremity is limited, with the effects of open-chain plyometric exercises being studied most. Kinematic and ground reaction force data concerning closed-chain upper extremity plyometrics has yet to be examined. Twenty-one recreationally active male subjects performed four variations of plyometric push-ups in a counterbalanced order. These included box drop push-ups from 3.8 cm, 7.6 cm, 11.4 cm heights, and clap push-ups. Kinematics of the trunk, dominant extremity and both hands were collected to examine peak flight, elbow flexion at ground contact, elbow displacement, and hand separation. Additionally peak vertical ground reaction force was measured under the …

Analysis Of Heel Raise Exercise With Three Foot Positions, Kimberly J. Arnsdorff, G. Ken Limbaugh, Bryan L. Riemann

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Prior research revealed activation differences between the medial (MG) and lateral (LG) gastrocnemius when performing heel raise exercise with neutral (N), internally-rotated (IR) and externally-rotated (ER) foot positions. Studying underlying biomechanics may help explain activation differences. The purpose was to compare ankle (AN), knee (KN), and hip (HI) contributions (initial joint angles) to attaining each initial foot position, ankle flexion-extension range of motion, ankle mechanical energy expenditure, repetition time, and percent cycle concentric-eccentric transition between N, IR, and ER foot positions. Twenty healthy subjects (11 male, 9 female) with resistance training experience performed twelve repetitions of free-weight (135% body mass) …

Changes In Energy Expenditure With Ingestion Of High Protein, High Fat Versus High Protein, Low Fat Meals Among Underweight, Normal Weight, And Overweight Females., Amy Jo Riggs, Sareen S. Gropper, Barry D. White

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Background: Metabolic rate is known to rise above basal levels after eating, especially following protein consumption. Yet, this postprandial rise in metabolism appears to vary among individuals. This study examined changes in energy expenditure in response to ingestion of a high protein, high fat (HPHF) meal versus an isocaloric high protein, low fat (HPLF) meal in underweight, normal weight, or overweight females (n = 21) aged 19–28 years.

Methods: Energy expenditure, measured using indirect calorimetry, was assessed before and every 30 minutes for 3.5 hours following consumption of the meals on two separate occasions. Height and weight were …

Infant Mortality Trends Among Georgia Residents, 1995-2003: Targeting Healthy People’S 2010 Goals, Diana Sturges, Laura H. Gunn, Padmini Shankar, Shrikrishna Shroff

Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Population-based trends in infant mortality among Georgia Residents between 1995 and 2003 were assessed on characteristics such as race, birth weight, neonatal and post-neonatal periods, and cause of death. A statistical analysis was conducted to show that the Georgia infant mortality rate (IMR) remained constant throughout the study period and averaged 8.67 per 1,000 live births. The analysis revealed racial disparities, with an IMR ranging from 6.03 in white infants to 13.76 in black infants, with less than one percent (0.86%) change, on average, among the differences between black and white mortality rates across the nine-year period. The disparities were …