Physiology Commons^™

Biomechanical Effects Of Obesity On Balance, Hannah Del Porto, Celia Pechak, Darla Smith, Rebecca Reed-Jones

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 5(4) : 301-320, 2012. The objective of this review was to analyze the current literature related to the effects of obesity on balance. These effects were observed during conditions of static balance, perturbed balance and dynamic balance during gait. The literature review included studies focused on the biomechanical effects of obesity, the relationship between weight loss and balance, and the relative efficacy of weight loss as a balance intervention. The older adult population, which faces increased risk of falls and related injuries, was highlighted where targeted research was available. The existing literature provides evidence for …

Novel Methods For Measuring Upper Body Power, Amanda L. Ambrose, Jimmy C. Smith, Scott P. Mclean

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Novel Methods for Measuring Upper Body Power

A.L. Ambrose, J.C. Smith and S.P. McLean. Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX 78627. Undergraduate.

Numerous methods of measuring lower body power exist but few valid measures of upper body power have been reported. PURPOSE: To compare two novel methods of measuring upper body power to an accepted method. METHODS: Ten female athletes (19.9±1.4 yrs, 72.5±11.7 kg, 163.5±4.2 cm) completed multiple trials of three upper body power tests; Medicine Ball Put (MBP), Supine Medicine Ball Put (SMBP) and Multiple Repetition Bench Press Power Test (BPP). MBP required …

Do Horizontal Forces Matter For Horizontal Running?, Kenneth P. Clark, Laurence J. Ryan, Peter G. Weyand

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

DO HORIZONTAL FORCES MATTER FOR HORIZONTAL RUNNING?

Kenneth P. Clark, Laurence J. Ryan, and Peter G. Weyand

Southern Methodist University, Locomotor Performance Laboratory, Department of Applied Physiology and Wellness, Dallas, TX 75206

Classification of First Author: Doctoral Student

Introduction: The application of ground force is widely recognized as the critical determinant of running speed. At maximal speeds, 90-98% of the total force applied is directed vertically into the running surface while horizontal (fore-aft) contributions are relatively small. Despite their small magnitude, horizontal forces are clearly essential for balance and may be important for other reasons. However, the pattern of horizontal …