Kinesiology Commons^™

Examining The Effectiveness Of Electromyography Biofeedback At Improving The Upper Trapezius To Serratus Anterior Muscle Activation Ratio, Julia Evelyn Holton

Master's Theses

Purpose: The upper trapezius to serratus anterior muscle activation ratio is essential for optimal shoulder function. An alteration of this ratio, specifically a decrease in upper trapezius and increase in serratus anterior activation, is a main area of focus in shoulder rehabilitation (Kibler, 1998; Paine & Voight, 1993). Electromyography (EMG) biofeedback has been shown to be an effective rehabilitation technique to address many musculoskeletal disorders but there is limited research on the retention of improvements seen with EMG biofeedback (Ma et al., 2011; Lim et al., 2014; Weon, et al., 2011). The purpose of this study was to determine if …

Effect Of Caffeine Supplementation On Vertical Jump Performance, Heart Rate Variability, And Electromyography, Collin T. Garner

Masters Theses

Research into caffeine’s ability to improve anaerobic performance is inconclusive. Eleven anaerobically trained individuals (mean age: 23.45 ± 1.51 years) participated in this study. Assessments of resting heart rate variability (HRV), exercise heart rate variability, surface electromyography (sEMG), static vertical jump (SJ), and countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) were conducted before and after administration of placebo and caffeinated treatments. Three trials of each vertical jump technique were performed before and after treatment administration. A 60-minute absorption period was utilized for absorption of the treatment following its ingestion. All participants performed testing on two separate occasions, once under the placebo condition and …

Comparison Of Single Leg Squat Variations On Lower Limb Muscle Activation And Center Of Pressure Alterations, Mary Grace Knoll, Mackenzie C. Davidge, Claire E. Wraspir, John A. Korak

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(1): 950-959, 2019. Following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, individuals experience inadequate functioning of the quadriceps and decreased muscular strength. Decreased function delays return to physical activity and increases potential for re-injury. While several squat variations exist, a new variation has emerged in rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to compare muscle activation of the Vastus Lateralis (VL), Vastus Medialis (VM), Rectus Femoris (RF), Gluteus Maximus (GM), and anterior posterior center of pressure (AP displacement) alterations during a single leg squat variation (SLS variation) versus a traditional split squat using electromyography (EMG) in healthy active …

Self-Myofascial Release Does Not Improve Back Squat Range Of Motion, Alter Muscle Activation, Or Aid In Perceived Recovery 24-Hours Following Lower Body Resistance Training., Zach M. Beier, Ian L. Earp, John A. Korak

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(3): 839-846, 2019. Self-myofascial release (SMR) is an alternative therapy believed to increase myofascial mobility by exciting muscles and increasing blood flow to the treated area. Previous literature suggest SMR produces conflicting results on performance, muscle activation, range of motion (ROM), and recovery. This study was designed to utilize SMR on a fatigued individual prior to exercise and measure its’ effects on muscle activation, ROM, and perceived recovery compared to a dynamic warm-up session. The findings could help develop an efficient warm-up protocol for resistance-trained individuals. Electromyography (EMG) measured muscle activation of the rectus femoris …

An Investigation Of The Biomechanics Of Kinesiology Tape, Jessa Ward

Graduate Theses - Biology & Biomedical Engineering

Kinesiology tape has grown in popularity since its widespread use at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. Manufacturers of these colorful tapes have advertised biomechanical benefits for athletes, including pain relief and muscle support, without much quantitative evidence to support these claims. The purpose of this research study was to evaluate the biomechanical aspects of kinesiology tape and how it affects subjects’ muscle activity. This research study evaluated the muscle activity of subjects’ low back before and after tape application during targeted, bodyweight exercises. Each subject’s muscle activity, measured through electromyography (EMG), was normalized and assessed using nonparametric statistical techniques. …

Walking With A Robotic Exoskeleton Does Not Mimic Natural Gait: A Within-Subjects Study, Chad Swank, Sharon Wang-Price, Fan Gao, Sattam Almutairi

Kinesiology and Health Promotion Faculty Publications

Background: Robotic exoskeleton devices enable individuals with lower extremity weakness to stand up and walk over ground with full weight-bearing and reciprocal gait. Limited information is available on how a robotic exoskeleton affects gait characteristics.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether wearing a robotic exoskeleton affects temporospatial parameters, kinematics, and muscle activity during gait.

Methods: The study was completed by 15 healthy adults (mean age 26.2 [SD 8.3] years; 6 males, 9 females). Each participant performed walking under 2 conditions: with and without wearing a robotic exoskeleton (EKSO). A 10-camera motion analysis system synchronized with 6 …