Kinesiology Commons^™

The Impact Of Unilateral Versus Bilateral Ankle Bracing On Kinematics, Kinetics, And Performance In Volleyball Players, Stephen M. Boulanger, Derek M. R. Kivi, Carlos Zerpa, Paolo Sanzo

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

This study examined the effect of different types of ankle braces (Ankle Stabilizing Orthosis (ASO) vs. T2 Active Ankle(T2)) when worn unilaterally (UNI), bilaterally (BI), and with no brace worn (UB) on lower extremity kinematics and kinetics during a vertical jump and agility test. Twenty-two competitive volleyball players completed both a vertical jump test and agility T-test under five bracing conditions. Vertical jump height (VJH), ankle dorsiflexion (ADF), ankle plantarflexion (APF), knee flexion (KF), hip flexion (HF), vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), and vertical impulse were measured during the vertical jump test, while time to completion was measured for the …

The Effects Of Visual And Audio Secondary Cognitive Tasks During Landing: A Statistical Parametric Mapping Analysis Of Hip And Knee Biomechanics, Hillary Nguyen, Amber Lyle, Kevin Tran, Dominic Espinoza, Gerwyn Hughes

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 1367-1380, 2025. https://doi.org/10.70252/KGHI3479 ACL injuries often occur when athletes perform cognitive tasks while performing a landing/cutting movement. This study investigated the effects of secondary cognitive tasks on hip and knee biomechanics during single limb landing. Sixteen recreational athletes (10 females and 6 males, age: 21.6 ± 2.5 years, mass: 65.2 ± 8.9 kg, height 1.66 ± 0.07 m) performed landings on their dominant limb as a single task and while simultaneously performing secondary cognitive tasks (mental arithmetic) provided through audio and visual means. Hip and knee joint angles and moments were calculated in all …

Effects Of Altered Somatosensory Input On Gait Kinetics And Kinematics Via Different Footwear In Individuals With Chronic Post-Stroke Hemiparesis, Daniela Casillas, Lesley Ruiz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis walk with significant asymmetries, leading to slow, effortful walking, and a high risk of falls. One contributing factor is altered sensation on the plantar surface. Studies examining altered somatosensory input via insoles, vibration and other tactile stimuli observed improvements in hemiparesis gait. This study investigates whether altering somatosensory input through different footwear can affect kinetics, kinematics and muscle activity during walking post-stroke. We hypothesized the barefoot conditions would have increased dorsiflexion (heel-strike, swing), increased plantarflexion during toe-off, increased muscle activity and kinetics, compared to memory foam conditions.

Participants: 13 individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis (4F/9M, …

Advancing Tka Biomechanics: From Joint Simulator To Boundary Condition Development, Yashar Ali Behnam

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses four specific aims that collectively attempted to advance the experimental and computational analysis of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components. The first study focused on the development of a novel whole knee joint simulator capable of simultaneous tibiofemoral and patellofemoral knee loading. This simulator employs custom fixturing to facilitate dynamic, unconstrained, muscle-driven PF articulation alongside controlled TF contact mechanics. Validation against experimental measurements showed strong agreement, demonstrating the simulator's potential as a valuable tool for future TKA design and surgical technique investigations.

The second study verified implant-specific physiological boundary conditions which accurately simulate activities of daily living using …

Exploratory Analysis Of Gait Mechanics In Farmers, Mariana V. Jacobs, Kate N. Jochimsen, Jody L. Clasey, Michael A. Samaan

Kinesiology and Health Promotion Faculty Publications

Farmers may be at a higher risk of developing hip osteoarthritis (OA) due to the high demands of their occupation. To the authors’ knowledge, the gait patterns of farmers that may be associated with hip joint degeneration have yet to be analyzed. Therefore, this study compares gait mechanics between farmers and non-farmers (controls). It is hypothesized that farmers would exhibit altered lower extremity joint mechanics during walking when compared to matched controls. This exploratory study included five farmers and five sex-, age-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. A 3D gait analysis was performed while study participants walked at a …

The Hoof Inside Out: A Comprehensive Investigation About The Shoe Configuration Effects On The Behavior Of The Equine Hoof, Rita Aoun

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The equine hoof is a unique organ in biology that has intricate elastic properties. From simple protection to therapeutic and corrective measures, horseshoes are widely used in the equine industry. Various types of shoeing have been designed and used based on their unique targeted functions following hoof care. Shoes can modify the gait of the horse, affect the alignment of the distal joints, and alter stress and strains on specific hoof regions. The objective of this dissertation is to provide an overview of the available research on the existing methodology and literature on the effects of shoeing on equine gait …

Bimanual Coordination In Individuals Post-Stroke: Constraints, Rehabilitation Approaches And Measures: Systematic Review, Yutong Liu, Eryk Przysucha, Taryn Klarner, Carlos Zerpa, Keshini Madara Marasinghe

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(3): 831-851, 2024. To couple or not to couple is a dilemma for the CNS when performing bimanual goal-directed actions. Numerous interacting individual and task-related constraints contribute to the issue of effective movement coordination, and their impact on the emerging actions must be inferred from valid methodologies. This is particularly important when examining coordination in individuals with stroke undergoing rehabilitation. The purpose of this review was to identify the different constraints that may impact inter-limb coupling, and the rehabilitation approaches implemented to enhance those actions. Also, the measures incorporated to examine the effects of rehabilitation …

Smartpaddle® As A New Monitoring Feature: A Comparison Between Inertial Measurement Unit- And Strain Gauge-Based Devices On Tethered Swimming Forces., Joao Octavio Campos, Felipe Ribeiro, Gabriel L. Pereira, Marcelo Papoti

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(6): 670-681, 2024. Smartpaddle^® is a novel wearable device based on inertial measurement units (IMU) for in-field arm-stroke kinetics and kinematics analysis in swimming. However, the lack of data regarding its agreement and reliability, coupled with restricted access to raw data, emphasizes the need to evaluate it against a well-established strain gauge (SG) reference method for assessing swimming forces. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the agreement and reliability between the Smartpaddle^® and strain gauge in a 30-s all-out arms-only tethered swimming test. Twelve trained young adult swimmers performed a test-retest 30-s all-out …

Comparison Of Different Take-Off Thresholds When Assessing Vertical Jump Performance, J. Chadwick Smith, Hugh Lamont, Madeleine Barefoot

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 660-669, 2024. Reliably determining vertical jump (VJ) take-off on a force plate is crucial when identifying performance-related biomechanical factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare several take-off thresholds (20 N, 10 N, 5 N, 1 N, five standard deviations above an unloaded force plate (5SD), and peak residual force (PkRes) produced when the force plate was unloaded) in terms of jump height (JH), movement time (MT), reactive strength index modified (RSImod), net impulse (netIMP), and propulsive impulse (prIMP). Twenty-one participants performed five countermovement VJs on a force plate. All thresholds were …

The Volleyball Attack: Training, Kinematics, And The Role Of The Torso, Kiara Baeleah Barrett

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Volleyball is an explosive, dynamic sport popular around the globe. The volleyball attack is the predominant point-scoring avenue and the point of interest for many coaches and players. As this motion is repeated many times throughout the course of a match, it is linked to overuse injuries at the shoulder. The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate methodological approaches for research in this movement as well as establishing mechanisms for improving performance and the health of the volleyball players’ shoulder.

For the first study, a systematic review of published literature was performed to ascertain training protocols beneficial to volleyball …

Running Biomechanics Differ During And After Pregnancy Compared To Females Who Have Never Been Pregnant, Jennifer J. Bagwell, Elizabeth Avila, Nicholas Reynolds, Jo Armour Smith, Kevin Valenzuela, Dimitrios Katsavelis

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Perinatal running participation has increased recently; however, pregnancy related symptoms can limit activity. Perinatal running biomechanics could inform interventions to help perinatal individuals maintain an active lifestyle.

Research question

Are perinatal running biomaechanics and muscle activation different compared to nulligravida females?

Methods

Sixteen pregnant participants completed self-selected velocity running during second trimester (2 T), third trimester (3 T), and postpartum (PP) and 16 matched controls completed these procedures once in this case control study. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyography (EMG) data were collected using a motion capture system, force plates, and EMG electrodes. Peak trunk, pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle …

Stance Time And Impact Loading Rates Are Significant Predictors Of Critical Speed During A 3-Minute All-Out Running Test, Trevor Short, Cris Stickley, Bret Freemyer, Andrew Takata, Paulette Yamada

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 115-128, 2024. The addition of wearable technology during a 3-minute all-out overground running test (3MAOT) could provide additional insights to guide training and coaching strategies. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between critical speed (CS) and biomechanical parameters (cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, stance time, form power, leg spring stiffness, and impact loading rate), and changes in biomechanical parameters throughout the 3MAOT. Sixty-three (male, n=37, female, n=26) recreationally active college-aged (23.4±3.9 years) subjects completed a 3MAOT while wearing a Stryd foot-pod. The correlations between CS and biomechanical parameters were evaluated …

The Influence Of Concussion History And Head Acceleration On Lower Extremity Function, Warren Forbes

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Sport-related concussions (SRCs) play a very debilitative role in athletics with between 1.7 – 3 million SRCs occurring annually (Clay et al., 2013; Zuckerman et al., 2015). This equates to upwards of 21.5 SRCs per 1000 athletic exposures. Research pertaining to SRC has received intense focus because of the substantial financial impact on the US healthcare system as well as the negative impact that SRCs have on the quality of life of athletes. Much of the research concerning SRC has been centered around management and ensuring adequate recovery from SRC-related symptoms. The current return to play (RTP) criteria from an …

The Effect Of Fatigue On Lower Extremity Joint Kinematics And Performance, Shelley Payne, Sarah Alloto, Joe Wilkins, Ashley Simons

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE

ACL injuries are multifactorial in nature meaning they can be the result of faulty biomechanics, individual genetic predisposition, or environmental factors (Alentorn- Geli et al., 2009). A focus of most healthcare professionals including physical therapists and athletic trainers includes the screening for preventable risk factors for non- contact ACL injuries. Preventable risk factors include asymmetry between a person’s limbs, decreased hamstring strength, increased muscle fatigue, decreased landing angle of hip and knee Tlexion, increased valgus landing, and lack of Tlexibility in the hip internal rotators (Brophy, 2021). Given the short and long-term negative consequences of an ACL injury, it …

Horizontal Foot Speed During Submaximal And Maximal Running, Kenneth P. Clark, Laurence J. Ryan, Christopher R. Meng, David J. Stearne

Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Horizontal foot speed is fundamental for running synchronization and stability, and may also be important for sprinting performance. In this investigation, we quantified the following during steady-speed running: (a) peak forward foot speed during the swing phase, (b) backward foot speed at touchdown, and (c) ground speed difference (GSD), i.e., the difference between forward running speed and backward foot speed at touchdown. We hypothesized that forward and backward foot speed would be significantly and positively correlated with top speed, and that GSD would be significantly and negatively correlated with top speed. Participants (20 male, 20 female) completed 40-m submaximal and …

The Immediate Effects Of The Nunee Patellar Support On Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Nick Linn

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common form of anterior knee pain caused by general overuse, muscular weakness or strength imbalances, and poor movement coordination leading to abnormal alignment or mal-tracking of the patella. Recent guidelines do not recommend the use of a knee orthosis due to a lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. A new patellar support (NuNee, K-Neesio LLC.) which uses distraction force to relieve pressure placed on the patella, has been proposed. The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of the NuNee patellar support on perceived pain, biomechanics, and function in individuals with …

Inter-Session Repeatability Of Marker-Less Motion Capture Of Treadmill Running Gait, Matthew F. Moran, Isabella C. Rogler, Justin C. Wager

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Twenty-one experienced runners completed three treadmill running sessions on different days. Each session consisted of three consecutive 2 min trials at self-selected speeds (RPE = 3, 5, and 7). An eight-camera marker-less motion capture system and instrumented pressure treadmill (TM) collected data over the final ~25 s at each speed. Lower extremity joint angles (ankle, knee, and hip) and segmental angles (pelvis and trunk) were computed for each trial with foot contact and toe off being kinematically determined. Spatiotemporal metrics (ground contact time, step length, and cadence) were measured via TM and compared to their kinematically derived counterparts. All spatiotemporal …

Biomechanics Associated With Tibial Stress Fracture In Runners: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Clare E. Milner, Eric Foch, Joseph M. Gonzales, Drew Peterson

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of Education and Professional Studies

Background

Tibial stress fracture (TSF) is an overuse running injury with a long recovery period. While many running studies refer to biomechanical risk factors for TSF, only a few have compared biomechanics in runners with TSF to controls. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate biomechanics in runners with TSF compared to controls.

Methods

Electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Cochrane, and CINAHL were searched. Risk of bias was assessed and meta-analysis conducted for variables reported in 3 or more studies.

Results

The search retrieved 359 unique records, but only the 14 that compared …

A Biomechanical Analysis Of Back Squats: Motion Capture, Electromyography, And Musculoskeletal Modeling, Eva Maria Urdiales Maddox

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Previous literature evaluating maximal back squats have failed to identify key components of the study decisions and procedures that would allow for duplication. Firstly, the existence of a sticking region in maximally weighted resistance exercises is frequently discussed and has been described as a force-reduced transition phase between an acceleration phase and a strength phase of a lift. However, the etiology has yet to be agreed upon. Second, Electromyography (EMG) is frequently used to assess muscle activations. However, no best practice for EMG normalization has been proposed. Two methods are commonly implemented for normalizing EMG: a maximum voluntary isometric contraction …

Comparison Of The Reliability Of Four Different Movement Thresholds When Evaluating Vertical Jump Performance, Madeleine Barefoot, Hugh Lamont, J. Chadwick Smith

Kinesiology

Analyzing vertical jumps performed on a force plate can be useful for the strength and conditioning professional in managing neuromuscular fatigue. The purpose of this study was to compare different movement thresholds when analyzing countermovement (CJ) and squat jump (SJ) performance. Twenty-one college-aged participants (9 female, 12 male) performed five CJs and five SJs. Movement initiation was identified when the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) deviated five standard deviations (5SD), four standard deviations, (4SD), 2.5% of system weight (2.5%SW), and 10% of system weight (10%SW) from their starting position. For CJs, movement was determined when the VGRF deviated either above …

Comparison Of Spine–Pelvis Kinematics Variability During Sit-To-Stand And Stand-To-Sit In People With & Without Chronic Low Back Pain: A Vector Coding And Statistical Parametric Mapping Approach, Narges Jangjoo, Elham Alijanpour, Saeid Khodabakhsh, Seyed Sadredin Shojaedin, Roozbeh Naemi

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

There is evidence in the literature to suggest that low back pain may change spine–pelvis coordination during activities of daily living. This study aimed to compare the variability of the spine– pelvis coordination during sit-to-stand in people with and without LBP. Ten healthy individuals with a history of LBP and ten individuals without history of LBP participated in this study. Three-dimensional kinematic data of the upper trunk (UT), lower trunk (LT), lower back (LB), and pelvis segments during sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit were recorded using a multi-segmental spine and pelvis models using a motion capture system. The coordination patterns and the …

Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis For Occupational Therapy Upper Extremity Assessment And Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review, Stephen W. Hill, Samantha Mong, Quyen Vo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) human motion analysis provides objective, quantitative, and reliable kinematic data that are valuable in rehabilitation. Clinicians, including occupational therapists and other specialists, can apply this technology to quantify patients’ upper extremity (UE) motion during functional tasks. A better comprehension of altered body mechanics serves to guide clinical reasoning, develop evidence-based interventions, and monitor patients’ progress through follow-up. However, the scientific literature has yet to emphasize the practicality of using 3D motion analysis as a clinical measurement tool.

Method: This scoping review appraised 20 articles that used 3D motion analysis to quantify UE movements for individuals …

The Effects Of Ladder Training On Sprint And Change Of Direction Performance, Trevor Short, Tina Manos, Justus Ortega, Andrew Peterson, Young Sub Kwon

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 3: Issue 1, Article 7, 2022. Ladder training is a form of multidirectional lower limb plyometric training utilized by coaches and athletes in a variety of sports. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ladder training (LT) on sprint (20-m) and change of direction (COD) (L-drill) kinematics. Fourteen NCAA D-2 Basketball players were matched on baseline performance rankings and randomly assigned to a LT (n = 7) or conventional training (CT) (n = 7) group. The LT group performed all the CT exercises with the addition of …

Utilization Of Finite Element Analysis Techniques For Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgical Planning, Michael A. Polanco

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, a three-dimensional deformity of the thoracolumbar spine, affects approximately 1-3% of patients ages 10-18. Surgical correction and treatment of the spinal column is a costly and high-risk task that is consistently complicated by factors such as patient-specific spinal deformities, curve flexibility, and surgeon experience. The following dissertation utilizes finite element analysis to develop a cost-effective, building-block approach by which surgical procedures and kinematic evaluations may be investigated. All studies conducted are based off a volumetric, thoracolumbar finite element (FE) model developed from computer-aided design (CAD) anatomy whose components are kinematically validated with in-vitro data. Spinal ligament stiffness …

The Biomechanical Effects Of Percussive Therapy Treatment On Jump Performance, Fany Alvarado, Kevin Valenzuela, Amanda Finn, Elizabeth L. Avila, Jill Crussemeyer, Mikiko Nakajima

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 15(1): 994-1006, 2022. Percussive therapy treatment is one form of myofascial release that has gained popularity amongst the sport community. It has been suggested that percussive therapy treatment may improve range of motion and improve athletic performance, but these claims are largely anecdotal. Currently, the effects of percussive therapy treatment on performance of athletic tasks is relatively unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to assess the effects of percussive therapy treatment on jump performance and passive range of motion. Twenty-six recreationally active college individuals performed countermovement jump and drop jump activities on two …

Effects Of Positive Social Comparative Feedback During Practice On Motor Sequence Learning, Performance Expectancies, And Resting State Connectivity, Allison Foster Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

Positive social comparative feedback indicates to the learner that they are performing better than others. While this type feedback supports motor skill learning in some tasks, the effect of social comparative feedback on motor sequence learning remains unknown. In addition, the OPTIMAL theory predicts that positive social comparative feedback may trigger a dopaminergic response in the brain. However, no studies have utilized neuroimaging techniques to investigate this question. Therefore, the aim of these studies was to determine the effect of positive social comparative feedback on motor sequence learning, performance expectancies, and resting state connectivity of dopaminergic neural pathways.

In the …

An Exploratory Analysis Of Gait Biomechanics And Muscle Activation In Pregnant Females With High And Low Scores For Low Back Or Pelvic Girdle Pain During And After Pregnancy, Jennifer J. Bagwell, Nicholas Reynolds, Jo Armour Smith, Michelle Walaszek, Hannah Runez, Kristina Lam, Julie Peterson, Dimitrios Katsavelis

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare gait kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation between pregnant females with high and low scores for low back and/or pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy.

Methods

Twenty participants tested during second trimester, third trimester, and again post-partum. At each session, motion capture, force plates, and surface electromyography data were captured during self-selected velocity over-ground walking. Participants completed the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) and were assigned to high (QBPDS ≥15) or low pain groups (QBPDS

Findings

Nine participants met the high pain group criteria and 11 were low pain. During …

The Effects Of The Dual-Tasking: Walking While Texting On Slip Recovery Mechanics, Ileana Abril Jarquin

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: The number of induced falls has increased exponentially over the last decade. Previous studies have determined that the cognitive demands of texting affect the processing of cognitive and motor tasks.Research question: What effect does the dual-tasking of texting and walking has on slip recovery mechanics? Methods: Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected while 20 participants between the ages of 18 and 30 years three different conditions; 1) baseline, 2) walking + slip perturbation, and 3) texting and walking + slip perturbation. Results: Walking speed, numbers of falls, and recovery time from the slip were not affected by the texting dual-task. …

Biomechanical Differences Between The Bulgarian Split-Squat And Back Squat, Ethan R. Mackey, Bryan L. Riemann

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(1): 533-543, 2021. The Bulgarian split squat (BSS) is a unilateral lower extremity strength exercise; however, the mechanical demands have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare ankle, knee, and hip joint net joint moment impulse (NJMI), work (NJW), peak net joint moment (NJM) and peak displacement between the BSS and traditional bilateral back squat (BS). Following a practice and 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) session, 2x3 BS (70% 1-RM) and BSS (35% 1-RM) were completed by twenty resistance trained males (24.20 ± 2.50 yrs, 1.76 ± 0.06m, 85.3 ± 13.90 kg). …

Biomechanical Assessment Of The Lower Extremity Following An Unexpected Ankle Perturbation, Emilia Gladys Schempp

Theses and Dissertations

A deeper understanding of the response to an unexpected ankle perturbation could help provide insight into ankle sprain injury avoidance strategies. This study compared lower extremity electromyographic and kinematic measures between unexpected ankle perturbation and normal walking conditions, including muscle amplitudes and reaction times, dominant limb joint angles and velocities. Trial conditions included a walking control condition, unexpected 30° inversion, and unexpected 18° combined inversion and plantarflexion. With randomized trials, 20 healthy volunteers walked along the custom-built walkway that unexpectedly released into the described ankle perturbations. Significant differences were found for peak and average EMG of the peroneus longus and …