Biomechanics Commons^™

The Locomotor Kinematics Of Asian And African Elephants: Changes With Speed And Size, John R. Hutchinson, Delf Schwerda, Daniel J. Famini, Robert H.I. Dale, Martin S. Fischer, Rodger Kram

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

For centuries, elephant locomotion has been a contentious and confusing challenge for locomotion scientists to understand, not only because of technical difficulties but also because elephant locomotion is in some ways atypical of more familiar quadrupedal gaits. We analyzed the locomotor kinematics of over 2400 strides from 14 African and 48 Asian elephant individuals (body mass 116-4632 kg) freely moving over ground at a 17-fold range of speeds, from slow walking at 0.40 m s^-1 to the fastest reliably recorded speed for elephants, 6.8 m s^-1. These data reveal that African and Asian elephants have some subtle …

A 100 Meter Training Walk Using A Speed Trainers™ Device Does Not Strengthen The Hip Flexors In Collegiate Sprinters, Jayme Donald Jasper

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Many types of resistance training programs have been implemented in order to enhance sprint performance, however, most programs have overlooked the importance of the hip flexor muscles. Objective: To determine if a training protocol using a Speed Trainers ™ device will increase hip flexion strength, and if that increase in strength has an effect on competition sprint times. Design: A 2 X 2 pre-test post-test design with treatment (hip flexor strength training and sham group) and time (pre-training and posttraining) as the independent variables. Setting: The strengthening program took place at the Indiana State University outdoor track. Competition sprint …

The Effect Of Prophylactic Ankle Bracing On Star Excursion Balance Measures In Uninjured Subjects, Lisa Marie Hardy

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Reports of bracing on whole body bilateral movements and single directional motions are unclear about whether or not the performance of uninjured active people is affected. Objective: To isolate the braced limb, while performing multidirectional tasks, to gain a better understanding of the effects of bracing on performance. Design: A 1 X 3 repeated measures design with the bracing condition (unbraced, lace-up, and semi-rigid) as the independent variable. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Thirtysix uninjured, physically-active, volunteers (M: 18, F: 18, age: 23 .6±2. 7y, ht: 173.8±9.3cm, mass: 74.4±12.7kg, reach leg length: 91.9±5.lcm). Main Outcome Measure(s): The average …

Functional Electric Stimulation Cycle Ergometry Training Effect On Lower Limb Muscles In Acute Sci Individuals, Timothy J. Demchak, Jon K. Linderman, W. Jerry Mysiw, Rebecca Jackson, Jihong Sunn, Steven T. Devor

Health and Sport Science Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to compare three different intervals for a between sets rest period during a common isokinetic knee extension strength-testing protocol of twenty older Brazilian men (66.30 ± 3.92 yrs). The volunteers underwent unilateral knee extension (Biodex System 3) testing to determine their individual isokinetic peak torque at 60, 90, and 120° ·s-1. The contraction speeds and the rest periods between sets (30, 60 and 90 s) were randomly performed in three different days with a minimum rest period of 48 hours. Significant differences between and within sets were analyzed using a One Way Analysis of …

The Effect Of Exercise On The Threshold Frequency Of An Electrically Induced Muscle Cramp, Hiroki Sato

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: It has been observed that subjects that have experienced an exercise associated muscle cramp (EAMC) exhibited decreases in the threshold frequency (TF) of an electrical induced muscle cramp (EIMC). Hovvever, it is not known if this change was due to the exercise alone. Objective: To determine if full effort football conditioning exercises cause a shift in TF of an EIMC. Design: A 2 X 2 folly repeated measures factorial design was used for this study. The two independent variables were condition (rest, and exercise), and time (pre, and post). Setting: Subjects: Nine NCAA Division IAA football players participating in …

Ankle Bracing Does Not Affect Force Development During A Single-Legged Vertical Jump, John M. Ibarra

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The effect of prophylactic ankle bracing on functional performance and isolated joint torque has been well studied. However, the potential effect of external 111 ankle support on force production during a sport-specific task remains unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the potential effects of two widely used prophylactic ankle braces on lower extremity force development while performing a onelegged vertical jump. Design and Setting: A 1 x 3 factorial was used in this study. The single independent variable was ankle brace with 3 levels: 1) Semi-rigid ankle brace; 2) Lace-up style brace; and 3) control …

Physiological Determinants Of Rowing Performance, Chun-Jung Huang

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to examine ten male rowers and seven female rowers on a number of physiological variables to determine which may account for variation in 2000m rowing performance. Male rowers' mean (±SD) age, body weight, and height were 17.4±0.7 years, 75.2± 11.2 kg, and 181.4±6.1 cm, and female rowers' mean (±SD) age, body weight, and height were 17.3±0.6 years, 72.4±14.9 kg, and 168.3±6.7 cm respectively. The participants were tested on 2000m rowing ergometer, vertical jump, inverted row, leg press, and back hyperextension. Height, vertical jump, inverted row, and leg press correlated with 2000m rowing performance time …

Possible Effects Field Hockey Stick Weight May Have On Player Performance During A Penalty Stroke, Lee-Ann Sharp

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Wooden sticks have been used in field hockey since the inception of the game. In recent years, there has been a growing trend among players to use modern composite sticks. However, there has been no research into the possible effects the weight of these composite sticks could have on player's performances. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect stick weight would have on player perfonnance, specifically ball velocity and player accuracy, during a series of penalty strokes. Design: All subjects were required to take twenty penalty strokes on goal with each of the two differently …

Muscle Vibration's Effect On The Threshold Frequency Of An Electrically Induced Muscle Cramp, Joshua D. Williamson

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of muscle vibration on the threshold frequency of an electrically-induced muscle cramp of the flexor hallucis brevis. Design and setting: This study used a 2 x 2 factorial design study. The independent variables consisted of treatment ( control and vibration) and time (pretest and post-test). The dependent variable was the threshold frequency of an electrically induced muscle cramp. Subjects: 16 healthy individuals, aged 21.6 ± 8.0 years, free from any lower extremity neurological, muscular, or vascular pathology were used in this study. Methods: Subjects reported on three consecutive days …

The Effects Of Differing Bicycle Frame Geometry On Muscle Recruitment Strategies And Power During A 30-Second Wingate Anaerobic Test, Patrick Hills-Meyer

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to test how changing the bicycle frame geometry; from a shallow frame geometry [seat tube angle (STA) of 72°] to a steep frame geometry (STA of 82°) affected the electromyographic (EMG) signal of the hamstrings [biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles] and the quadriceps [vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL)] and power (max, mean, min, and, % drop) during a Wingate anaerobic test (WAT). To measure the muscle recruitment and power, 12 experienced triathletes were prepped with surface electrodes to measure EMG amplitude and an electrogoniometer to measure knee joint angle while …

Comparison Of Selected Orthotic Devices On Ground Reaction Forces Produced During A Drop Landing, Betsy Faye Halwes

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: The effect of different types of athletic shoes, foot orthoses, and other arch support materials on lower extremity kinetics and ground reaction forces during walking and running gait has been documented; however, the potential effects of such devices on ground reaction forces during drop landings has not been extensively studied. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if over-the-counter orthotics, made of the same material, affect vertical and mediolateral ground reaction forces during a drop landing. Design and Setting: A lx3 repeated measures design guided this study where the independent variable, orthotic, has 3 levels (no orthotic-control, …

Effects Of Warm-Up And Stretching On Vertical Jump Performance And Leg Power, Douglas C. Samuelson

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study compared the effects of a general warm-up, a general warm-up and sitting quietly, a general warm-up and static stretching, and a general warm-up and ballistic stretching protocols on vertical jump performance and leg power. Eleven National Collegiate Athletic Assoiciation (NCAA) Division 1-A female volleyball players served as subjects. The subjects performed four treatments prior to the three vertical jump trials, consisting of a general warm-up, a warm-up and sitting quietly, a warm-up and static stretch, and a warm-up and dynamic stretch. The subjects also performed a Sit and Reach test prior to and after each treatment to determine …

The Effect Of Active Exercise On Rectus Femoris Cooling Time, Blaine C. Long

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: The ability for cryotherapy to influence subcutaneous temperature has mainly been considered during resting skeletal muscle. However, most injuries occur when subcutaneous temperatures have been physically active. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ice on exercised rectus femoris musculature and the effect of exercise on cooling rectus femoris musculature to 1 0°C below resting temperature. Design and Setting: Two 2 x 2 repeated measures designs were used. The study was conducted in the Sports Injury Research Laboratory at Indiana State University. Subjects: Six (age= 26.0 ± 3.2 yrs, ht = 181.6 ± 2.4cm, …

Self Defense Instruction And Its Impact On Physical Self-Efficacy Of Female Cadets At The United States Military Academy, Jason Matthew Winkle

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of self defense instruction of female cadets at the United States Military Academy on their physical self-efficacy. All95 female cadets enrolled in PE115 during the fall of2002 were surveyed on the first and last day of class to determine their levels of perceived physical ability (PPA) and physical self-presentation confidence (PSPC). Both the PP A and the PSPC are subscales ofthe Physical Self-Efficacy Scale (PSE). Completed data were collected from 80 (84 percent) ofthe subjects. Statistical data analysis included descriptive statistics and a 2x2 multivariate analysis of variance (MANOV A). …

Technique Differences In Women's 100m Hurdles Between The Current Hurdle Height Of 84.0 Cm And A Proposed Hurdle Height Of 91.4 Cm, Jason M. Francis

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined women's 100 rn hurdle technique modifications over the proposed hurdle height of 91.4 ern compared to the current hurdle height of 84.0 ern. The technique modifications were determined by the kinematic variables composed of linear displacements and angular displacements, and the performance variables composed of velocity measures and timing information. Three women collegiate 1 OOrn hurdlers at Indiana State University and one post collegiate hurdler training at Indiana State University volunteered for the study. The athletes finished a six-week conditioning program prior to the start of hurdle training. The athletes were given two weeks or four hurdle …

The Short-Term Effects Of Grade 1 And 2 Joint Mobilizations On Subject Pain Range Of Motion And Muscle Activity In The Pathological Lumbar Spine, Sean Hanrahan

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the short-term effects of Grades 1 and 2 posteroanterior joint mobilizations (JM) at the pathological lumbar spine on subject pain, range of motion (ROM), and muscle force. All subjects were determined to have sustained mechanical dysfunction of the lumbar spine of less than 48 hours as assessed through a standardized evaluation. Subjects were randomly assigned to a group; the control group received ice and stretching while the experimental group received JM in addition to ice and stretching. The JM's were performed at 3 consecutive lumbar segments surrounding the area of greatest discomfort. …

The Effects Of Post-Cryotherapy Exercise On Ankle Capsular Temperature, Craig A. Jamison

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Cryokinetics is a common rehabilitative technique. To date, no data describing capsular temperature cycling during cryokinetics have been reported. Objective: To compare ankle capsular temperature before and at the end of each exercise bout during a typical cryokinetics session. Design: A 2 x 10 repeated measure factorial design was used. The independent variables were treatment and bout. The dependent variable for this study capsular temperature of the lateral talo-crural joint. Setting: Data were collected in the Sports Injury Research Laboratory at Indiana State University. Subjects: Nineteen volunteers participated in this study (age= 24.6 + .6 yr; mass= 74.1 + …

Changes In Neuromuscular Function In Collegiate Sprinters During An Indoor Season, Jack W. Skaggs

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in neuromuscular function through the use of the Hoffman Reflex in male Division I collegiate sprinters during an indoor competitive season. Design: a 2 X 4 factorial design. The independent variables in this study were groups (Sprint and Control) and testing times (base, mid, peak and taper). The dependent variable was the soleus Hreflex, anaerobic power, and body composition. Setting: This study took place in the Exercise Physiology Laboratory located in the Health and Human Performance Building at Indiana State University. Subjects: Ten male Division I collegiate sprinters (age: …

The Application Of Kinesio Tape Does Not Alter Knee Extensor Torque Production Following Muscle Fatigue, Takeru Hatachi

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Muscle fatigue is defined as the inability to maintain force output. It seems plausible that some sports injuries can be prevented if muscular fatigue can be reduced. Research evaluating Kinesio tape is still limited. And further study is needed in this area for clearing the effects of the elastic tape to apply effectively, and safely to the clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Kinesio tape on knee extensor force output before and after muscle fatigue. Design and Setting: A 2 x 3 factorial design was used to compare force output before and …

Focal Temperature Change Facilitates The Peak-To-Peak Soleus Hoffmann Reflex And Muscle Response, Bentley Andrew Krause

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Cryotherapy is a widely used rehabilitative modality in sports medicine. Cooling joint tissues has been observed to facilitate active exercise following injury. Mechanisms effecting motoneuron recruitment during and following cryotherapy are presumed to be both local and central in nature. Focal cooling facilitates motoncuron pool recruitment and may alter the excitability of motoncurons. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if changes in focal temperature alter the characteristics of the maximum peak-to-peak Hoffmann reflex (Hmax) and muscle response (Mmax). Design and setting: A 4x5 factorial design with repeated measures on time was used in this study. Hmax and …

Post-Treatment Evaluation Of Isometric Function Of The Elevator Muscles, Margaret Barbara Kowalczyk

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study mainly examined neuromuscular function, occlusal index, and centric relation-centric occlusion (CR-CO) discrepancy of 23 orthodontically treated patients. Phase I, craniofacial anomalous, and orthognathnic surgery cases were excluded from the study. Record taking was done in 2 sessions: (1) at the time of deband and (2) 3-4 months later. Records taken at each session included facial and intraoral photographs, impressions, CR wax bites, a facebow, and surface EMG (sEMG) recordings.

For the sEMG recordings, electrodes were placed on the upper hyoid, masseter, and anterior temporalis muscles. Subjects were asked to perform numerous tests; these included baseline, clenching to test …

The Relationship Between Intramuscular Temperature, Skin Interface Temperature, And Skin Fold Measurements During And After Cryotherapy, Lisa S. Jutte

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Many studies have questionably measured skin temperature to assess the efficacy of cryotherapy. In addition, there is controversy owr the relationship between subcutaneous adipose thickness and intramuscular temperature. Thcret'ore. the twofold purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between skin and intramuscular temperature and to describe the relationships between muscle temperature, skin temperature, room temperature, body core temperature, and subcutaneous adipose thickness. Design and Setting: A multiple linear regression was used. The independent variables were skin temperature, body core temperature, subcutaneous adipose thickness, and room temperature. The dependent variable was intramuscular temperature. Subjects: Fifteen volunteers (age= 22.9 …

The Comparison Of Gait Characteristics Between Older Adults Who Do Tai-Chi Chuan And Older Adults Who Do Not Do Tai-Chi Chuan, Shu-Ya Chen

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Tai-Chi Chuan (TCC) is a traditional Chinese exercise which has become popular in the Western world recently. The reported health benefits of TCC exercise include increased lower extremity muscle strength, improved balance, improved cardiopulmonary function, reduced tension, and improved overall wellness. However, no study has demonstrated the effects of TCC exercise on walking performance. The purpose of this study is to determine whether TCC exercise has an effect on normal speed walking of older adults. Twenty-four older healthy women over 55 were recruited in this study, 12 subjects practiced TCC exercise at least two times per week and the others …

The Effect Of Floor Sitting Posture On Low-Back Pain, Knee Pain And Hip Pain Among Kuwaiti Men, Sameera H. Al-Jedi

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Background and Purpose. Ground resting posture is common in Kuwait and other Arab communities. Kuwaiti men gather daily, especially on weekend nights socializing in the Diwaniya. Diwaniya is a special room in every Kuwaiti house. The Diwaniya is traditionally furnished with seating cushions and pillows. Men are seated on the floor in a tailor-sitting posture for long periods of time. The tailor-sitting posture flexes the trunk. hips, and knees. The flexion position has been shown to decrease the lumbar lordosis and increase joint compression in hips and knees. However there are no studies about the effect of floor sitting …

Patellofemoral Joint Compressive Forces During Backward And Forward Running At The Same Speed, Hesham N. Alrowayeh

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A previous study found that the patellofemoral joint compressive force (PFJRF) during backward running was less than during forward running at free speed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the patellofemoral joint compressive forces during backward and forward running at the same speed. Ten runners (4 females, 6 males) between the age of 20-25 (X=22, SD=2) ran in backward and forward directions at the slow speed of 2.3 mph (1.0 m.sec^-1). Using the inverse dynamic technique the knee extensor moment and PFJRF during the slow backward and forward running were calculated. Results showed that the …

Analysis Of Serotonin And Postural Instability In Parkinson’S Disease, Sandra Kuniyoshi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Postural instability is one of the most debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and the best clinical prognostic indicator of progressive disease. Significant differences in neuropathology, neurochemistry, response to L-dopa therapy and stereotactic surgery as well as prognosis have been identified in subtypes when patients with predominant postural instability and gait difficulty (PIGD)/Type B were differentiated from those with predominant symptoms of tremor and rigidity/Type A. Postural instability is resistant to the therapeutic effects of L-dopa, despite its continued efficacy on other Parkinson’s symptomatology, implicating the nondopaminergic mechanism of postural instability in Parkinson’s disease. Patients with significant postural instability and gait …

Windlass Taping Technique For Symptomatic Relief Of Plantar Fasciitis, Beth Anne Ernst

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

This study investigated the biomechanical and symptomatic effects of a newly described taping technique to support the longitudinal arch in symptomatic plantar fasciitis patients. The subjects were 20 individuals all diagnosed by a physician with unilateral plantar fasciitis, ambulating full weight-bearing without an assistive device.

Measurements were taken pre and post-taping for calcaneal position, tibial position and navicular height, with the subjects serving as their own control. The subjects also reported pain level pre and post tape using a visual analog scale. The statistical analysis performed on the biomechanical data was the t-test, and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed ranks test was …

Data On Gait Characteristics Of Four, Five, And Six Year Old Children Using Three Dimensional Video Motion Analysis, Donna Soave Nichols

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study resulted from a need to gather and analyze data on gait characteristics of normal children using the Peak Performance Technologies, Incorporated system, initiate a data base for the Motion Analysis Center at Old Dominion University and compare a computerized motion analysis system to studies using different methods. Fifteen children, aged four to six, were evaluated during gait using a video-based computerized motion analysis system manufactured by Peak Performance Technologies, Incorporated. The gait characteristics studied were stride length, cadence, angular displacements and angular velocities of the pelvis, hips, knees and ankles. The results showed that methods …

Is There A Difference In Cortical Representation Between Dominant And Non-Dominant Arm Muscles Of Elite Badminton Players?, Dylan J. Edwards

Theses : Honours

Training for sport involves the development of skill and coordination. The physiological changes associated with skill acquisition are complex and at present poorly understood. One of the areas in the central nervous system thought to be involved with skill acquisition is the cerebral motor cortex where localised areas are responsible for controlling specific muscle groups. Learning or improving a motor skill may require reorganisation of the cortical areas controlling relevant muscles to accommodate the new skill. To test this idea we studied a group of elite badminton players that were highly skilled in their dominant playing arm. Transcranial magnetic stimulation …

Correlation Between Hamstring Spasticity And Range Of Motion And Selected Gait Parameters In Pediatric Clients With Spastic Diplegia, Erin Mccain Glace

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Spasticity is often considered the primary limitation to function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. The purpose of this study was to study the relationship between hamstring spasticity and a functional activity, specifically gait. The gait parameters chosen were step length, stride length and velocity. A secondary purpose was to study the relationship between hamstring contracture and the same gait parameters. Reliability data were calculated for tone and ROM measurements. Eleven subjects (8 male and 3 female) between the ages of three years and fifteen years with a primary diagnosis of spastic diplegia were recruited for this study.

Hamstring spasticity …