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Biomechanics Commons™

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All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Articles 1 - 21 of 21

Full-Text Articles in Biomechanics

Trunk Rotation Movement In Tennis Backhand, Hsin-Chen Fanchiang Aug 2009

Trunk Rotation Movement In Tennis Backhand, Hsin-Chen Fanchiang

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This study analyzed the effects of gender, strike technique, power level, and trial factors on tennis athletes performing backhand strokes with the incoming ball launched by a serving-stand. Five male and five female college tennis athletes volunteered as subjects. Each subject had 25 data points including joint centers of right and left sides for the 5th metatarsal, lateral malleolus, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists and MP joints, chin, forehead, seven points on the racket (handle, head, neck, upper right and left rims, and lower right and left rims), and the ball were recorded by two video cameras (60Hz). Each of …

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Effects Of Knee Bracing On Vertical Jumping Performance In Healthy College Aged Males, Rebecca E. Rausch Dec 2007

Effects Of Knee Bracing On Vertical Jumping Performance In Healthy College Aged Males, Rebecca E. Rausch

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Knee bracing is used at all levels of athletics to prevent or support existing knee injuries; however, little research has been conducted on the effects of knee braces on athletic performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how two different types of knee braces, semi-customizable braces and knee sleeves, affect vertical jumping performance. Subjects were nine college aged males who regularly participated in athletic activity. Subjects performed a task consisting of a drop jump from a height of 18 inches, landing in a squat position, followed immediately by a maximal vertical jump while wearing two different knee …

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Effects Of An Angled Starting Block On Sprint Start Kinematics, Nathaniel A. Brown Dec 2007

Effects Of An Angled Starting Block On Sprint Start Kinematics, Nathaniel A. Brown

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The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of an angled proto-type starting block on sprint start kinematics. The angled starting block rotates the foot medially at a 16 degree angle, which emulates the 16 degree angle of the ankle on the medial axis of the foot. This 16 degree should allow for the athlete to apply more force against the block, resulting in a higher velocity at take-off and a faster block clearance time. In the present study, six female collegiate sprinters were filmed and analyzed using the angled starting block and a standard starting block. …

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A Kinematic Analysis Of Sprint Starts With Varied Starting Block Foot Placement Widths, Jesse Lee Rhoades Dec 2006

A Kinematic Analysis Of Sprint Starts With Varied Starting Block Foot Placement Widths, Jesse Lee Rhoades

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This study examined the effect of relative lateral foot placement in the starting blocks on the sprint start. The sprinting kinematics during the first four steps out of the blocks were examined. Eight females from the a Midwest University Track and Field team performed sprint starts using a pair of modified Fusion I starting blocks. These starting blocks were made in double wide configuration to accommodate a variety of foot placements. Foot placements were determined using relative hip to ankle angle. Experimental hip-ankle angles were± five degrees (Narrow/Wide), and zero degrees (neutral). The sprinters were recorded with four cameras at …

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A 100 Meter Training Walk Using A Speed Trainers™ Device Does Not Strengthen The Hip Flexors In Collegiate Sprinters, Jayme Donald Jasper Aug 2006

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

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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 …

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The Effect Of Prophylactic Ankle Bracing On Star Excursion Balance Measures In Uninjured Subjects, Lisa Marie Hardy Aug 2006

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

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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 …

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Ankle Bracing Does Not Affect Force Development During A Single-Legged Vertical Jump, John M. Ibarra Aug 2005

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

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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 …

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The Effect Of Exercise On The Threshold Frequency Of An Electrically Induced Muscle Cramp, Hiroki Sato Aug 2005

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

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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 …

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Physiological Determinants Of Rowing Performance, Chun-Jung Huang May 2005

Physiological Determinants Of Rowing Performance, Chun-Jung Huang

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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 …

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Possible Effects Field Hockey Stick Weight May Have On Player Performance During A Penalty Stroke, Lee-Ann Sharp May 2005

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

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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 …

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Muscle Vibration's Effect On The Threshold Frequency Of An Electrically Induced Muscle Cramp, Joshua D. Williamson Dec 2004

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

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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 …

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Comparison Of Selected Orthotic Devices On Ground Reaction Forces Produced During A Drop Landing, Betsy Faye Halwes May 2004

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

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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, …

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Effects Of Warm-Up And Stretching On Vertical Jump Performance And Leg Power, Douglas C. Samuelson May 2004

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

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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 …

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The Effect Of Active Exercise On Rectus Femoris Cooling Time, Blaine C. Long Aug 2003

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

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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, …

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Self Defense Instruction And Its Impact On Physical Self-Efficacy Of Female Cadets At The United States Military Academy, Jason Matthew Winkle May 2003

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

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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). …

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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 May 2003

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

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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 …

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The Effects Of Post-Cryotherapy Exercise On Ankle Capsular Temperature, Craig A. Jamison Dec 2002

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

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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 + …

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Changes In Neuromuscular Function In Collegiate Sprinters During An Indoor Season, Jack W. Skaggs Aug 2002

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

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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: …

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The Application Of Kinesio Tape Does Not Alter Knee Extensor Torque Production Following Muscle Fatigue, Takeru Hatachi May 2002

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

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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 …

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Focal Temperature Change Facilitates The Peak-To-Peak Soleus Hoffmann Reflex And Muscle Response, Bentley Andrew Krause May 2002

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

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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 …

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The Relationship Between Intramuscular Temperature, Skin Interface Temperature, And Skin Fold Measurements During And After Cryotherapy, Lisa S. Jutte Aug 1999

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

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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 …

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