Biomechanics Commons^™

Nonlinear Dynamics Indicates Aging Affects Variability During Gait, Ugo H. Buzzi, Nikolaos Stergiou, Max J. Kurz, Patricia A. Hageman, Jack Heidel

Journal Articles

Objective. To investigate the nature of variability present in time series generated from gait parameters of two different age groups via a nonlinear analysis.

Design. Measures of nonlinear dynamics were used to compare kinematic parameters between elderly and young females.

Background. Aging may lead to changes in motor variability during walking, which may explain the large incidence of falls in the elderly.

Methods. Twenty females, 10 younger (20–37 yr) and 10 older (71–79 yr) walked on a treadmill for 30 consecutive gait cycles. Time series from selected kinematic parameters of the right lower extremity were analyzed using nonlinear dynamics. The …

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 …

Nonlinear Analysis Of The Development Of Sitting Postural Control, Regina T. Harbourne, Nikolaos Stergiou

Journal Articles

The development of sitting postural control in five normal infants was examined longitudinally at three stages of sitting: Stage 1, when infants could hold up their head and upper trunk, but could not sit independently; Stage 2, when infants began to sit independently briefly; and Stage 3, when infants could sit independently. Methods from nonlinear dynamics were used to analyze center of pressure (COP) data during sitting in terms of stability of the neuromuscular system (Lyapunov Exponent), movement dimensionality (Correlation Dimension), and complexity/regularity (Approximate Entropy). Results indicated significant changes in the nonlinear measures over time, with increased stability and increased …

The Spanning Set Indicates That Variability During The Stance Period Of Running Is Affected By Footwear, Max J. Kurz, Nikolaos Stergiou

Journal Articles

Sensory information the foot receives appears to be related to kinematic variability. Since footwear material densities affect sensory information, footwear may be an important factor that dictates variability. This study hypothesized that modifications in footwear would result in changes in kinematic variability during the running stance period. Subjects ran on a treadmill for three conditions: hard shoe, soft shoe and barefoot. The spanning sets of the mean ensemble curves of the knee and ankle changes for each condition were used to define variability. Variability was significantly larger in the barefoot condition in comparison with the two footwear conditions for both …

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. …

Three-Dimensional Tibiofemoral Kinematics Of The Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient And Reconstructed Knee During Walking, Anastasios D. Georgoulis, Anastasios Papadonikolakis, Christos D. Papageorgiou, Argyris Mitsou, Nikolaos Stergiou

Journal Articles

Background: It is possible that gait abnormalities may play a role in the pathogenesis of meniscal or chondral injury as well as osteoarthritis of the knee in patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency.

Hypothesis: The three-dimensional kinematics of anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees are changed even during low-stress activities, such as walking, but can be restored by reconstruction.

Study Design: Case control study.

Methods: Using a three-dimensional optoelectronic gait analysis system, we examined 13 patients with anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees, 21 patients with anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed knees, and 10 control subjects with uninjured knees during walking.

Results: Normal patterns of knee …

Hper Biomechanics Laboratory 2002 Annual Report, Issue 1, Nebraska Biomechanics Core Facility

Biomechanics Annual Report

This issue features Development of a gait-o-gram for the assessment of gait, Promising insights on the development of posture in children, A new understanding of Parkinson’s Disease, Assessing the stability of elderly gait, Gait analysis provides the Omaha community with relief from running injuries, Custom Palm pilot software offers scientists and teachers new technology, Helping high school students appreciate science and math, Past students achieve success, Collaborative work with the Orthopedic Center of Sports Medicine at Ioannina-Greece, and 2002 Publications and Presentations

Hydrodynamic Stability Of Swimming In Ostraciid Fishes: Role Of The Carapace In The Smooth Trunkfish Lactophrys Triqueter (Teleostei : Ostraciidae), Ian K. Bartol, Morteza Gharib, Daniel Weihs, Paul W. Webb, Jay R. Hove, Malcolm S. Gordon

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The hydrodynamic bases for the stability of locomotory motions in fishes are poorly understood, even for those fishes, such as the rigid-bodied smooth trunkfish Lactophrys triqueter, that exhibit unusually small amplitude recoil movements during rectilinear swimming. We have studied the role played by the bony carapace of the smooth trunkfish in generating trimming forces that self-correct for instabilities. The flow patterns, forces and moments on and around anatomically exact, smooth trunkfish models positioned at both pitching and yawing angles of attack were investigated using three methods: digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV), pressure distribution measurements, and force balance measurements. Models …

Spanning Set Defines Variability In Locomotive Patterns, Max J. Kurz, Nikolaos Stergiou, Daniel Blanke

Journal Articles

The purpose of the investigation was to use the spanning set methodology to quantify variability in locomotive patterns and to compare this method with traditional measures of variability. Subjects ran on a treadmill while sagittal plane kinematic data were collected with a high-speed (180 Hz) camera. Changes in variability were evaluated as the subject ran barefoot and in shoes. Mean ensemble curves for the knee angle during the stance period were created for each condition. From these curves, traditional measures of variability were calculated using the coefficients of variation (CVs), and the mean deviation (MD). Spanning set vectors were defined …

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 + …

Frequency Domain Characteristics Of Ground Reaction Forces During Walking Of Young And Elderly Females, Nikolaos Stergiou, Giannis Giakas, Jennifer E. Byrne, Valerie Pomeroy

Journal Articles

Objective. To examine the frequency domain characteristics of the ground reaction forces of young and elderly females during free walking.

Design. Independent t-tests were used to examine the frequency content of all three components of the ground reaction force.

Background. Frequency domain analysis has the potential to assist in identifying changes in gait that may be masked in the time domain. No research has been done to identify changes in gait due to age-related impairments in the frequency domain.

Methods. Ten young and ten elderly females walked at a prescribed speed while ground reaction forces were collected via a …

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 …

Effect Of Normalization And Phase Angle Calculations On Continuous Relative Phase, Max J. Kurza, Nikolaos Stergiou

Journal Articles

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if phase plot normalization and phase angle definitions would have an affect on continuous relative phase calculations. A subject ran on a treadmill while sagittal plane kinematic data were collected with a high­ speed (180Hz) camera. Segmental angular displacements and velocities were used to create phase plots, and examine the coordination between the leg and thigh. Continuous relative phase was calculated with a combination of two different amplitude normalization techniques, and two different phase angle definitions. Differences between the techniques were noted with a root mean square (RMS) calculation. RMS values indicated …

A Motor And A Brake: Two Leg Extensor Muscles Acting At The Same Joint Manage Energy Differently In A Running Insect, Anna N. Ahn, Robert J. Full

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

The individual muscles of a multiple muscle group at a given joint are often assumed to function synergistically to share the load during locomotion. We examined two leg extensors of a running cockroach to test the hypothesis that leg muscles within an anatomical muscle group necessarily manage (i.e. produce, store, transmit or absorb) energy similarly during running. Using electromyographic and video motion-analysis techniques, we determined that muscles 177c and 179 are both active during the first half of the stance period during muscle shortening. Using the in vivo strain and stimulation patterns determined during running, we measured muscle power output. …

Comparison Of Gait Patterns Between Young And Elderly Women: An Examination Of Coordination, Jennifer E. Byrne, Nikolaos Stergiou, Daniel Blanke, Jeremy J. Houser, Max J. Kurz, Patricia A. Hageman

Journal Articles

This study investigated intralimb coordination during walking in Young and Elderly women using the theoretical model of dynamical systems. Twenty females, ten Young (M age = 24.6 yrs, SD = 3.2 yrs), and ten Elderly (M age = 73.7 yrs, SD = 4.9 yrs), were videotaped during free speed gait and gait perturbed by an ankle weight. Two parameters, one describing the phasing relationship between segments (mean absolute relative phase) and the other the variability of this relationship (deviation in phase), were calculated from the kinematics. Two-way ANOVA (age and weight) with repeated measures on weight indicated that during the …

A Comparison Of Training Methods To Increase Neck Muscle Strength [Thesis], Ryan Stuart Price

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study WHS to determine if increases in isometric cervical muscle strength and range of movement (ROM) generated from ten weeks of training on the Multi-cervical unit (MCU) is significantly greater than the increase gained by training with the dynaband. The high rate of neck injury in the Air Force from pilots exposed to high +Gz force has instigated this research. 32 healthy subjects were split into three groups, with one group as the control, one group training on the MCU and one group training on the dynaband. Training groups completed ten weeks of resistance training in …

Foot Strike Patterns After Obstacle Clearance During Running, Shane D. Scholten, Nicholas Stergiou, Alan Hreljac, Jeremy J. Houser, Daniel Blanke, L. Russell Alberts

Journal Articles

Purpose

Running over obstacles of sufficient height requires heel strike (HS) runners to make a transition in landing strategy to a forefoot (FF) strike, resulting in similar ground reaction force patterns to those observed while landing from a jump. Identification of the biomechanical variables that distinguish between the landing strategies may offer some insight into the reasons that the transition occurs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in foot strike patterns and kinetic parameters of heel strike runners between level running and running over obstacles of various heights.

Methods

Ten heel strike subjects ran at their …

Swimming Mechanics And Behavior Of The Shallow-Water Brief Squid Lolliguncula Brevis, Ian K. Bartol, Mark R. Patterson, Roger Mann

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Although squid are among the most versatile swimmers and rely on a unique locomotor system, little is known about the swimming mechanics and behavior of most squid, especially those that swim at low speeds in inshore waters. Shallow-water brief squid Lolliguncula brevis, ranging in size from 1.8 to 8.9 cm. in dorsal mantle length (DML), were placed in flumes and videotaped, and the data were analyzed using motion-analysis equipment. Flow visualization and force measurement experiments were also performed in water tunnels. Mean critical swimming speeds (U_crit) ranged from 15.3 to 22.8 cm s^-1, and mean …

Intralimb Coordination Following Obstacle Clearance During Running: The Effect Of Obstacle Height, Nikolaos Stergiou, Shane D. Scholten, Jody L. Jensen, Daniel Blanke

Journal Articles

The purpose of this study was to investigate the different coordination strategies used following obstacle clearance during running. Ten subjects ran over a level surface and over obstacles of six different heights (10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20 and 22.5% of their standing height). Analysis based upon the dynamical systems theory (DST) was used and the phasing relationships between lower extremity segments were examined. The results demonstrated that the increasing obstacle height elicited behavioral changes. The foot and the leg became more independent in their actions, while the leg and the thigh strengthened their already stable relationship. The 15% obstacle height …

A Dynamical Systems Investigation Of Lower Extremity Coordination During Running Over Obstacles, Nikolaos Stergiou, Jody L. Jensen, Barry T. Bates, Shane D. Scholten, George Tzetzis

Journal Articles

Objective. To investigate intralimb coordination during running over a level surface and over obstacles of three different heights.

Design. The phasing relationships between the foot and leg motions in the frontal plane, and the shank and thigh motions in the sagittal plane were used to compare patterns of coordination.

Background. The coordinated actions of lower extremity segments are necessary to absorb the impact forces generated during running. The behavioral patterns of these segments can be studied under changing task demands using analysis techniques from the Dynamical Systems Theory.

Methods. Ten subjects ran at their self-selected pace …

Aerobic Respiratory Costs Of Swimming In The Negatively Buoyant Brief Squid Lolliguncula Brevis, Ian K. Bartol, Roger Mann, Mark R. Patterson

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Because of the inherent inefficiency of jet propulsion, squid are considered to be at a competitive disadvantage compared with fishes, which generally depend on forms of undulatory/oscillatory locomotion. Some squid, such as the brief squid Lolliguncula brevis, swim at low speeds in shallow-water complex environments, relying heavily on fin activity. Consequently, their swimming costs may be lower than those of the faster, more pelagic squid studied previously and competitive with those of ecologically relevant fishes. To examine aerobic respiratory swimming Costs, O₂ consumption rates were measured for L. brevis of various sizes (2-9 cm. dorsal mantle length, DML) …

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 …

Phase Determination During Normal Running Using Kinematic Data, Alan Hreljac, Nikolaos Stergiou

Journal Articles

Algorithms to predict heelstrike and toe-off times during normal running at subject-selected speeds, using only kinematic data, are presented. To assess the accuracy of these algorithms, results are compared with synchronised force platform recordings from ten subjects performing ten trials each. Using a single 180Hz camera, positioned in the sagittal plane, the average RMS error in predicting heelstrike times is 4.5 ms, whereas the average RMS error in predicting toe-off times is 6.9ms. Average true errors (negative for an early prediction) are +2.4 ms for heelstrike and +2.8ms for toe-off, indicating that systematic errors have not occured. The average RMS …

Asynchrony Between Subtalar And Knee Joint Function During Running, Nikolaos Stergiou, Barry T. Bates, Stanley L. James

Journal Articles

Purpose: It has been suggested that during running proper coordination between subtalar joint pronation/supination and knee joint flexion/extension via tibial rotation is important to attenuate ground reaction impact forces (GRIF). Lack of coordination may produce over time a wide range of injuries. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between subtalar pronation/supination and knee flexion/extension with GRIF increases during distance running.

Methods: Eight subjects ran under different speeds (a self-selected pace, 10% faster, 10% slower, and 20% faster) and over different obstacle heights (5%, 10%, and 15% of their standing height) on their self-selected pace. …

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 …

Effects Of Varied Intensity Resistance Training In Combination With Extra Mass-Bearing Exercise On Bone Adaptations In Ovariectomized And Sham Operated Sprague Dawley Rats, Donna Quimby, Kathy Hall

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

This experiment was designed to study the effects of intensity of exercise on bone adaptations in ovariectomized and sham operated 12 week old rats. Eighty Sprague Dawley rats were divided by mass into two equal groups (mean = 197 g). One group was ovariectomized (OVX); the other sham (S) operated. Each surgery group was then subdivided by mass into four exercise intensity groups. The exercise intensity groups were created by loading additional mass (percent of animals body mass, 0%, 3%, 6% and 9%) on each animal in combination with treadmill running (10 m/min.; 30 min./day; 4 days/wk.; for 7 weeks). …