Exercise Science Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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 Sciences & 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 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 …

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 …

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 …

Biomechanical Properties Of Land Based And Shallow Water Wait: A Comparative Review Of Literature, Mostafa Yaghoubi, Philip Fink, Wyatt H. Page, Sarah P. Shultz

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Aquatic locomotion exercises are frequently used in rehabilitation and cross-training for land-based athletes. Hydrostatic pressure, thermal conductivity and drag force affect a person's ability to move; therefore, it is important to understand differences of biomechanical gait in water vs land. This review investigated biomechanical differences between shallow water and land-based exercises. PubMed, Google Scholar, SPORTDiscus and Scopus were searched; 33 studies included walking forward (27), backward (6) and running (6). Electromyographic amplitude was similar or less in submaximal intensity during aquatic gait, in comparison to on land. At maximal intensities, however, the amplitude was similar (n=5) or higher (n=4) in …

Postactivation Potentiation Effects From Maximal Isometric Contractions Performed At Different Hip Joint Angles, Kyle Derosia

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) production and myoelectric activity after performing maximal isometric contractions at different hip joint angles. 10 healthy, experienced participants reported to the lab on two separate occasions where they performed 3 power cleans at baseline, then 4 maximal isometric deadlifts at either ~50° hip flexion angle (Max) or ~90° hip flexion angle (Min). Following the isometric deadlifts, another 3 power clean trials at 70% 1 repetition maximum were performed and used as a post-test. The isometric deadlifts served as the conditioning contraction (CC) to induce …

Effect Of Strength On Velocity And Power During Back Squat Exercise In Resistance-Trained Men And Women, Andrew T. Askow, Justin J. Merrigan, Jonathan M. Neddo, Jonathan M. Oliver, Jason D. Stone, Andrew R. Jagim, Margaret T. Jones

Faculty Scholarship

The purpose was to examine load-velocity and load-power relationships of back squat in resistance-trained men (n = 20, 21.3 ± 1.4 years, 183.0 ± 8.0 cm, 82.6 ± 8.0 kg, 11.5 ± 5.0% total body fat) and women (n = 18; 20.0 ± 1.0 years; 166.5 ± 6.9 cm; 63.9 ± 7.9 kg, 20.3 ± 5.0% body fat). Body composition testing was performed followed by determination of back squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM). After at least 72 hours of recovery, subjects returned to the laboratory and completed 2 repetitions at each of 7 separate loads (30, 40, 50, …

Performance Impact Of Different Lower-Limb Setup Positions In The Backstroke Swimming Start, Gordon E. Barkwell

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The performance impact of different knee extension angles in the setup position for a backstroke start was evaluated using an instrumented starting surface. Ten backstroke swimmers completed maximum-effort starts in each of two setup positions: one with the knees flexed, and one with the knees extended. The start handles and touchpad were instrumented with tri-axial force plates. Activity of major hip and knee extensors was measured using surface electromyography. Body position was recorded throughout the start using two high-speed cameras. There was no difference in time to 10 m between the two conditions, indicating there is likely no advantage in …

Muscle Activation Analysis With Kinematic Comparison Between Wind-Up And Stretch Pitching With Respect To The Upper And Lower Extremities, Megan M. Smidebush

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Introduction: Baseball pitching is considered one of the most intense aspects within the game of baseball, as well as the most complicated dynamic throwing task in all of sports. The biomechanics of pitching have been heavily investigated in an attempt to identify optimal pitching mechanics in terms of pitching performance. Previous quantified upper body kinetics research has concluded that improved muscle strength is needed in attempting to achieve adequate upper body kinetics and efficient pitching performances. Therefore, it is the purpose of this research study to compare the lower extremity muscle and upper extremity muscle activation patterns and kinematic variables …

The Effects Of A Game Simulation On Muscle Activation And Knee Kinematics In Females, Geoffrey Collins

Theses and Dissertations

Intro: Female athletes experience non-contact ACL injuries at 5 times the rate of male athletes. These injuries occur more frequently at the end of halves and may be associated with exercise-induced fatigue causing knee instability. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effect of strenuous exercise on lateral knee movement during the landing phase of a jump. Methods: Ten subjects completed both the exercise and the control trial consisting of two 25-min game simulations on a treadmill or on a separate day the equivalent rest. Before, at half time, and immediately following the interventions subjects performed sets …

Sagittal Plane Gait Kinematics In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability, Matthew C. Hoch, David R. Mullineaux, Kyoungkyu Jeon, Patrick O. Mckeon

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Single joint kinematic alterations have been identified during gait in those with chronic ankle instability (CAI). The purpose of this study was to compare sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle kinematics during walking in participants with and without CAI. Twelve individuals with CAI and 12 healthy individuals walked on a treadmill at 1.5 m/s. Three-dimensional kinematics were analyzed using mean ensemble curves and independent t tests. Participants with CAI demonstrated less lower extremity flexion during the absorption phase of stance and the limb placement phase of swing, which may have implications for limb placement at initial contact.

Frontal Plane Comparison Between Drop Jump And Vertical Jump: Implications For The Assessment Of Acl Risk Of Injury, Guilherme Manna Cesar, Curtis L. Tomasevicz, Judith M. Burnfield

Athletic Performance Research

The potential to use the vertical jump (VJ) to assess both athletic performance and risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury could have widespread clinical implications since VJ is broadly used in high school, university, and professional sport settings. Although drop jump (DJ) and VJ observationally exhibit similar lower extremity mechanics, the extent to which VJ can also be used as screening tool for ACL injury risk has not been assessed. This study evaluated whether individuals exhibit similar knee joint frontal plane kinematic and kinetic patterns when performing VJs compared with DJs. Twenty-eight female collegiate athletes performed DJs and VJs. …

Biomechanical Investigation Of Elite Place-Kicking, Chase M. Pfeifer

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Many studies aim to understand the fundamentals of kicking commonly displayed by soccer players [4,6,10,16,17,18,24,25,28,29,30,34,36,38,40]. Of those studies, most are limited to a two-dimensional (2D) analysis using high-speed cameras for position tracking or utilizing electromyography to observe the activity of select muscles [4,6,18,25,29,36]. The few studies that investigate kicking using a three-dimensional (3D) model are limited in their position tracking capabilities and focus mainly on joint flexion potentials and foot speed.

This dissertation is a comprehensive biomechanical analysis (kinematic and EMG) of the field-goal place-kicking techniques of four elite kickers in American football. Data were compared and contrasted with ball …

Lower Extremity Neuromechanics During A Forward-Side Jump Following Functional Fatigue In Patients With Ankle Instability, Hyun Kim

Theses and Dissertations

Ankle instability (AI) and fatigue impair neuromuscular control as well as dynamic joint stability of the lower extremity. No one has comprehensively examined the effects of AI and fatigue on neuromechanics of the lower extremity during a functional activity. Deficits associated with AI and fatigue could be additive in increasing the risk for injury in patients with AI. PURPOSE: To examine the interaction of AI and fatigue on lower extremity muscle activity, kinematic, and kinetic patterns during a forward-side jump. METHODS: 25 AI (23.3 ± 1.9 yrs, 176.5 ± 10.5 cm, 70.9 ± 11.4 kg), and 25 matched control subjects …

Changes In Sprint Kinetics Or Kinematics Following Static Or Dynamic Stretching, Kristyne Bartel

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of static or dynamic stretching on hip kinematics and kinetics during intermittent sprinting. To achieve this aim, intermittent sprint athletes were asked to complete either a static or dynamic stretch, followed by a repeated-sprint protocol. Hip joint kinematics and performance measures were evaluated during the sprint, including changes that occurred in these variables over the course of the sprint protocol. In addition, hip flexion torque was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Ten male (age = 25±2.3 years, 175±3.2 cm, 76.2±2.7 kg) and female (age = 20±1 years, 166±1.3 cm, 60±1.1 …

An Evaluation Of Kinematic Variables During Stance Phase Of A Training Endurance Run, Joshua Paul Bailey

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of the study was to evaluate kinematics of the lower extremity during the stance phase of an endurance training run. Fifteen participants (8 male, 7 female; 30.5 ± 8.4 years; 71.8 ± 11 kg; 1.73 ± 0.07 m) reported that they were currently signed up for, or planned on signing up for, an endurance race within the next six months of participation in the study (9 half marathon, 3 marathon, 1 triathlon, 2 21k trail run). All had a weekly running mileage greater than 20 miles (23.8 ±4.6 miles). Participants were required to complete the 15–kilometer training run …

The Clinical Usefulness Of Vector Coding Variability In Female Runners With And Without Patellofemoral Pain, Tommy Joseph Cunningham

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

It has been suggested that Patellofemoral Pain (PFP) may be the result of a coordinate state which exhibits less joint coordination variability. The ability to relate joint coordination variability to PFP pathology could have many clinical uses; however, evidence to support clinical application is lacking. Vector coding’s coupling angle variability (CAV) has been introduced as a possible analysis method to quantify joint coordination variability. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical usefulness of CAV measures from a dynamical systems perspective. This involved establishing the precision limits of CAV measures when physiological conditions are held constant, altering control …

A Biomechanical Analysis Of Male And Female Intermediate Hurdlers And Steeplechasers, Laurence R. Bollschweiler

Theses and Dissertations

In the sport of track and field, proper hurdling technique is a complicated combination of various running and jumping kinematics. With most research having been done on sprint hurdling, there is a growing need for research on hurdling events of different lengths. The intermediate hurdles (IH) and the steeplechase (SC) are two events where there are a number of differences in hurdling technique. This study compared the differences in hurdling technique between events (IH and SC) as well as the differences in technique between genders. Subjects for this study consisted of 20 elite intermediate hurdlers (10 male, 10 female) and …