The purpose of this study was to further investigate the relationship between patterns of shoulder movement and muscular response. Thirteen females were tested against maximal manual resistance in twelve different patterns, eight straight plane, and four diagonal. Five of the six subjects who met established kinematic criteria were used for electromyographic (EMG) analysis of the anterior deltoid (AD), the middle deltoid, the posteroir deltoid (PD), and the pectoralis major. No significant differences were found between number of muscles solicited or duration of muscular effort during the different movements. Maximal EMG was significantly higher for the AD in abduction and in flexion than in the other patterns, and for the PD in diagonal flexion with abduction and in transverse abduction.

The purpose of this study was to examine the criterion-related validity of the sit and reach test as a measure of hamstring and low back flexibility in adult males and females. Subjects were 52 males and 52 females, 20 to 45 years of age. Hamstring flexibility was measured using a goniometer. Spinal flexibility was measured using a tape measure and an inclinometer. The sit and reach test was performed according to the AAHPERD Health Related Fitness Test Manual. Data were analyzed using correlations and appropriate descriptive statistics. Conclusions of the investigation were: 1) in adult males 20 to 45, the sit and reach test is a valid measure of hamstring flexibility but has questionable validity as a measure of low back flexibility, 2) in adult females 20 to 45, the sit and reach test is a moderately valid measure of hamstring flexibility and is not a valid measure of low back flexibility.

The title of the diploma's thesis: Effect of kinesiotape on range of motion in the flexion of the trunk measured from standing position. Objective/ Aim: The main aim of this work is to evaluate whether the kinesiotape applied to the paravertebral muscles of the lumbar spine affect the range of motion in trunk flexion from standing position. Another aim is to exclude the possibility of a placebo effect by using control material in an identical manner. Methods: The data required for the practical part of this work were obtained on the basis of experimental measurements, where the kinesiotape was applied to the paravertebral muscles of the lumbar spine and it evaluated the change in range of motions in trunk flexion from standing position. The measurements were taken on the basis of the Thomayer and Schober sign. The controll group was measured in a similar way with a material fixomull, which has similar attributes as kinesiotape. Data were analyzed using MS Excel and in a program Gretl. Results: Stastically significant results showing that kinesiotape affects the increase in the trunk flexion motion with the average value of 2,24 cm (t(24) = 2,86, p <0,05) in total and 0,51 cm (t(24) = 0,67, p <0,05) for local effect in the place of use of kinesiotape. Measurement with fixomull hasn't shown...

by Chan Suk Ping. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 105-119). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Acknowledgments --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / List of Tables --- p.ix / List of Figures --- p.xii / Abbreviation --- p.xiv / Chapter CHAPTER ONE --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- The Research Problem --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Purpose of The Study --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Variables and Definition of Terms --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Hypotheses --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Significance of The Study --- p.11 / Chapter CHAPTER TWO --- REVIEW OF LITERATURE / Chapter 2.1 --- Benefits and Potential Disadvantages of Stretching --- p.12 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Benefits of Stretching --- p.12 / Chapter (a) --- Muscle Relaxation --- p.12 / Chapter (b) --- Performance Enhancement --- p.14 / Chapter (c) --- Prevention of Injury --- p.17 / Chapter (d) --- Increase of Range of Motion --- p.19 / Chapter (e) --- Prevention of Muscle Soreness --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- The Potential Disadvantages of Stretching --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2 --- Limiting Factors of Flexibility --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Muscle --- p.22 / Chapter (a) --- Histologic Components of Muscle --- p.22 / Chapter (b) --- Muscular Elongation --- p.23 / Chapter (c) --- The Effects of Immobilization --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Connective Tissue --- p.24 / Chapter (a) --- Collagen --- p.25 / Chapter (b) --- Elastic Tissue --- p.27 / Chapter (c) --- Tissue Composed of Connective Tissue --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- The Mechanical Properties of Soft Tissue --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- "Age, Gender, Physical Activity and Temperature" --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3 --- Neurophysiology of Stretching --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Muscle Spindles and Golgi Tendon Organs --- p.34 / Chapter (a) --- Structure and Role of Muscle Spindle --- p.35 / Chapter (b) --- Structure and Role of Golgi Tendon Organs --- p.38 / Chapter (c) --- Parallel and Series End Organs --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Electromyography --- p.39 / Chapter 2.4 --- Hamstrings --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Functions of Hamstrings --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Limited Range of Motion in Hamstrings --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Measurement of Hamstrings Flexibility --- p.46 / Chapter 2.5 --- Stretching Protocol --- p.50 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Modes of Stretching --- p.50 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Intensity of Stretching --- p.53 / Chapter CHAPTER THREE --- METHOD / Chapter 3.1 --- Subjects --- p.55 / Chapter 3.2 --- Instrumentation --- p.57 / Chapter 3.3 --- Procedure --- p.60 / Chapter 3.4 --- Reliability Study --- p.69 / Chapter 3.5 --- Data Analysis --- p.70 / Chapter CHAPTER FOUR --- RESULTS / Chapter 4.1 --- Reliability Study --- p.72 / Chapter 4.2 --- Experimental Study --- p.73 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Range of Motion of Pre-Test and Post-Test --- p.74 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Passive Resistance of Pre-Test and Post-Test --- p.75 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Subjective Rating of Pre-Test and Post-Test --- p.76 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Myoelectric Activities of Hamstrings of Pre-Test and Post-Test --- p.76 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Hamstrings Performance of Pre-Test and Post-Test --- p.79 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Range of Motion Difference among Trained and Untrained Groups --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Passive Resistance of Hamstrings Difference among Trained and Untrained Groups --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- Subjective Rating of Perceived Stretch Difference among Trained and Untrained Groups --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2.9 --- Myoelectric Activities of Hamstrings Difference among Trained and Untrained Groups --- p.83 / Chapter 4.3.0 --- Performance of Hamstrings Difference among Trained and Untrained Groups --- p.83 / Chapter CHAPTER FIVE --- DISCUSSION / Chapter 5.1 --- Hamstrings Flexibility Analysis --- p.92 / Chapter 5.2 --- Hamstrings Passive Resistance Analysis --- p.94 / Chapter 5.3 --- Rating of Perceived Stretch Analysis --- p.97 / Chapter 5.4 --- Hamstrings Myoelectric Activities Analysis --- p.98 / Chapter 5.5 --- Hamstrings Performance Analysis --- p.100 / Chapter 5.6 --- Limitations and Suggestions --- p.102 / Chapter 5.7 --- Conclusions --- p.103 / REFERENCES --- p.105 / APPENDIX / Appendix A. Informed Consent / Appendix B. Personal Particulars and Past Medical History Screening Sheet / Appendix C. Perceived Stretch Rating Scale / Appendix D. Record Sheet

Introdução: Atletas de Powerlifting utilizam habitualmente em sua preparação física o Agachamento (AT) e o Box-Squat (BS). Conhecer as variáveis cinemáticas e eletromiográficas destes exercícios é relevante para sua prescrição. Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos agudos da utilização do Agachamento e do Box-Squat, em três diferentes amplitudes de movimento, sobre variáveis de desempenho neuromuscular, em atletas de Powerlifting. Materiais e Métodos: Dez atletas de Powerlifing (31,7±5,05 anos) participaram de duas sessões de avaliação: i) aplicação de questionário, realização de medidas antropométricas e testes de 1RM para Agachamento e Box-Squat nas condições Completo, Paralelo e Parcial; ii) Coleta do sinal eletromiográfico dos músculos Reto Femoral; Vasto Lateral; Vasto Medial; Bíceps Femoral; Glúteo Máximo; Gastrocnêmio Lateral e Eretores da Coluna, durante AT e BS com as cargas de 1RM previamente aferidas. Coleta de dados de cinemetria 2D para o cálculo da Potência Absoluta e Relativa. Resultados: A carga de 1RM (252±55 Kg) e o Índice de Força Relativa (2,66±0,43) do BS Parcial foram significativamente maiores que nas outras cinco variações de exercício. Potência Absoluta (613,25±194,80 W) e Relativa (6,48±1,86) foram maiores no AT Parcial quando comparado a BS Completo, AT Completo, AT Paralelo e BS Paralelo. A ativação EMG do Reto Femoral foi maior no BS Completo (95,48±46,82 %CIVM) comparada à AT Parcial e BS Parcial. O Glúteo Máximo foi mais ativado no AT Paralelo (175,36±101,79 %CIVM) comparado ao BS Completo (143,51±79,00 %CIVM). A ativação dos Eretores da Coluna no AT Paralelo (132,27±77,31 %CIVM) foi superior à do AT Parcial (92,09±38,28 %CIVM). Conclusão: As cargas de 1RM foram maiores em excursões articulares reduzidas, com vantagem do BS Parcial. O AT Parcial apresentou maiores valores de Potência Absoluta e Relativa. AT e BS mostraram-se equivalentes do ponto de vista da ativação muscular. / Introduction: Powerlifters commonly use Squats and Box-Squats in their training process. Knowing kinetics and kinematics of these exercises can help trainers when planning a training program. Objective: To compare kinetic and kinematics of full, parallel and partial Squats and Box-Squats performed by Powerlifters. Material and Methods: Ten Powerlifters (31,7±5,05 years) participated in two sessions of data collection: i) Survey about training and injury, Anthropometrical measures, 1RM testing for the full, parallel and partial Squats and Box-Squats; ii) Muscle activity of rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, lateral gastrocnemius and erector spinae over the six conditions at 100% of 1RM. Sagital plane video was recorded for power output measures. Results: Significantly higher loads were observed in Partial Box-Squat (252±55 Kg) compared to the other five situations. Overall (613,25±194,80 W) and Relative (6,48±1,86) Power Output were higher at Partial Squat when compared to Parallel and Full Squats and Box-Squats. Muscle activation of rectus femoris was significantly higher in Full Box-Squat (95,48±46,82 %MVC) compared to Partial Squats and Box-Squats. Gluteus maximus activation was higher at the Parallel Squat (175,36±101,79 %MVC) when compared to the Full Box-Squat (143,51±79,00 %MVC). Erector Spinae muscle activation was significantly higher in Parallel Squat (132,27±77,31 %MVC) in comparison to the Partial Squat (92,09±38,28 %MVC). Conclusion: Higher 1RM loads were found in Partial Range of Motion, especially in Box-Squat. Overall and Relative Power Output were higher at Partial Squats. Squats and Box-Squats showed similar muscle activation patterns.

Orientador: Roberto Carlos Burini / Banca: Kátia Cristina Portero McLellan / Banca: Ismael Forte Freitas Junior / Banca: Alex Antonio Florindo / Banca: Aguinaldo Gonçalves / Resumo: A busca pela estratégia mais eficaz capaz de prevenir, modificar e controlar fatores de risco e doenças crônicas por meio de mudança no estilo de vida (MEV) tornou-se um grande desafio, além de conseguir a adesão, em longo prazo, e principalmente sem supervisão, aos bons hábitos adquiridos durante a intervenção com MEV. Diante disso, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da participação e do desligamento do programa de mudança do estilo de vida sobre nível de atividade e aptidão física, percepção de saúde e presença de Síndrome Metabólica em adultos da comunidade de Botucatu-SP. Estudo do tipo transversal com base na comunidade contou com 153 indivíduos previamente participantes de programa de MEV e alocados em grupos Controle, Adesão e Não-Adesão. As avaliações incluíram medidas antropométricas (peso corporal e estatura para cálculo do índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência abdominal, percentual de gordura, massa muscular e índice de massa muscular (IMM)), aptidão física (flexibilidade de tronco (sentar e alcançar) e força de preensão manual (dinamometria)) e nível de atividade física e estado de saúde (IPAQ longo, versão 8). Amostra sanguínea de jejum foi utilizada para análise bioquímica (glicemia, HDL-C e triglicerídios), aferição da pressão arterial (técnica auscultatória) e o diagnóstico da Síndrome Metabólica (SM) seguiu as recomendações do NCEP-ATPIII (2001) com adaptação da glicemia (≥ 100 mg/dL) em três momentos (pré-participação (M0), após intervenção de seis meses (M1) e após desligamento (M2) do programa de MEV). Análise de variância e modelo linear generalizado em medidas repetidas para comparação entre momentos e grupos, qui-quadrado, teste de proporção e modelo de regressão logística com nível de significância de 5%. O programa de MEV... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The search for more effective strategy able to prevent, control and modify risk factors and chronic diseases through lifestyle change (LSC) has become a major challenge, beyond to achieving the adherence in long term, especially without supervision, the good habits acquired during the LSC intervention. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the participation and disconnexion effects of lifestyle change program on physical activity level and fitness, on self-perceived health and metabolic syndrome presence in adults from Botucatu-SP's community. Cross-sectional study of community-based had 153 subjects previously LSC program participants and allocated in Control, Adherence and Non-Adherence. The assessments included anthropometric measurements (weight and height to calculate body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat percentage, muscle mass and muscular mass index (MMI)), fitness (trunk flexibility (sit and reach) and handgrip strength (dynamometry)) and physical activity level and health status (IPAQ long version 8). Fasting blood sample was used for biochemical analysis (glucose, HDL-C and triglycerides), blood pressure measurement (auscultatory technique) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) diagnosis followed the NCEP-ATPIII (2001) recommendations with glucose adaptation (≥ 100 mg / dL) in three moments (pre-participation (M0), six months after intervention (M1) and after LSC program disconnexion (M2)). Variance analysis and generalized linear model for repeated measures to compare moments and groups, chi-square and proportions test and logistic regression model with 5% significance level. The LSC program significantly reduced work and housework physical activity, poor health perception and low physical activity level and increased leisure physical activity and flexibility, beyond to attenuate... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Particle-particle interactions are of paramount importance in every multi-body system as they determine the collective behaviour and coupling strength. Many well-known interactions like electro-static, van der Waals or screened Coulomb, decay exponentially or with negative powers of the particle spacing r. Similarly, hydrodynamic interactions between particles undergoing Brownian motion decay as 1/r in bulk, and are assumed to decay in small channels. Such interactions are ubiquitous in biological and technological systems. Here I confine multiple particles undergoing Brownian motion in narrow, microfluidic channels and study their coupling through hydrodynamic interactions. Our experiments show that the hydrodynamic particle-particle interactions are distance-independent in these channels. We also show that these interactions affect actively propelled particles via electrophoresis or gravity, resulting in non-linear transport phenomena. These findings are of fundamental importance for understanding transport of dense mixtures of particles or molecules through finite length, water-filled channels or pore networks.

abstract: As the junction between the head and the trunk, the neck functions in providing head stability during behaviors like feeding to facilitating head mobility during behavior like grooming and predator vigilance. Despite its importance to these vital behaviors, its form and function remain poorly understood. Fossil hominin cervical vertebrae preserve a striking diversity in form despite the commitment to orthograde bipedality. Do these differences in cervical vertebral form correspond to functional variations among our recent ancestors? This dissertation attempts to understand 1) how does the neck function in head stability and mobility 2) how do these functions relate to cervical vertebral form. Kinematic and passive range of motion studies were conducted in several species of primate to obtain measures of function which were subsequently related to skeletal form. Results show that cervical vertebral morphology does not significantly covary with differences in joint mobility. Rather, they implicate the critical role of ligaments and muscles in facilitating head mobility. Results of the kinematics study show that the neck plays a role in maintaining head stability during locomotion. However, the kinematic data do not significantly correlate with morphological variation among primate species. Given the negative results of the extant morphological analyses, it is difficult to apply them to the fossil record. As such, the functional significance of the disparate morphologies found in the hominin fossil record remain ambiguous. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Anthropology 2019

Quantifying human posture and range of motion remains challenging due to the need for specific technologies, time for data collection and analysis, and space requirements. The demand for affordable and accessible human body position measurement requires alternative methods that cost less, are portable, and provide similar accuracy to expensive multi-camera systems. This thesis developed and evaluated a novel augmented reality mobile app for human posture measurement to bring marker-based body segment measurement to the point of patient contact. The augmented reality app provides live video of the person being measured, AprilTag2 fiducial markers locations in the video, processes marker data, and calculates angles and distances between markers. Results demonstrated that the mobile app can identify, track, and measure angles and distances between AprilTag2 markers attached to a human body in real-time with millimetre accuracy, thereby allowing researchers and clinicians to quantify posture measurements anywhere, at anytime.

The intent of this study was to describe the effects of long term paraplegia and wheelchair use on upper limb function. Bilateral upper extremity isokinetic and grip strength, pain, and active range of motion were compared in 52 men with paraplegia (mean age 44 years: mean duration of spinal cord injury (SCI) 17 years) and 52 age and activity-level matched able-bodied men. The impact of upper limb pain on activities of daily living (ADL) performance was examined in the paraplegic sample. Strength was not significantly different between the two samples except for bilateral shoulder flexion (able-bodied stronger) and bilateral elbow extension (paraplegia stronger). Strength changed similarly with age in the two groups. The effect of duration of SCI on strength, excluding age, was significant for grip strength only. Duration of paraplegia and activity-level were better predictors of strength than age in 9 of 14 muscle groups, whereas in the able-bodied, age was the best strength predictor. Limited bilateral shoulder internal rotation and non-dominant external rotation were associated with paraplegia. Upper limb pain in the past week was associated with paraplegia (shoulder p<.001; elbow p<.00l; wrist/hand p<.00l). Reported pain prevalences for the paraplegic sample were: shoulder 39%, elbow 31%, wrist/hand 40%. The paraplegic subjects' pain intensity ratings revealed them to be experiencing mild to moderate levels of upper limb pain. Shoulder pain was associated with duration of injury, exclusive of age (p<.05). Measurement of the impact of upper limb pain On 18 activities of daily living (ADL) tasks revealed pain to be experienced by the majority of subjects with paraplegia (mobility tasks 60%; self-care tasks 5 8 % ; general activities tasks 60%). However, only 23-35% had made changes in their routines, and 6-16% had sought assistance with ADL due to upper limb pain. ++ / When age was excluded, it appeared that duration of SCI was more associated with pain during ADL, but this was significant only for pain during self-care tasks. The tasks most reported to cause upper limb pain were work/school, sleep, wheelchair transfers, outdoor wheeling, and driving. These results suggest that preventative and management steps are required to ensure continued independence and quality of life in this group over time. The effect of duration of SCI suggests that limitations in upper limb function may be seen in this population at relatively young ages.