Abstract This study sought to develop an interval prone bridge fitness test to assess core stabilization in healthy adults (ages 18–39 years). Participants performed a prone bridge maneuver in alternating 15-sec work and 5-sec rest intervals with participants' RPE scores (0–10) recorded at the end of each work interval. The RPE score reported after 95 sec (RPE-95) was used to predict total interval prone bridge endurance time along with participants' self-reported level of physical activity (PA; sedentary = 0, low active = 1, active = 2, very active = 3). Multiple linear regression was employed to generate the following prediction equation (R = .86, SEE = 32.98 sec): Total time (sec) = 300.0 – (23.4 x RPE-95) + (17.7 x PA). Each predictor variable was statistically significant (RPE-95, p < .0001; PA, p = 0.006) and cross validation procedures using PRESS (predicted residual sum of squares) statistics revealed minimal shrinkage (Rp = .85 and SEEp = 32.89 sec). The mean and standard deviation (±SD) for the total duration of the interval prone bridge test and the RPE-95 data were 179.9 ± 65.2 sec and 6.3 ± 2.2, respectively. To assess test-retest reliability, a second test was completed about 48 hours after the first. The reliability study (n = 45) yielded an acceptable test-retest intraclass reliability coefficient (ICC = .95, SEM = 12.7 sec) when comparing total interval prone bridge endurance times across days. In summary, this interval prone bridge fitness test, and accompanying regression model, yields a relatively accurate estimate of total interval prone bridge test time in healthy men and women, using both RPE-95 and PA data.

The thesis deals with the possibility to influence the maximum power of kayaking stroke by the Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization approach. The most common injuries sustained during kayaking are affecting shoulders. The aim of this thesis was kinesiological analysis of kayaking movement. It shows patterns of shoulder muscles activity during the paddling cycle. Finally the thesis describes the Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization approach. Methods: Subjects were 20 flat water kayakers (mean age 21,85 +/- 2,37), which were randomized divided into two groups. Training of experimental group contained exercise according Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization approach. Specific exercise was chosen with DASH questionnaire. The same questionnaire was used at the end of the six weeks study to see the changes in the problems of the upper limb activity. The effect of the therapy was compared by maximum power of kayaking stroke, which was measured by paddling ergometer. Both groups were tested four times in 6 weeks. We followed also the actual effect of the therapy of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization by measuring maximum power before therapy and immediately after exercise. Results: Maximum power of the stroke increased of 6,3% (p = 0,032) in experimental group. We found the positive effect of the actual...

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this thesis is to identify the effect of trunk stabilization training based on Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) on maximum kayak ergometer power output and reported self-disability in the shoulder girdle area. METHOD: Thirty flatwater kayakers of both genders (17 - 25 years old) were randomly divided into two groups. Crossover design was used for this study. Subjects in the experimental group (group A) integrated DNS exercises into standard flatwater training during the first phase. The control group (group B) conducted only common flat water training at the same time. After 6 weeks, the groups were switched. Then group B underwent the same DNS exercise with the same intensity and the same time. The intervention was the same for both phases and took 6 weeks. Group A performed only standard off-season training during the second phase. The maximum power output on kayak ergometer was measured three times (before study, after 6 weeks and after 12 weeks). Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) were analyzed at the same time. RESULTS: Initially, no significant differences in maximum power output on kayak ergometer and the DASH questionnaire score were identified between the groups. During the first phase the experimental group (group A) improved the maximum...

Introduction: The aim of this work was to determine the difference in abdominal wall expansion and thus indirectly the amount of intra-abdominal pressure in various postural positions, first without any correction, then after verbal and manual instruction according to Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) principles. The amount of activation of abdominal wall muscles in various postural positions helps determine the positions in which optimal postural stabilization is best activated. These positions may be suitable for postural therapy and training. The theoretical part introduces optimal trunk stabilization according to developmental kinesiology principles and DNS concept. Then, the relationship between the intra-abdominal pressure and postural activity of abdominal muscles is introduced as well as the most common methods of objectification. Participants and Methods: 30 healthy subjects (15 women and 15 men) aged 20 to 25 years (mean age 22.73 years, SD 1.88) were tested using the Ohm Belt device. This device uses pressure sensors that are attached to the abdominal wall in the area above the groin and in the trigonum lumbale and thus allows non-invasive monitoring of abdominal wall expansion and indirect measurement of the intra-abdominal pressure. The subjects were tested in five postural...