No description available.

Articular cartilage is a material with the appearance of simplicity and uniformity, but the chemical and biological structure of this material is very complex and not yet known in every detail. Our knowledge of cartilage wear behavior is limited and needs to be enlarged. Knowledge in this area could be important for the prevention and treatment of degenerative joint diseases. Within the framework of this thesis. a literature search focused on the key words joint lubrication and cartilage wear was conducted. The result of this search was that almost all studies and experiments which have been carried out to investigate tribilogical processes in synovial joints focused on friction behavior. Only a few tests dealing with cartilage wear were conducted. Most of the cartilage wear studies were carried out under exaggerated conditions which might change the wear mechanisms. Two studies were undertaken under conditions close to normal conditions occurring in natural joints; one in entire joints with a pendulum device, the other one with a cartilage-on-cartilage test system. The test devices used in these tests offered no or limited opportunities for the variation of the test parameters. Test parameters are, for example, the type of motion, applied load, velocity, variation of the velocity during each cycle, type of specimen, and test fluid composition. In consideration of the findings of the literature search, it was decided to design a new test device providing the capability of measuring friction, wear, and displacement due to wear and/or cartilage deformation. Furthermore, the new test device for cartilage wear studies, allows the variation of the above mentioned test parameters. / Master of Science

The purpose of the study was to quantify the relative contribution of low back flexibility and hamstring flexibility in the sit and reach test item of the AAHPERD Health Related Fitness Test in order to examine the validity of the sit and reach test. Subjects were 100 female students, 13 to 15 years of age in physical education classes. Hamstring flexibility was measured using the Leighton flexometer. Spinal mobility was measured using a tape measure. The sit and reach test was performed according to instructions given in the AAHPERD Test Manual. Data were analyzed using correlation, linear regression, and multiple regression. Conclusions of the investigation were (1) hamstring flexibility is moderately related to the sit and reach test, (2) low back flexibility has a very small relationship to the sit and reach test, and (3) the sit and reach test is an inadequate measure of low back and hamstring flexibility.

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.

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

No description available.

The purpose of this study was to compare the protective characteristics of four different ankle braces and one form of ankle taping. An inversion and plantar flexion platform was used to induce ankle movements. The subjects used in this study consisted of 10 volunteer male students. The subjects had no sprains five months prior to testing. All subjects were tested in the same size 10 shoes, high tops and low tops. A Certified Athletic Trainer applied all ankle braces and ankle tapings. A closed basketweave with heel locks, adherent spray, and pre-wrap was used for all taping conditions.After the application of the ankle braces or taping, each subject performed two tests on the inversion and plantar flexion platform. A random order was used among the subjects. An ankle inversion platform was modified to induce 30 degrees of inversion and 35 degrees of plantar flexion simultaneously. The subjects will be filmed using a Locam 16mm at 200 frame/second. All subjects were filmed from the posterior plane with markings on the posterior aspect of the lower leg to help analyze the movement at the subtalar joint. A Calcomp 9100 series digitizer that was interfaced with a VAX computer was used to analyze the data and calculate the amount of angular displacement at the subtalar joint. An ANOVA with repeated measures was used to determine significant differences between support techniques. University procedures for the protection of human subjects was followed. ANOVA procedures indicated no significant difference in angular displacement between braces. A statistical analysis indicated that low top shoes provided significantly more support than high top shoes in braced ankles. / School of Physical Education

Previous research investigating the stability of the ankle joint complex may be categorised into two methodological groups, employing either an actuator to perturb the limb, or a form of standing balance disturbance such as a tilting platform, both of which test the joint in single degree of freedom (DOF). The aim of this thesis was to investigate how we control foot position and stabilise the joint when there is potential for movement in three DOF. A secondary aim of the thesis was to model the intrinsic mechanical properties of the ankle joint complex in three dimensions when coupled movement of the tibio-talar and talo-calcaneal joints are possible. This thesis details (i) the development of a perturbation rig that allows foot movement in single- or three-DOF with associated real-time visual target-matching software, and (ii) the use of the rig to investigate the stabilisation of the ankle joint complex in single- and three-DOF. The experimental procedure used a common task performed in three experimental conditions. Subjects were required to maintain a neutral foot position while developing varying levels of plantar-flexion torque. A perturbation was applied to the foot if subjects were within specified tolerance for both foot position and torque, represented by the visual display. Performance of the task in the first condition required the subject to only match torque as the foot position was fixed, with the perturbation being applied in dorsi-flexion (ie, single-DOF). The second experimental condition allowed the foot to move in the sagittal plane, hence subjects were required to control both torque and foot position in single-DOF, with perturbation applied in dorsi-flexion. The third condition enabled movement in dorsi/plantar-flexion, inversion/eversion and adduction/abduction (three-DOF) in both task and perturbation. Subjects were required to maintain the neutral foot position and the necessary torque level. There were three areas of interest common to each experimental protocol. The muscle strategy used to complete the task was investigated using a combination of surface and fine-wire electromyography on lower leg and thigh muscles. The 500ms period prior to perturbation was investigated to determine if synergies were evident between muscles such as medial and lateral gastrocnemius, soleus and peroneus longus. Two classes of activation strategies for the three-DOF condition emerged from the subject population: differential activation of the triceps surae group, and co-contraction. The former strategy may take advantage of the distinct morphology of the lateral gastrocnemius and peroneus longus muscles to best perform the position-matching component of the 3D task. The results suggest that the ankle joint is mostly stabilised in 3D by the intrinsic mechanical actions of the muscles producing plantar flexion moments. The muscles stabilised the foot in inversion, but not in eversion where there was very little motion. However, the different activation strategies employed may have varied efficacy in contributing to joint stability. This form of active stabilisation means that the previous literature focus on reflexes to stabilise the joint may need to be reassessed. Likewise, it may be appropriate to use the perturbation rig to quantify active ankle joint stability in order to assess the probability of ankle injury, rather than the current clinical measures employed. The reflexive response due to the perturbation was examined in the 200ms following perturbation. Variation in the modulation of monosynaptic reflexes was observed between subjects in various muscles in the higher DOF tasks. This is likely due to the differing activation strategies used to perform the task, and the variability in the kinematic response to perturbation. An attempt was made to calculate the intrinsic mechanical properties of the joint in 3-D using the kinematic and kinetic data during the first 15 ms period of perturbation. The system was modelled as a spring-damper using a constrained non-linear least squares, with stiffness and viscous terms for each axis, and inertial tensor elements as variables in the routine. The effect of increased muscle activation on the displacement of the foot about each of the anatomical axes was to significantly lower the movement of the sub-talar joint.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2014. / Aim: To determine the effect of long axis manipulation of the third metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) on articular surface separation, peri-articular soft tissue movement and joint cavitation. Participants: Forty two right-handed healthy individuals between 18 and 28 years of age from the Durban University of Technology campuses, KwaZulu Natal. Methodology: Written informed consent was obtained from each participant. A case history, physical examination and a hand and wrist orthopaedic assessment was conducted for each participant. Study specific data, such as sex, age, height and weight were recorded. A diagnostic ultrasound (US) scan was done to the left third MCP joint for each participant while distractive manipulation was applied to the joint. The presence or absence of audible release was noted and the tension levels applied to the joint was measured with a digital tension meter. Joint surface separation (JSS), synovial membrane position (SMP), gas bubble presence and location were assessed on the US recordings at baseline, just prior to cavitation, at maximum traction and in the post-traction resting joint. IBM SPSS version 20 was used to analyse the data. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare the means between the two groups and the associations were compared using Pearson’s chi square tests. A p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Long axis manipulation resulted in audible release in 22 of the participants (Group and no audible release in 20 of the participants (Group 2). No significant difference in joint surface separation or the synovial membrane position could be established between MCP joints that cavitated and MCP joints that did not cavitate at the baseline, as well as in maximum traction and in the post-procedure resting joint (p > 0.05; t-test). Hyperechoic gas bubbles were present in 21 of the 22 participants of Group 1 and no gas bubbles could be visualised in the participants in Group 2. The presence of intra-articular hyperechoic gas bubbles was highly associated with audible release (p < 0.001; Pearson’s chi square test). Due to the predefined features of cavitation, gas bubble inception was could not be detected in the Group 1 participants prior to cavitation. In Group 1, 95.5% of the gas bubbles were present in the middle third of the joint at maximum traction. At the post traction resting joint evaluation, no gas bubble was evident in 42.9% (n = 9) of the joints; 42.9% (n = 9) indicated bubbles were present only in the dorsal third, whilst 9.5% (n = 2) presented bubbles in the middle and dorsal third; and in one case gas bubbles were seen in the dorsal, middle and ventral thirds of the joint space. The mean manipulative force recorded in participants in which gas bubble inception took place during manipulation was 5.7 kg, and in those with no gas bubble inception was 12 kg. There was a significant difference between the mean traction force applied to those with and to those without a gas bubble appearance (p < 0.001; t-test). Conclusion: No significant differences were observed between the cavitation and non-cavitation groups for the joint surface separation and synovial membrane movement at various stages of manipulation. A significant association was established between the audible release of a joint that was manipulated and the appearance of intra-articular gas bubbles or micro-bubbles. The mean traction force that was required to cause cavitation was significantly lower than the force to which joints with no cavitation were tensioned. The findings concur with those of previous studies that cavitation is a necessary component of joint manipulation.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:35:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-08-31Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:46:17Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 michelin_e_dr_botfm.pdf: 503394 bytes, checksum: 413a52db063af4196e2ab3748e2aa1a6 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / 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... / 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)