The purpose of this study was to measure flexibility at the hip joint under four techniques of stretching, passive stretch-concentric contraction-passive stretch (PCP), passive stretch-three seconds isometric contraction of hip extensorsconcentric contraction of hip flexors-passive stretch (3-PIeCP) and passive stretch-three seconds isometric contraction of hip flexors-concentric contraction of hip flexorspassive stretch (3-PIfCP) based on proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and passive static stretch (P). Further, this study was designed to ascertain the effect of cold application (ice) in joint range of motion of the hip extensors measured with the Leighton Flexometer.

An experiment was performed to evaluate the relations between active range of motion (ROM) and upper limb anthropometric dimensions. Eight anthropometric dimensions, forearm length, distal and proximal forearm circumferences, wrist breadth, wrist thickness, wrist circumference, hand breadth, and hand length in combination with gender, wrist position, and direction of motion or exertion were evaluated to determine their effects on instant center of rotation (ICOR) and the magnitude of force exertion. The knowledge gained from analysis of the study data will be the first step in the formulation of a biomechanical model of wrist flexion and extension. Such a model would predict forces and torques at specific wrist postures and be employed to reduce cumulative trauma disorders of the wrist. Sixty right-hand dominant subjects (30 male, 30 female) between 20 and 30 years of age all reporting no prior wrist injury and good to excellent overall physical condition, were employed in this study. The upper limb anthropometric dimensions and ROM were measured and recorded for each subject. The anthropometric dimensions were compared to tabulated data. The measured active ROM values were compared with values in the literature. Correlation coefficients between pairs of anthropometric variables (by gender) were calculated. The mean active ROM measures, 164.0 deg for females and 151.8 deg for males, were significantly different (<i>Z</i> = 2.193, <i>p</i> = 0.014). The relationships between the anthropometric variables and active ROM were analyzed by three methods: correlation between ROM and each anthropometric dimension, prediction (regression) equations, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). No correlation coefficient between ROM and any anthropometric dimension was greater than 0.7. No prediction equation, based upon linear and quadratic combinations of anthropometric dimensions variables, was above the threshold of acceptability (<i>R²</i> ≥ 0.5). The results of the ANOVA showed a significant effect for gender. The ICOR had been hypothesized to be either in the head or neck of the capitate. The Method of Reuleaux was employed to locate the leOR points for flexion and extension (over the ROM) of the wrist with three load conditions, i.e., no-load, palmar resistance, and dorsal resistance. Analysis of the data, using ANOYA, showed that wrist position was the only significant variable. Thus, in future wrist models, the assumption cannot be made that the wrist is a pin-centered joint for flexion and extension. The static maximal voluntary contractile forces that can be generated by recruiting only the six wrist-dedicated muscles in various wrist positions were measured. There was a significant gender difference for the mean flexion force (<i>Z</i> = 4.00, <i>p</i> = 0.0001) and for the mean extension force (<i>Z</i> = 4.58, <i>p</i> = 0.0001). Females averaged 76.3 percent of the mean male flexion force and 72.4 percent for extension. The force data, categorized by gender, were then analyzed using three methods: correlation of variable pairs, regression equations, and ANOVA. None of the eight anthropometric dimensions and ROM was correlated with flexion or with extension force at an acceptable level. The prediction equations, linear and quadratic combinations of all possible subsets of anthropometric dimension values, ROM, and wrist position did not meet the minimum acceptable level of <i>R²</i> ≥ 0.5. The ANOVA procedure showed gender, wrist position, direction of force exertion, and the wrist position interaction with direction to have significant effects upon maximal force exertion. / Ph. D.

O Teste de Sentar e Alcançar (TSA) é o teste mais utilizado para avaliação de flexibilidade dos isquiotibiais, contudo, alguns fatores influenciam o seu resultado como o comportamento da coluna vertebral. Esta pesquisa objetiva determinar a contribuição da articulação do quadril, da coluna lombar e da coluna torácica na execução do TSA em jovens brasileiros. Foi realizado um estudo observacional descritivo com uma amostra composta por 195 rapazes de 18 a 19 anos. Para identificar a contribuição dos segmentos corporais no movimento de flexão do tronco, realizou-se juntamente com o TSA uma análise cinemática angular por meio de Fotogrametria. Para tanto, foi desenvolvido um protocolo de avaliação de ângulos de referência que foram transformados em percentuais de contribuição dos segmentos. Os ângulos e percentuais foram classificados em dois padrões de referência do TSA, os quais permitiram identificar que quanto melhor a classificação no TSA, maior a utilização do quadril e menor a utilização da coluna torácica. A coluna lombar manteve-se estável durante o movimento. Os ângulos e percentuais foram classificados também nas categorias de IMC, revelando que indivíduos obesos utilizam mais o quadril para realizar o movimento, pois não conseguem fazer compensação com a coluna torácica. Com base nos resultados, foi possível criar uma tabela de classificação dos ângulos e percentuais, que permitiu identificar compensações e padrões de movimento conforme a condição das musculaturas envolvidas. Pôde-se concluir que as contribuições médias da coluna torácica, da coluna lombar e do quadril na realização do TSA são respectivamente: 46,014%, 12,676%, 41,309%. Entretanto, a medida do TSA propriamente dita não permite esse detalhamento, pois seu resultado faz referência à flexão total do tronco juntamente com a flexão do quadril. Assim, recomenda-se que a avaliação da flexão da coluna torácica, da coluna lombar e do quadril seja realizada separadamente, por fotogrametria, com base no protocolo e parâmetros médios estabelecidos neste estudo, por meio da classificação de seus valores nas categorias propostas. / The Sit and Reach Test (SR) is the most widely used assessment of hamstrings flexibility, however, some factors can influence their results as a behavior of the spine. This research aims to determine the contribution of the hip joint, of the lumbar and thoracic spine in the execution of SR in young Brazilians. The descriptive observational study subjects were 195 young men from 18 to 19 years. To identify the contribution of body segments in flexion of the trunk it was evaluated the SR together with angular kinematic analysis through of Photogrammetry. To that end, we developed a protocol for evaluating reference angles that were transformed into percentage contribution of the segments. The angles and percentages were classified into two reference standards of the SR, which identified that the best ranking in SR, greater use of hip and lower utilization of the thoracic spine. The lumbar spine was stable during movement. The angles and percentages were also classified in the categories of BMI, revealing that obese people use more hip to perform the movement, because they cannot make compensation with thoracic spine. Based on the results, it was possible to create a table of classification of angles and percentages, which allowed for the identification and compensation movement patterns in accordance with the condition of the muscles involved. It can be concluded the contributions of the thoracic spine, lumbar spine and hip in performing the SR are respectively 46.014%, 12.676%, 41.309%. However, only the measure of the SR does not permit this detail because its result refers to the total trunk flexion and hip flexion. Thus, it is recommended that evaluation of flexion of the thoracic spine, lumbar spine and hip joint are performed separately by photogrammetry, based on the average parameters and protocol established in this study, through the classification of their values in the proposed categories.

O Teste de Sentar e Alcançar (TSA) é o teste mais utilizado para avaliação de flexibilidade dos isquiotibiais, contudo, alguns fatores influenciam o seu resultado como o comportamento da coluna vertebral. Esta pesquisa objetiva determinar a contribuição da articulação do quadril, da coluna lombar e da coluna torácica na execução do TSA em jovens brasileiros. Foi realizado um estudo observacional descritivo com uma amostra composta por 195 rapazes de 18 a 19 anos. Para identificar a contribuição dos segmentos corporais no movimento de flexão do tronco, realizou-se juntamente com o TSA uma análise cinemática angular por meio de Fotogrametria. Para tanto, foi desenvolvido um protocolo de avaliação de ângulos de referência que foram transformados em percentuais de contribuição dos segmentos. Os ângulos e percentuais foram classificados em dois padrões de referência do TSA, os quais permitiram identificar que quanto melhor a classificação no TSA, maior a utilização do quadril e menor a utilização da coluna torácica. A coluna lombar manteve-se estável durante o movimento. Os ângulos e percentuais foram classificados também nas categorias de IMC, revelando que indivíduos obesos utilizam mais o quadril para realizar o movimento, pois não conseguem fazer compensação com a coluna torácica. Com base nos resultados, foi possível criar uma tabela de classificação dos ângulos e percentuais, que permitiu identificar compensações e padrões de movimento conforme a condição das musculaturas envolvidas. Pôde-se concluir que as contribuições médias da coluna torácica, da coluna lombar e do quadril na realização do TSA são respectivamente: 46,014%, 12,676%, 41,309%. Entretanto, a medida do TSA propriamente dita não permite esse detalhamento, pois seu resultado faz referência à flexão total do tronco juntamente com a flexão do quadril. Assim, recomenda-se que a avaliação da flexão da coluna torácica, da coluna lombar e do quadril seja realizada separadamente, por fotogrametria, com base no protocolo e parâmetros médios estabelecidos neste estudo, por meio da classificação de seus valores nas categorias propostas. / The Sit and Reach Test (SR) is the most widely used assessment of hamstrings flexibility, however, some factors can influence their results as a behavior of the spine. This research aims to determine the contribution of the hip joint, of the lumbar and thoracic spine in the execution of SR in young Brazilians. The descriptive observational study subjects were 195 young men from 18 to 19 years. To identify the contribution of body segments in flexion of the trunk it was evaluated the SR together with angular kinematic analysis through of Photogrammetry. To that end, we developed a protocol for evaluating reference angles that were transformed into percentage contribution of the segments. The angles and percentages were classified into two reference standards of the SR, which identified that the best ranking in SR, greater use of hip and lower utilization of the thoracic spine. The lumbar spine was stable during movement. The angles and percentages were also classified in the categories of BMI, revealing that obese people use more hip to perform the movement, because they cannot make compensation with thoracic spine. Based on the results, it was possible to create a table of classification of angles and percentages, which allowed for the identification and compensation movement patterns in accordance with the condition of the muscles involved. It can be concluded the contributions of the thoracic spine, lumbar spine and hip in performing the SR are respectively 46.014%, 12.676%, 41.309%. However, only the measure of the SR does not permit this detail because its result refers to the total trunk flexion and hip flexion. Thus, it is recommended that evaluation of flexion of the thoracic spine, lumbar spine and hip joint are performed separately by photogrammetry, based on the average parameters and protocol established in this study, through the classification of their values in the proposed categories.

The purposes of this study were (1) to determine if three selected aerobic dance related conditions would result in chronic alterations of flexibility of college women and (2) to compare flexibility measures of college age females during a semester of aerobic dance instruction. Subjects were sixty-three college women enrolled in aerobic dance, bowling, and archery classes. Eight flexibility measures were obtained during the third and eleventh weeks of the experimental period. Data were analyzed by a factor analysis the Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and eight oneway analyses of covariance. Conclusions of the investigation were (1) a program of aerobic dance alone is not sufficient to promote flexibility, and (2) supplemental flexibility activities of ten minutes duration used with aerobic dance training are beneficial in increasing hip flexion.

Esta dissertação descreve o desenvolvimento de um goniômetro de enlace indutivo para medição de ângulos articulares. O goniômetro tem por objetivo medições de ângulos até 360° e a possibilidade de medição em articulações com mais de um grau de liberdade. Para isto utiliza como base o trabalho de Laskoski (2010) e os sistemas de navegação aeronáuticas. O experimento realizado por Laskoski (2010) efetua medições até 180° as bobinas precisam estar alinhadas. Os sistemas utilizados em navegações aeronáuticas utilizam a bússola eletrônica e o automatic direction finder, estes sistemas trabalham com grandezas na ordem de quilômetros. Este experimento visa adaptar os sistemas de navegação utilizando o campo magnético para poder efetuar medições de ângulo em pequenas distâncias. Os testes foram satisfatórios comparando os erros encontrados com os resultados dos experimentos de Laskoski (2010) e Carbonaro et al. (2014). O erro máximo em uma distância de 7,5 cm é de 10,6°e o desalinhamento entre a bobinas de +20° e -20° gera um erro de no máximo 1,71°. / This dissertation describes the development of an inductive goniometer for the measurement of joint angle. The goniometer aims to measure angles up to 360 ° and the possibility of measurement in joints with more than one degree of freedom. For this it uses as base the work of Laskoski (2010) and aeronautical navigation systems. The experiment performed by Laskoski (2010) makes measurements up to 180 ° and the coils need to be aligned. The systems used in aeronautical navigations use the electronic compass and the automatic direction finder, that systems work with magnitudes in the order of kilometers. This experiment aims to adapt the navigation systems using the magnetic field to be able to measure angles at small distances. The tests were satisfactory comparing the errors found with the results of the experiments of Laskoski (2010) and Carbonaro et al. (2014). The maximum error over a distance of 7.5 cm is 10.6 ° and the misalignment between the coils of + 20 ° and -20 ° generates an error of at most 1.71 °.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different strength training modes on joint range of motion. The problem of the study was to compare Nautilus to free-weight training modes in terms of selected joints' ranges of motion before and after an eight-week strength training program. The hypothesis asserted was that there was no difference between pre-test and post-test scores when comparing Nautilus to free-weight training modes. Subjects were thirty college-age students enrolled in beginning weight-training classes at the University of the Pacific. The subjects were acquired from intact classes and comprised two groups of 9 males and 6 females each. Pre-test and post-test flexibility measures were acquired by use of a Leighton Flex-o-meter and sit-and-reach protocols. Single joint measures of shoulder flexion, extension and abduction, hip flexion, extension and abduction, elbow flexion, knee flexion, and low back flexion were acquired. For eight weeks, two times per week, each class completed an 8 to 12 repetitions per each exercise protocol following the principles of training asserted by Nautilus. Pre-test data for all bilateral joints were statistically analyzed with paired t-tests in order to determine any differences. No significant bilateral differences were found; consequently, these data were converted to eight single measures of average range of motion of the joints respectively. Pretest data then were analyzed with two-factor ANOV A (group x gender) in order to determine if the two intact classes initially represented the same population. The only measure in which a group difference was found was shoulder extension (p

[Truncated abstract] Measuring the kinematics of joints and implants following orthopaedic surgery is important since joint motion directly influences the functional outcome of the patient and the longevity of the implant. Radiostereometric Analysis (RSA) has been used to assess the motion over time of various joints and implant designs following corrective orthopaedic and joint replacement surgery for more than 20 years in more than 10,000 patients around the world. While the use of RSA reduces the risk of implanting potentially inferior prostheses on a large scale, conventional methodological procedures are based on the acquisition of static, stereographic x-ray images that are not suitable for measuring skeletal kinematics in a dynamic manner. The purpose of this thesis was to design, validate and test a novel technique for dynamically assessing the skeletal motion of human subjects using RSA and single-plane digital x-ray video fluoroscopy. The validation procedure utilised two in-vitro phantom models of human joints capable of simulating normal kinematic motion. These phantom models were supplied with realistic spatial displacement protocols derived from cadaveric specimens. The spatial positions of a series of tantalum markers that were implanted in each skeletal segment were measured using RSA. Skeletal motion was determined in x-ray fluoroscopy images by minimising the difference between the markers measured and projected in the single image plane. Accuracy was determined in terms of bias and precision by analysing the deviation between the applied displacement protocol and measured pose estimates. ... The RSA and low dose single-plane fluoroscopy technique developed, validated and tested in this thesis is capable of dynamically measuring the kinematics of any joint in the human body, following the implantation of small metallic markers in the surrounding bone during corrective orthopaedic surgery. The kinematics of joints with replacement prostheses, such as the total knee replacement (TKR), can be analysed in addition to the kinematics of joints without replacement prostheses, such as the sacroiliac joint. The technique may be used in the future on groups of human subjects enrolled in controlled trials that are designed to analyse the kinematics of the shoulder, spine, hip, knee, patella or ankle joints for the purposes of quantitatively comparing the kinematics of different prosthesis designs and various corrective orthopaedic procedures.