Thesis (M. S.)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2005. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Michael E. Hahn. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 61-67).

No description available.

Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- Auckland University of Technology, 2005. / Also held in print (xvi, 130 leaves, ill., 30 cm.) in Akoranga Theses Collection. (T 613.718 DOM)

No description available.

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the ratio of activation between the VMO and the VL during an open chain knee exercise (dynamic knee extension) and a closed chain knee exercise (lateral step-up). A secondary purpose of this study was to compare muscle activation during the concentric and eccentric phase of the exercises. The data obtained during the knee extension exercise was further analyzed to compare the activity of the VMO and VL during three ranges of knee flexion: 0° - 30°, 30° - 60°, and 60° - 90°. Electromyographic (EMG) data was collected while 20 Ball State University students, who were asymptomatic for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, performed the two selected exercises. A one way ANOVA showed no statistically significant difference between the VMO: VL ratio of the two exercises, but the lateral step-up did produce a ratio greater than 1.0. A one-way ANOVA indicated a significant difference between the RMS values of the VL for the concentric and eccentric phase of the knee extension exercise. Based on the results of this study, the lateral stepup and eccentric training could be used to selectively strengthen the VMO for the treatment of PFPS. / School of Physical Education

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on the structural and functional characteristics of skeletal muscle. More specifically, we analyzed the myosin heavy chain (MHC) and fiber type distribution of the vastus lateralis, measured single fiber cross sectional area (CSA), and determined the isokinetic and isotonic strength of the knee extensor muscles. Six sedentary subjects with MS (age: 44 ± 2 yrs) and six sedentary gender-matched controls (age: 46 ± 4) were evaluated. EachMS subject was rated on the Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and performed an 8-meter walk test to determine gait speed. Furthermore, the spasticity of the knee extensors was evaluated in each MS subject and weekly energy expenditure was estimated using the Yale Physical Activity Survey. Concentric and eccentric isokinetic strength of the right knee extensors (left in one MS subject) was determined at 60 and 180°/sec and a bilateral isotonic one-repetition maximum (1-RM) was evaluated in eachsubject. Muscle biopsies were taken from the right vastus lateralis (left in one MS subject) and individual fibers were dissected from these samples. Fibers were submitted to SDSPAGE with silver staining to determine MHC expression. Densitometry was performed on MHC hybrid fibers to determine the degree of co-expression. An additional section ofthe biopsy was stained for mATPase activity and further analyzed for single fiber CSA and fiber type. The mean EDSS score for the MS subjects was 5.4 ± 0.6 (range 3.5-6.5) and MS patients were slower than controls (p < 0.05) on the walk-test. AshworthSpasticity Scores ranged from 0 - 2. No differences were noted in weekly energy expenditure. The controls were 45 and 56% stronger than the MS group at isokinetic concentric velocities of 60 and 180°/sec (p < 0.05), respectively. The isotonic 1-RM andthe eccentric isokinetic contractions were not different between the two groups. There were no differences noted in any of the MHC isoforms or percentage of hybrid fibers. Furthermore, mATPase fiber type distribution and single fiber CSA were not different between the groups. There was a greater proportion of MHC IIx dominant MHC IIa/IIx fibers in the MS groups (p < 0.05). Multiple Sclerosis appears to result in large strengthdeficits, when compared to healthy individuals. Based on our findings, these strength differences cannot be explained by alterations in MHC/fiber type expression or decreases in fiber CSA. / School of Physical Education

Title: Strength asymmetries of female soccer players according to playing position Objectives: The aim of this diploma thesis was to characterize the unilateral and bilateral asymmetries of knee flexors and extensors in elite football players based on player positions and to define the characteristic isokinetic strength profile for each playing positions. Methods: The research group consisted of 66 female football players who play in the highest czech league. The players completed laboratory testing under the supervision of qualified experts, which took place according to the standard conditions described in the methodological part of this study. In the case of players, we examined the strength asymmetries in the flexors and extensors of the knee and compared them between the 4 basic positions in football. Results: After summing the data from all angular velocities (60ř.s-1 , 180ř.s-1 , 300ř.s-1 ) we found that 33% of our attackers had quadriceps asymmetries above 10%, which was the most of all posts. This is followed by goalkeepers with 28% and midfielders with 25%. The lowest percentage of quadriceps asymmetries was recorded in defenders 22%. Even in the case of hamstrings, we recorded the most asymmetries (> 10%) in attackers, up to 46%. For midfielders and defenders, it was the same result for...

The problem of the study addressed knee injuries in college football. Imbalance of the musculature surrounding the knee would predispose the athlete to knee injury. Recognition of those who have muscular deficiencies would be a primary way of preventing knee injuries. The focus of the study was to determine if there was a significant difference in peak isokinetic torque of knee flexor and extensor muscles across speeds (60 degrees/second, 180 degrees/ second and 300 degrees/second) of a college football team subsequent to participation in a spring football season.