Access to abstract is permanently restricted to Ball State communtiy only. / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

Sammanfattning Syfte och frågeställningar. Syftet med studien var att undersöka resultat vid och korrelationen mellan fem-minuters pyramidtest (5MPT) och maximalt syreupptagningstest (VO2max) på löpband på yngre friska individer. Vi ville även studera om det förelåg någon skillnad, inlärningseffekt, för de två testmetoderna vid en upprepad testomgång. Metod. I studien deltog 32 personer, 18 män och 14 kvinnor, i åldrarna 15–28 år. Deltagarna var inskrivna på utbildningar med inriktning mot fysisk aktivitet på antingen Värmdö gymnasium eller Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan i Stockholm. Testpersonerna utförde två 5MPT och två VO2max-test på löpband. Således utfördes totalt fyra tester, alla vid olika tillfällen med minst 48 timmar mellan. VO2max-testet på löpband är en direkt metod för bestämning av syreupptagningsförmågan med en given stegring av belastning enligt ett, för studien, utformat protokoll för hastighet och lutning. Utandningsluften analyseras via en on-line-utrustning, Oxycon Pro, vilket är en tillförlitlig metod för att mäta VO2max. 5MPT är ett test där individen under fem minuter från golvnivå så snabbt som möjligt förflyttar sig fram och tillbaka på en uppmätt sträcka på 5,50 meter med en centralt placerad pyramidformad trappramp, där högsta centrala höjd är 0,62 meter. Power (W) vid 5MPT räknas ut enligt en formel utifrån bland annat antal vändor och kroppsvikt. Resultat. En stark signifikant korrelation (r = 0,91) framkom mellan power vid 5MPT och VO2max på löpband. Vidare sågs en signifikant inlärningseffekt vid 5MPT med en förbättring på 2 procent, och vid VO2max-test på löpband med 1 procent, mellan första och andra testtillfället. I arbetet återfinns två framtagna ekvationer som är baserade på sambandet mellan uppmätt VO2max-värde på löpband och powervärdet vid 5MPT. Den ena ekvationen är beräknad på data från första testomgången och den andra ekvationen på data från den andra testomgången. Slutsats. Studiens resultat på yngre vuxna indikerar att 5MPT kan användas för att uppskatta en individs VO2max-värde, samt att en förbättring skedde mellan första och andra testtillfället i 5MPT och VO2max-test på löpband. Detta motiverar till att den framtagna ekvationen tillämpas för första testtillfället när endast ett 5MPT genomförs, samt att vid upprepad testning används ekvationen baserad på andra testtillfället. Resultaten är av stort värde då de visar att det, genom enklare medel och mindre kostsamma metoder, går att få ett mått på konditionsnivå som är av betydelse i olika hälsosammanhang. / Abstract Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results in and the correlation between the five-minute pyramid test (5MPT) and a maximal oxygen uptake test (VO2max) on a treadmill in young adults. We also wanted to investigate whether there was any difference in the two test methods when each test session was repeated. Method. The study enrolled 32 individuals, 18 men and 14 women, aged 15-28 years. The participants were students at Värmdö gymnasium or at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, both schools with a focus on physical activity. The participants performed two 5MPT and two VO2max test on a treadmill. Thus, a total of four tests were conducted, all at different occasions. VO2max test on a treadmill is a direct method for the determination of oxygen uptake. A designed protocol for increased speed and angle was produced. An on-line equipment, Oxycon Pro, was used for analyzing the exhaled air. This is a reliable method to measure VO2max. 5MPT is a test where the subject during five minutes as quickly as possible moves back and forth from floor level at a measured distance of 5.50 meters with a central pyramid-shaped stair ramp, with maximum central height 0.62 meters. Power (W) at 5MPT is calculated according to a formula based on, among other things, the number of laps and body weight. Results. A strong significant correlation (r = 0.91) was found between the power at 5MPT and maximal oxygen uptake on a treadmill, both at the first and the second test occasion. A significant improvement was seen at 5MPT by 2 percent, and maximum oxygen uptake test on a treadmill, by 1 percent, between the first and second test occasion. In the study we developed two equations that are based on the correlation between measured VO2max value on the treadmill and the power value at 5MPT. The first formula is based on data from the first test and the second equation on data from the second test. Conclusion. The results on younger adults indicate that 5MPT can be used to estimate the VO2max value for individuals. Due to the improvement, between the first and second test in 5MPT and in VO2max test on a treadmill, one can utilize the developed equation for the first time of testing when only one 5MPT test is performed, whereas during a repeat of the test one may use the formula based on the second test. The results are of great value because they show that you can measure the level of aerobic fitness with easy and less costly and time-consuming methods, which is of importance in various health contexts.

Atualmente são utilizados diversos equipamentos e implementos para treinamento de força. Os flexores do cotovelo apresentam enorme variedade de exercícios, cada qual apresentando diferentes características de torque externo. Na maioria dos casos, a escolha dessa característica aparenta não seguir nenhum critério pré-estabelecido para sua determinação, sendo que a variação desse torque externo é fator causador de grande influência na adaptação do músculo ao treinamento imposto. Com isso, a escolha de um exercício demanda conhecimento dos objetivos de treino, além do conhecimento das características musculares, no que diz respeito à possibilidade de produção de força e torque musculares. Esse estudo objetivou verificar o comportamento do torque muscular de flexão do cotovelo de indivíduos ativos e sedentários, comparando-os com a característica de torque externo de quatro exercícios usuais de flexão do cotovelo (Rosca Direta, Rosca Scott, Rosca Banco Inclinado e Rosca Polia). Além disso, visou-se comparar a capacidade de produção de torque entre as três posições da articulação rádio-ulnar. Assim, foi avaliado o torque concêntrico máximo de flexão do cotovelo, numa velocidade de 45º/s, num dinamômetro isocinético. A amostra contou com 20 universitários jovens e saudáveis, divididos nos dois grupos. As relações torque-ângulo encontradas para o grupo de ativos não apresentaram pico de torque e, sim, um platô que se prolonga por grande parte da relação. As relações torqueângulo encontradas para o grupo de sedentários apresentam um pico definido, ocorrendo, em média, entre 32º e 43º de flexão do cotovelo, porém com grande variabilidade. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as posições da articulação rádioulnar com relação à: ângulo de pico, taxa de acréscimo, taxa de decréscimo, torque final (sedentários) e torque absoluto. Apenas o grupo de ativos apresentou diferenças significativas entre as posições com relação ao torque final. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos com relação à: taxa de acréscimo e torque final. Houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos com relação à taxa de decréscimo, em todas as posições da articulação rádio-ulnar. Nenhum dos exercícios avaliados parece apresentar uma característica de torque externo condizente com quaisquer relações torque-ângulo encontradas nesse estudo. Assim, foi sugerida uma polia assimétrica, com raio variando de acordo com as taxas de variação média de torque encontradas na amostra, produzindo, assim, um torque externo que acompanha as características de produção de torque muscular. Nesse estudo, foi possível concluir que existe grande variabilidade com relação às variáveis inerentes às características de produção máxima de torque flexor do cotovelo. Assim, é possível que se faça inferências com relação à adaptação funcional obtida com o treinamento, o qual levaria a musculatura a apresentar um pico de torque mais bem definido e próximo aos 90º de flexão do cotovelo. Por outro lado, o sedentarismo faria com que o ângulo de maior produção de torque muscular se aproxime da extensão do cotovelo, numa característica de produção de força condizente com o trecho ascendente da relação forçacomprimento, atuando num ciclo alongamento-encurtamento. / Nowadays there are many types of equipment used to strength training. Especially the elbow flexors present great variety of exercises, each one with different resistance moment characteristics. In the majority of the cases, this characteristic of resistance moment does not seem to follow any criterion for its determination and its variation is a causing factor of great influence in the muscle adaptation to the imposed training. Thus, the exercise choice demands to know the objectives of the training and muscle characteristics, in respect to the possibility of muscle force and moment production. This aim of this study was to verify the elbow flexor muscle moment profile of actives and sedentary subjects, comparing it with resistance moment characteristics of four usual exercises of elbow flexion (Barbell Biceps Curl, Scott Biceps Curl, Lying Dumbbell Curl and Standing Cable Curl). Moreover, it was aimed to compare the moment production capacity between three forearm positions. Thus, it was measured maximal concentric elbow flexion moment, at 45º/s, on an isokinetic dynamometer. The sample was composed by 20 young and healthy students, divided in two groups. The moment-angle relationship founded in the active group did not show a moment peak, but a plateau that prolongs for great part of the relationship. The moment-angle relationship founded in the sedentary group showed a defined peak, occurring, on average, between 32º and 43º of elbow flexion, however with great variability. It was not founded statistic differences between forearm positions in relation to: moment peak angle, moment increase rate, moment decrease rate, final moment (sedentary) and absolute moment. Only the active group shown statistic differences between positions in relation to final moment. It was not founded statistic differences between groups in relation to: moment increase rate and final moment. There was statistic difference between groups in relation to moment decrease rate, in all forearm positions. None of the evaluated exercises seems to show an external moment characteristic suitable with any moment-angle relationship founded on this study. Thus, it was suggested an asymmetrical pulley, whose radius variation fit well with increase and decrease rates founded at this sample, producing, in this way, an external moment suitable with the capacity of muscle moment production. In this study, it was possible to conclude that occur great variability in respect to the variables inherent to the characteristics of maximal elbow moment flexion production. Thus, it was possible to infer in relation to functional adaptation gotten with the training, which would lead the muscle to present a most defined moment peak and closer to 90º of elbow flexion. Nevertheless, the sedentary would lead the moment peak angle closer to elbow extension, which force production characteristic would be suitable with the ascending limb of force-length relationship, undergoing a stretch-shortening cycle.

Submitted by Mayara Nascimento (mayara.nascimento@ufba.br) on 2016-06-07T13:11:12Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO_Caroline.pdf: 640194 bytes, checksum: 30e2f5e25d949d9b2d7617dc55d05e2c (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Alda Lima da Silva (sivalda@ufba.br) on 2016-06-13T16:51:21Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO_Caroline.pdf: 640194 bytes, checksum: 30e2f5e25d949d9b2d7617dc55d05e2c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-13T16:51:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO_Caroline.pdf: 640194 bytes, checksum: 30e2f5e25d949d9b2d7617dc55d05e2c (MD5) / Neste trabalho estudamos a relação entre a existência de tangências homoclínicas, continuidade da entropia topológica e existência de medidas de máxima entropia. Essencialmente, dos resultados de Bronzi e Tahzibi, um difeomorfismo com uma tangência homoclínica associada a um conjunto básico hiperbólico é ponto de variação da entropia se e somente se a peça básica tem entropia topológica total. Mais ainda, seguindo Buzzi, usamos tangências homoclínicas para construir difeomorfismos em dimensão 2 que não tenham medida de entropia maximal.

Submitted by Marcos Samuel (msamjunior@gmail.com) on 2016-06-08T11:16:53Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Moacyr.pdf: 1608552 bytes, checksum: a4afd9775a3c57dd8a7072c86fe48dfe (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Alda Lima da Silva (sivalda@ufba.br) on 2016-06-13T17:23:58Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Moacyr.pdf: 1608552 bytes, checksum: a4afd9775a3c57dd8a7072c86fe48dfe (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-13T17:23:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Moacyr.pdf: 1608552 bytes, checksum: a4afd9775a3c57dd8a7072c86fe48dfe (MD5) / Seja c a classe de nilpotência do grupo G. É fácil observar que, se a ordem do grupo G é pm, o número c é sempre menor ou igual a m-1. Um p-grupo finito se chama de classe maximal se sua classe é igual a m-1. Nos p-grupos de classe maximal é possível definir uma série G = G0 > G1 > G2 > G3 > .... > Gm-1 = 1, onde G1 é o centralizador em G de γ2(G)/γ4(G) e Gi = γi(G), para i ≥ 2; como de costume γi(G) é o i-ésimo termo da série central inferior. Definimos o grau de comutatividade de G por l(G) = max{k | [Gi,Gj] ≤ Gi+j+k i ≥ 1, j ≥ 1}. O trabalho será sobre a pesquisa de uma limitação inferior para l(G) em função de m e do primo p, e mostrará dois resultados: o primeiro, devido a Leedham-Green e McKay, e o segundo, atribuído a Fernández-Alcober.

Atualmente são utilizados diversos equipamentos e implementos para treinamento de força. Os flexores do cotovelo apresentam enorme variedade de exercícios, cada qual apresentando diferentes características de torque externo. Na maioria dos casos, a escolha dessa característica aparenta não seguir nenhum critério pré-estabelecido para sua determinação, sendo que a variação desse torque externo é fator causador de grande influência na adaptação do músculo ao treinamento imposto. Com isso, a escolha de um exercício demanda conhecimento dos objetivos de treino, além do conhecimento das características musculares, no que diz respeito à possibilidade de produção de força e torque musculares. Esse estudo objetivou verificar o comportamento do torque muscular de flexão do cotovelo de indivíduos ativos e sedentários, comparando-os com a característica de torque externo de quatro exercícios usuais de flexão do cotovelo (Rosca Direta, Rosca Scott, Rosca Banco Inclinado e Rosca Polia). Além disso, visou-se comparar a capacidade de produção de torque entre as três posições da articulação rádio-ulnar. Assim, foi avaliado o torque concêntrico máximo de flexão do cotovelo, numa velocidade de 45º/s, num dinamômetro isocinético. A amostra contou com 20 universitários jovens e saudáveis, divididos nos dois grupos. As relações torque-ângulo encontradas para o grupo de ativos não apresentaram pico de torque e, sim, um platô que se prolonga por grande parte da relação. As relações torqueângulo encontradas para o grupo de sedentários apresentam um pico definido, ocorrendo, em média, entre 32º e 43º de flexão do cotovelo, porém com grande variabilidade. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as posições da articulação rádioulnar com relação à: ângulo de pico, taxa de acréscimo, taxa de decréscimo, torque final (sedentários) e torque absoluto. Apenas o grupo de ativos apresentou diferenças significativas entre as posições com relação ao torque final. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos com relação à: taxa de acréscimo e torque final. Houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos com relação à taxa de decréscimo, em todas as posições da articulação rádio-ulnar. Nenhum dos exercícios avaliados parece apresentar uma característica de torque externo condizente com quaisquer relações torque-ângulo encontradas nesse estudo. Assim, foi sugerida uma polia assimétrica, com raio variando de acordo com as taxas de variação média de torque encontradas na amostra, produzindo, assim, um torque externo que acompanha as características de produção de torque muscular. Nesse estudo, foi possível concluir que existe grande variabilidade com relação às variáveis inerentes às características de produção máxima de torque flexor do cotovelo. Assim, é possível que se faça inferências com relação à adaptação funcional obtida com o treinamento, o qual levaria a musculatura a apresentar um pico de torque mais bem definido e próximo aos 90º de flexão do cotovelo. Por outro lado, o sedentarismo faria com que o ângulo de maior produção de torque muscular se aproxime da extensão do cotovelo, numa característica de produção de força condizente com o trecho ascendente da relação forçacomprimento, atuando num ciclo alongamento-encurtamento. / Nowadays there are many types of equipment used to strength training. Especially the elbow flexors present great variety of exercises, each one with different resistance moment characteristics. In the majority of the cases, this characteristic of resistance moment does not seem to follow any criterion for its determination and its variation is a causing factor of great influence in the muscle adaptation to the imposed training. Thus, the exercise choice demands to know the objectives of the training and muscle characteristics, in respect to the possibility of muscle force and moment production. This aim of this study was to verify the elbow flexor muscle moment profile of actives and sedentary subjects, comparing it with resistance moment characteristics of four usual exercises of elbow flexion (Barbell Biceps Curl, Scott Biceps Curl, Lying Dumbbell Curl and Standing Cable Curl). Moreover, it was aimed to compare the moment production capacity between three forearm positions. Thus, it was measured maximal concentric elbow flexion moment, at 45º/s, on an isokinetic dynamometer. The sample was composed by 20 young and healthy students, divided in two groups. The moment-angle relationship founded in the active group did not show a moment peak, but a plateau that prolongs for great part of the relationship. The moment-angle relationship founded in the sedentary group showed a defined peak, occurring, on average, between 32º and 43º of elbow flexion, however with great variability. It was not founded statistic differences between forearm positions in relation to: moment peak angle, moment increase rate, moment decrease rate, final moment (sedentary) and absolute moment. Only the active group shown statistic differences between positions in relation to final moment. It was not founded statistic differences between groups in relation to: moment increase rate and final moment. There was statistic difference between groups in relation to moment decrease rate, in all forearm positions. None of the evaluated exercises seems to show an external moment characteristic suitable with any moment-angle relationship founded on this study. Thus, it was suggested an asymmetrical pulley, whose radius variation fit well with increase and decrease rates founded at this sample, producing, in this way, an external moment suitable with the capacity of muscle moment production. In this study, it was possible to conclude that occur great variability in respect to the variables inherent to the characteristics of maximal elbow moment flexion production. Thus, it was possible to infer in relation to functional adaptation gotten with the training, which would lead the muscle to present a most defined moment peak and closer to 90º of elbow flexion. Nevertheless, the sedentary would lead the moment peak angle closer to elbow extension, which force production characteristic would be suitable with the ascending limb of force-length relationship, undergoing a stretch-shortening cycle.

In this thesis we use the natural equivalence of fuzzy subgroups studied by Murali and Makamba [25] to characterize fuzzy subgroups of some finite groups. We focus on the determination of the number of equivalence classes of fuzzy subgroups of some selected finite groups using this equivalence relation and its extension. Firstly we give a brief discussion on the theory of fuzzy sets and fuzzy subgroups. We prove a few properties of fuzzy sets and fuzzy subgroups. We then introduce the selected groups namely the symmetric group 3 S , dihedral group 4 D , the quaternion group Q8 , cyclic p-group pn G = Z/ , pn qm G = Z/ + Z/ , p q r G Z Z Z n m = / + / + / and pn qm r s G = Z/ + Z/ + Z/ where p,q and r are distinct primes and n,m, s Î N/ . We also present their subgroups structures and construct lattice diagrams of subgroups in order to study their maximal chains. We compute the number of maximal chains and give a brief explanation on how the maximal chains are used in the determination of the number of equivalence classes of fuzzy subgroups. In determining the number of equivalence classes of fuzzy subgroups of a group, we first list down all the maximal chains of the group. Secondly we pick any maximal chain and compute the number of distinct fuzzy subgroups represented by that maximal chain, expressing each fuzzy subgroup in the form of a keychain. Thereafter we pick the next maximal chain and count the number of equivalence classes of fuzzy subgroups not counted in the first chain. We proceed inductively until all the maximal chains have been exhausted. The total number of fuzzy subgroups obtained in all the maximal chains represents the number of equivalence classes of fuzzy subgroups for the entire group, (see sections 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.6, 3.2.8, 3.2.9, 3.2.15, 3.16 and 3.17 for the case of selected finite groups). We study, establish and prove the formulae for the number of maximal chains for the groups pn qm G = Z/ + Z/ , p q r G Z Z Z n m = / + / + / and pn qm r s G = Z/ + Z/ + Z/ where p,q and r are distinct primes and n,m, s Î N/ . To accomplish this, we use lattice diagrams of subgroups of these groups to identify the maximal chains. For instance, the group pn qm G = Z/ + Z/ would require the use of a 2- dimensional rectangular diagram (see section 3.2.18 and 5.3.5), while for the group pn qm r s G = Z/ + Z/ + Z/ we execute 3- dimensional lattice diagrams of subgroups (see section 5.4.2, 5.4.3, 5.4.4, 5.4.5 and 5.4.6). It is through these lattice diagrams that we identify routes through which to carry out the extensions. Since fuzzy subgroups represented by maximal chains are viewed as keychains, we give a brief discussion on the notion of keychains, pins and their extensions. We present propositions and proofs on why this counting technique is justifiable. We derive and prove formulae for the number of equivalence classes of the groups pn qm G = Z/ + Z/ , p q r G Z Z Z n m = / + / + / and pn qm r s G = Z/ + Z/ + Z/ where p,q and r are distinct primes and n,m, s Î N/ . We give a detailed explanation and illustrations on how this keychain extension principle works in Chapter Five. We conclude by giving specific illustrations on how we compute the number of equivalence classes of a fuzzy subgroup for the group p2 q2 r 2 G = Z/ + Z/ + Z/ from the number of fuzzy subgroups of the group p q r G = Z/ + Z/ + Z/ 1 2 2 . This illustrates a general technique of computing the number of fuzzy subgroups of G = Z/ + Z/ + Z/ from the number of fuzzy subgroups of 1 -1 = / + / + / pn qm r s G Z Z Z . Our illustration also shows two ways of extending from a lattice diagram of 1 G to that of G .

Bakgrund: Marklyft är en funktionell helkroppsövning som används vid rehabilitering såvälsom vid träning för styrkeökning. Övningen ställer höga krav på aktivering av bålmuskulatur. Vid utförande av marklyft används ofta andningstekniken Valsalva manövern med syfte att stabilisera bålen för att tillåta till maximal kraftproduktion. Vid en utförd Valsalva manöverhar det intra abdominala trycket visats öka jämfört med andra andningstekniker. Maximalexpiration är en andningsteknik som vanligtvis inte används vid marklyft men som visats geen ökad aktivering av bålmuskulaturen. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att undersökamuskelaktivering av bålmuskulatur vid marklyft mellan tre olika andningstekniker. Metod: Fyra personer rekryterades till studien. Deltagare utförde marklyft i samband med en Valsalva manöver samt en maximal expiration vid belastningar på 50 och 70% av 1RM. I sambandmed marklyften mättes EMG aktiviteten av transversus abdominis/obliquus internus,obliquus externus, lumbala multifider och erector spinae. Resultat: Samtliga deltagareuppvisade en högre EMG aktivitet mätt i % av den maximala volontära kontraktionen avstuderad muskulatur när marklyftet utfördes i samband med en maximal expiration.Konklusion: Resultatet av studien tyder på att andningstekniken som används vid ettmarklyft har en effekt på rekryteringen av stabiliserande bålmuskulatur. Vid en maximal expiration sågs en högre aktivering av musklerna transversus abdominis/obliquus internus, obliquus externus, lumbala multifider och erector spinae. Ytterligare forskning krävs för attdra en slutsats angående exakt vilken effekt andningstekniker har på muskelrekrytering ochprestation vid marklyft.

The purposes of this dissertation were to 1) determine what tapering and peaking practices appear to be most effective via systematic review, 2) to identify the tapering and peaking practices used by North American powerlifters, 3) to experimentally compare muscular adaptations and performance changes following two different training cessation periods, and 4) to experimentally compare the two most common taper models following a training program aimed at peaking maximal strength. Based on the scientific literature, a step and exponential taper appeared to be the most effective tapering models used when volume-load is reduced by half over 2±1 week. Interestingly, North American powerlifters reported that the step taper was most often used while reducing volume-load by 41-50% over 7-10 days. Furthermore experimentally, there were no changes in lower body maximal strength following 3 or 5 days of training cessation. However, upper body maximal strength decreased following 5 days of training cessation. Thus, at the end of a taper, a training cessation period of 3 days appears to be effective for maintaining upper and lower body maximal strength. Furthermore, a work-matched step taper and exponential taper produced similar outcomes for 1RM back squat, bench press, and deadlift, powerlifting total and Wilks Score in strength athletes, yet deadlift 1RM changes favored the exponential taper. However, there were clear physiological differences observed at the whole muscle and muscle fiber levels that appeared to contribute to performance outcomes. This was one of the first investigations demonstrating whole muscle and muscle fiber hypertrophy following a peaking program in strength athletes. Immunohistochemical and immunoblotting analyses demonstrated an increase in myosin-heavy chain IIA content with concomitant decreases in myosin-heavy chain I and IIX content, particularly following the step-taper. These myosin isoform shifts towards a faster, higher quality phenotype were related to changes in underlying myocellular signaling (i.e. Sox6 upregulation, micro RNA-499a downregulation) responsible for fiber-type transitions. These findings indicate a shorter taper may produce favorable muscular adaptations followed by a period of short-term training cessation to prevent the loss of taper-induced performance adaptations. Overall, the findings from these investigations support the use of tapering to enhance maximal strength.

Bakgrund: Statisk stretching har visat sig ha en positiv effekt på rörlighet, styrka och spänst när stretching utförts med hög mängd och intensitet. Stretching under kortare perioder innehållande mindre mängd är inte lika välstuderat. Att undersöka effekten av en mindre mängd statisk stretching skulle kunna vara användbart för fysioterapeuter. Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka vad unilateral statisk stretching av vadmuskulaturen har för effekter på maximal isometrisk styrka i plantarflexion, rörlighet i dorsalflexion och spänst. Metod: Fyra deltagare inkluderades och fick stretcha ett av sina ben över en tre veckors period i 10 minuter dagligen, benet valdes slumpmässigt. Före och efter interventionen mättes unilateral isometrisk styrka och rörlighet i deltagarnas vadmuskulatur samt spänst på ett ben. Resultat: Deltagarnas isometriska styrka minskade för interventionsbenet i medianvärde (-3,0%), medan kontrollbenets styrka ökade (6,9%). Spänsten för deltagarnas interventionsben ökade (5,9%) och kontrollbenets spänst minskade (-0,7%). En ökning i rörlighet kunde ses för interventionsbenet (21,2%) medan ingen ändring sågs för kontrollbenet (0%). Konklusion: Intensiv statisk av plantarflexorerna utförd över en treveckorsperiod gav en tydlig ökning av rörlighet i dorsalflexion medan inga tydliga effekter på styrka eller spänst kunde ses på gruppnivå. Fler studier inom området behövs där mängden, intensiteten och frekvensen av statisk stretching som krävs för att utveckla dessa kvaliteter utreds med fler och en större spridning av deltagare, för att få ett mer signifikant resultat.