Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-06T17:06:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ANDRESSA CONTREIRA.pdf: 1200440 bytes, checksum: bfbe393dbc8dee4336a126fecf854869 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This study aimed to investigate the health-related physical fitness and lifestyle habits of school children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Participated in the study 108 school children (36 boys and 72 girls), with mean age of 11,31 years, of a public school from Florianópolis/SC. The instruments used were the motor battery Movement Assessment Battery for Children Second Edition - MABC-2, tests of health-related physical fitness from PROESP-BR and the inventory of Lifestyle in Childhood and Adolescence LCA. The results were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, adopting a significance level of p<0,05. It was observed in motor assessment 73 (67,6%) students with Typical Motor Development , 24 (22,2%) with Risk of DCD and 11 (10,2%) with Probable DCD . About health criteria for BMI and flexibility, 83,3% and 75,7% students were classified in healthy zone, respectively, with a significant trend of boys in the risk zone for the flexibility test (p=0,043). For the abdominal strength/resistance tended to boys in the risk zone (p=0,004), but in the assessment of cardiorespiratory function no students reached the health criteria. It was found significant association for males in the activities play video game (p=0,001), play ball (p=0,001) and skateboarding (p=0,015), for female was found significant association in the activity go to the movies/shopping (p=0,021). The physical fitness performance of students with and without DCD showed significant differences between boys from groups TMD and probable DCD in the cardiorespiratory function test (p=0,013), with the worst performance being presented by the second one, which was also verified between girls in tests of flexibility (p=0,022) and cardiorespiratory function (p=0,003) for the same groups. In relation to the school children's lifestyle with and without DCD, it was found a significant association of the activity play videogame for the probable DCD group (p=0,002), in other activities the school children s habits were similar. For future research, it is suggested assessments of factors that, with what was shown in this study, help to better understand the difficulties of motor coordination and, based on this, building proposals of activities that contemplate the reduction of losses in the lives of children and adolescents who have motor difficulties. Among these factors stand out the levels of physical activity, sexual maturation, observation of physical activity as well as activities of daily living. This information can act as support for health actions in school. / Este estudo objetivou investigar a aptidão física relacionada à saúde e hábitos de vida de escolares com e sem Transtorno do Desenvolvimento da Coordenação (TDC). Participaram 108 escolares (36 meninos e 72 meninas), com média de idade 11,31 anos, matriculados em uma escola estadual de Florianópolis/SC. Os instrumentos utilizados foram a bateria motora Movement Assessment Battery for Children Second Edition - MABC-2, os testes de aptidão física relacionada à saúde do PROESP-BR e o inventário de Estilo de Vida na Infância e Adolescência EVIA. Os dados foram analisados por meio da estatística descritiva e inferencial, adotando um nível de significância de p<0,05. Na avaliação motora observou-se 73 (67,6%) escolares com Desenvolvimento Motor Típico , 24 (22,2%) com Risco de TDC e 11 (10,2%) com Provável TDC . Quanto aos critérios de saúde para IMC e flexibilidade, 83,3% e 75,7% dos escolares foram classificados na zona saudável, respectivamente, com tendência significativa de meninos na zona de risco no teste de flexibilidade (p=0,043). Para força/resistência abdominal houve tendência de meninos na zona de risco (p=0,004), já na avaliação da função cardiorrespiratória nenhum escolar alcançou os critérios de saúde. Ocorreu associação significativa a favor do sexo masculino nas atividades jogar videogame (p=0,001), jogar bola (p=0,001) e andar de skate (p=0,015) e a favor do feminino na atividade ir ao cinema/shopping (p=0,021). O desempenho na aptidão física dos escolares com e sem TDC evidenciou diferenças significativas entre os meninos dos grupos DMT e provável TDC no teste de função cardiorrespiratória (p=0,013), com pior desempenho sendo apresentado pelo segundo grupo, o que também foi verificado entre as meninas nos testes de flexibilidade (p=0,022) e função cardiorrespiratória (p=0,003) para os mesmos grupos. Em relação aos hábitos de vida dos escolares com e sem TDC, constatou-se uma associação significativa da atividade jogar videogame para o grupo provável TDC (p=0,002), nas demais atividades os hábitos dos escolares foram similares. Sugere-se para pesquisas futuras as avaliações de fatores que, juntamente com os apresentados neste estudo, ajudem a compreender melhor as dificuldades da coordenação motora e com base nisso construir propostas de atividades que contemplem a diminuição dos prejuízos na vida das crianças e adolescentes que apresentam dificuldades motoras. Dentre estes fatores destacam-se os níveis de atividade física, maturação sexual, observação da prática de atividade física, bem como das atividades de vida diária. Estas informações podem atuar como subsídios para ações voltadas à saúde na escola.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-06T17:07:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 RESUMO ABSTRACT.pdf: 25370 bytes, checksum: 5b120771fc63247ef1adb0d605d4434f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-07-20 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This study evaluates the relationship between growth and development of a motor skill in children who practice basketball and indoor soccer from the ages of 6 to 13 years old, by means of a new protocol originated from the EUROFIT Tapping Plate test. 59 children from the ages of 6 to 13 years old took part in the present causal-comparative and correlational research, who were divided into two groups: 31 basketball practicers (18 boys and 13 girls) and 28 boys indoor soccer practicers. All the children were submitted to measuring arms breadth, application of the test for diagnosis of hand preference and application of the Tapping Plate test in two different forms: the first one was employed in accordance with the distance established in 80 cm and the time of accomplishment for the 25 cycles (T1) was verified, the second one was employed in accordance with the distance adjusted in relation to the age and the pre-established time of 20 seconds (T2). Descriptive statistics was used for the data analysis, the T- test of Student for the independent samples and linear correlation of Pearson. The results indicate that, in relation to arms breadth there is no significant difference between boys and girls from basketball, but there is a difference between boys from the two modalities. In relation to the performance in the tests T1 and T2, the girls from basketball performed better than the boys who, in turn, performed better than the indoor soccer boys. The data indicated low to moderate correlation between arms breadth and the performance in test T1, for p < 0,01 and low to moderate correlation between arms breadth and performance in test T2, for p <0,05, indicating significance in relation to the girls from the basketball and the boys from indoor soccer. This finding allows the inference that the new protocol (T2) evaluated with better reliability the relationship between growth and motor development than T1, which suggests to the manager of the Tapping Plate test that an adjustment of the distances between the signs should be made in accordance with the children s age group, considering the same group of subjects or between subjects who present a similar cultural background. In general, the data demonstrate a moderate correlation between T1 and T2, which enables the validity of the new protocol, proposing an alternate option to the traditional test to measure the speed of superior members. / Avalia a relação entre crescimento e desempenho de uma habilidade motora em crianças praticantes de basquete e futsal entre 6 a 13 anos de idade, por meio de um novo protocolo oriundo do teste de Golpeio de Placas do EUROFIT. Participaram desta pesquisa causal-comparativa e correlacional, 59 crianças de 6 a 13 anos de idade, divididas em dois grupos: 31 praticantes de basquete (18 meninos e 13 meninas) e 28 meninos praticantes de futsal. Todas as crianças foram submetidas à mensuração da envergadura, aplicação do teste para diagnóstico de preferência da mão e aplicação do teste de Golpeio de Placas de duas formas diferentes: a primeira foi aplicada conforme a distância fixada em 80 cm e verificado o tempo de execução para 25 ciclos (T1) e a segunda forma foi aplicada de acordo com distância ajustada em função da idade e tempo pré-fixado em 20 segundos (T2). Para o tratamento dos dados utilizou-se a estatística descritiva, teste t de Student para amostras independentes e correlação linear de Pearson. Os resultados indicaram que, em relação ao tamanho da envergadura, não há diferença significativa entre os meninos e as meninas do basquete, mas há diferença entre os meninos das duas modalidades. Quanto ao desempenho nos testes T1 e T2, as meninas do basquete tiveram desempenho melhor do que os meninos do basquete e esses foram melhores do que os meninos do futsal. Os dados apontaram correlação baixa a moderada entre o tamanho da envergadura e o desempenho no teste T1, para p < 0,01 e correlação baixa a moderada entre o tamanho da envergadura e o desempenho no teste T2, para p < 0,05, indicando significância nas meninas do basquete e nos meninos do futsal. Esse fato permite inferir que o novo protocolo (T2) avaliou com maior fidedignidade a relação entre crescimento e desempenho motor do que o T1, sugerindo assim que, ao administrar o teste de Golpeio de Placas, se faça o ajuste das distâncias entre as placas de acordo com a faixa etária da criança, considerando um mesmo grupo de sujeitos ou entre sujeitos que apresentam aspecto cultural similar. No geral, os dados apontaram uma correlação moderada entre T1 e T2, podendo-se considerar que o novo protocolo é válido, sugerindo assim, uma forma opcional ao teste tradicional para medir a velocidade de membros superiores.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-06T17:07:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Cesare Marramarco.pdf: 453009 bytes, checksum: e9c1a15100eb49b78658f2987439b3a8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-09-19 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The present study had as a main objective to study the relation between the nutritional state and the motor performance of children from the city of Farroupilha,RS. The population of the study comprehends 3296 children between the ages of 5 to 10 years old, pertaining to the municipal schools of Farroupilha RS. The evaluation of the physical and nutritional growing were realized according to the Waterlow (1976) criteria, by means of the software PED, Pediatric Nutritional State Evaluation Program, developed by the Paulistan Medical School Center of Computer Sciences. It was considered the adequacy stature/age and weight/height, using as reference the curves of growth of the National Center of Health Statistics (NCHS). For the evaluation of the motor development, the sample was stratified, being composed by 287 children of both genders, pertaining to the schools of the urban and agricultural zone of the city. As evaluation instrument was used the Test of Gross Motor Development - TGMD-2 (ULRICH, 2000), as the praised procedures, being the children classified in accordance with the normative tables. The analysis of the stature, weight and nutritional state curves aloud to conclude that the population investigated has an adequate development, with low malnutrition indices. The analysis of the curves of stature, weight and the nutritional state had allowed to conclude that the investigated population possess an adjusted development, with low indices of unfed children, but indices above of the recommended of overweight children (12.3%). In relation to the motor development, the evaluated children had a performance below of the average (6,01±1,90) on the abilities of locomotion and poor (5,37±2,65) in the abilities of object control and poor (74,15±11,34) in the coefficient of ample regular. The boys had had statically significant performance better that the girls in the abilities of object control and in the gross motor quotient. Regarding the localization, the pertaining to school of the agricultural zone had gotten better performances in the locomotion abilities, in relation to the pertaining to school of the urban zone. When taken in account the nutritional state, differences statistically significant were observed for the eutrofic girls of the agricultural zone in relation to the overweight ones in the gross motor quotient and on the abilities of locomotion. This fact seems to be explained by the difference to be generated by abilities that involve the transport of all the body and demand greater mechanical work. / O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar o perfil de crescimento, estado nutricional e desempenho motor de crianças do município de Farroupilha,RS, bem como a influência do estado nutricional sobre o desempenho motor destas crianças. A população do estudo compreendeu 3296 crianças da faixa etária de 5 a 10 anos, pertencentes às escolas da rede municipal de Farroupilha-RS. A avaliação do crescimento físico e estado nutricional foi realizada segundo os critérios de Waterlow (1976), por meio do software PED, Programa de Avaliação do Estado Nutricional em Pediatria, desenvolvido pelo Centro de Informática em Saúde da Escola Paulista de Medicina. Considerou-se a adequação estatura/idade e peso/altura, tomando-se como referência as curvas de crescimento do National Center of Health Statistics (NCHS). Para avaliação do desenvolvimento motor foi estratificada a amostra, sendo composta por 287 crianças de ambos os gêneros, pertencentes a escolas da zona urbana e rural do município. Como instrumento de avaliação foi usado o Test of Gross Motor Development -TGMD-2 (ULRICH, 2000), conforme os procedimentos preconizados, sendo as crianças classificadas de acordo com as tabelas normativas. A análise das curvas de estatura, peso e o estado nutricional permitiram concluir que a população investigada possui um desenvolvimento adequado, com baixos índices de desnutrição, mas índices significativos de crianças obesas (12,3%). Em relação ao desenvolvimento motor, as crianças avaliadas tiveram um desempenho abaixo da média (6,01±1,90) nas habilidades de locomoção, pobre (5,37±2,65) nas habilidades de controle de objetos e pobre (74,15±11,34) no coeficiente de motricidade ampla. Os meninos tiveram desempenho estatisticamente significativo melhor que as meninas nas habilidades de controle de objetos e no coeficiente de motricidade ampla. Quanto à localização, os escolares da zona rural obtiveram desempenhos melhores nas habilidades de locomoção, em relação aos escolares da zona urbana. Quando levado em conta o estado nutricional, foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativa em favor das meninas das escolas de zona rural classificadas como eutróficas em relação às obesas no coeficiente de motricidade ampla e nas habilidades de locomoção. Esta diferença parece ser explicada pelo fato de ser ocasionada por habilidades que envolvem o transporte de todo o corpo e exijam maior trabalho mecânico de crianças obesas.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-06T17:07:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JULIANA DA SILVA.pdf: 1367802 bytes, checksum: 1f86afc96b973f5dce0615d49b9f9ff9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-06-05 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The objective of this study was to investigate motor performance, academic performance, and the sense of self-efficiency among elementary school students in a public school in São José, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The sample consisted of 406 children enrolled in the 2nd to 4th grades, aged 7 to 10 years (8.75 years; ±1.00), with 231 girls (8.74 years; ±1.02) and 175 boys (8.77 years; ± 0.99). Data was collected through three measurement instruments: Movement Assessment Batery for Children (MABC; HENDERSON & SUGDEN, 1992); Teste de Desempenho Escolar (TDE; STEIN, 1994) and Roteiro para Avaliação do Senso de Auto-eficácia (RASAE; MEDEIROS & LOUREIRO, 1999). The participants were characterized through consultation of their Scholastic Registry Files, made available by the school. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Based on normality tests, only non-parametric statistics were used: Mann-Witney s U, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-Squared (X2), Cramer s V, Gamma (_), and Spearman s p. In all analyses, a 5% (p<0.05) significance was adopted. We verified that the most frequent learning difficulties among participants were in writing (n=178, 43.8%), followed by arithmetic (n=146; 36%); and reading (n=101; 24.9%). The indicative incidence for general learning difficulty was 31.3% (n=127). No statistically significant associations between sexes were found concerning writing, arithmetic, and/or reading. However, in the general performance, girls obtained better results. The total values of the TDE point out a greater prevalence of difficulties among males; however, this was not shown statistically. Upon comparing motor abilities in both genders, we verified that girls showed better performances in the tasks which required balance, while the boys did better in activities involving a ball. The results were also verified in age groups. The 7-8 year old girls presented better balance, similar to the total sample results, as well as demonstrated better manual dexterities. On the other hand, boys in both age groups did better in ball abilities, when compared to the opposite sex. In what concerns motor performance classification, while the majority of the children had presented normal motor abilities, we verified that a percentage of the motor problems defined surpasses the levels pointed out in literature (4-6% incidence). There was co-occurrence of learning difficulties and motor problems, with statistically significant associations found in arithmetic, reading, and general learning. Concerning self-efficiency, one can attest that in this study, the greater the motor and academic performance demonstrated, the greater the self-efficiency. Based upon the high number of schools identified as having academic and motor difficulties, as well as the influence of self-efficiency in these factors, we suggest further study be undertaken, albeit with a probabilistic focus, seeking to present official estimates of the number of children in Brazilian schools affected with such problems, as well as means for subsequent intervention. / Este estudo objetivou investigar o desempenho motor, desempenho acadêmico e o senso de auto-eficácia de escolares das séries iniciais do ensino fundamental, de uma escola básica e municipal da cidade de São José/SC. Os participantes da pesquisa foram 406 crianças, matriculadas de segundas a quartas-séries do ensino fundamental, com idades entre 7 e 10 anos (8,75 anos; ±1,00), sendo 231 meninas (8,74 anos; ±1,02) e 175 meninos (8,77 anos; ± 0.99). Para coleta dos dados foram utilizados três instrumentos de medida: Bateria para Avaliação do Movimento da Criança (MABC; HENDERSON e SUGDEN, 1992); Teste de Desempenho Escolar (TDE; STEIN, 1994) e o Roteiro para Avaliação do Senso de Auto-Eficácia (RASAE; MEDEIROS e LOUREIRO, 1999). A caracterização dos participantes foi realizada por meio de consulta a Ficha de Registro dos Escolares, disponibilizada pela escola. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se estatística descritiva e inferencial. Com base nos testes de normalidade, optou-se por utilizar somente estatística não parametrica: U de Mann-Witney, Kruskal-Wallis, Qui-Quadrado (X2), V de Cramer, Gamma (_) e o _ de Spearman. Em todas as análises foi adotado um índice de significância de 5% (p<0,05). Verificou-se que o tipo de dificuldades de aprendizagem mais freqüente entre os participantes, foi em escrita (n=178, 43,8%), seguida, das dificuldades em aritmética (n=146; 36%) e leitura (n=101; 24,9%). A incidência de indicativo de dificuldades de aprendizagem geral foi de 31,3% (n=127). Não foram encontradas associações estatisticamente significativas entre os sexos, quanto ao desempenho em escrita, aritmética e leitura, porém, no desempenho geral as meninas obtiveram melhores resultados. Os valores totais do TDE apontam para uma maior prevalência de dificuldade por parte do sexo masculino, porém, não comprovada estatisticamente. Ao comparar o desempenho nas habilidades motoras entre os sexos, verificou-se que as meninas mostraram melhor desempenho nas tarefas que avaliaram o equilíbrio, enquanto que os meninos saíram-se melhor nas habilidades com bola. Estes resultados puderam ser verificados também, na análise por faixas etárias. As meninas com 7 e 8 anos apresentaram melhor equilíbrio, semelhante ao resultado total da amostra, além de se saírem melhor, também nas destrezas manuais. Os meninos, por sua vez em ambas as faixas etárias foram melhores nas habilidades com bola, em comparação com o sexo oposto. Referente à classificação do desempenho motor, embora a maior parte das crianças tenha apresentado habilidades motoras normais, verificou-se que o percentual de problemas motores definidos ultrapassou o índice apontado pela literatura (4-6% de incidência). Houve co-ocorrência de dificuldades de aprendizagem e problemas motores, sendo encontradas associações estatisticamente significativas nas dificuldades de aritmética, leitura e geral. Referente a auto-eficácia, pode-se dizer que neste estudo, quanto melhor o desempenho motor e acadêmico, melhor foi o senso de auto eficácia. Com base no alto número de escolares identificados com dificuldades acadêmicas e motoras, bem como a influência da auto-eficácia nestes fatores, sugere-se a realização de outros estudos, porém com cunho probabilístico, visando apresentar estimativas oficiais do número de afetados com estes problemas, em escolares brasileiros, bem como, meios para intervenção destes transtornos.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-06T17:07:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Resumo e Abstract Marcelo Duarte.pdf: 70777 bytes, checksum: 80e934850dff8bf9e993f8aa130fdbc1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-01 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The aim of this study is to investigate whether a relation exists between the scores on tests which assess physical fitness and motor performance of eutrophic children. 50 children have participated (25 male and 25 female), which were identified in the eutrophic nutritional state and aged between 7 and 8 years old. The variables used were strength of upper limbs, lower limb speed and strength of lower limbs and the "Test of Gross Motor Development - Second Edition (TGMD-2). The inferential Kendall tau statistics of correlation was used adopting &#945; <0.05. The results shows a relationship between the score of the run (TGMD-2 test) and the score of 20-meter race (Physical Fitness test), although that relationship exist its weak (0,209). It can also be noted that the score of the horizontal jump test of the physical fitness had a weak relationship with running, hop and leap (TGMD-2), however these relationships were negative (-0.259, -0.263, -0.207 respectively). Analyzing the underhand roll test (TGMD-2) and the overhand throw of medicine ball (Physical Fitness), there was a weak relationship. When it was decided to see if there was a correlation between the physical fitness score and the gross motor quotient of the TGMD-2, the results showed a weak relationship (0.249). However, the results of this study can be interpreted as evidence for a positive association between motor performance in fundamental motor skills and performance on tests of physical fitness in children. Further studies may be conducted in a longitudinal and transverse field, with a greater number of participants, and the results serving as support for physical educators and aimed the development of fundamental motor skills and therefore improve the physical fitness levels in childhood. / O objetivo do presente estudo é investigar se existe relação entre os escores obtidos em testes que avaliam aptidão física e os de desempenho motor de crianças eutróficas. Fizeram parte do grupo do estudo, 50 crianças, sendo 25 do sexo masculino e 25 do sexo feminino identificas com o estado nutricional de eutrofia e com idade entre 7 e 8 anos de idade. Como instrumentos utilizaram-se os testes de força de membros superiores, velocidade de membros inferiores e força de membros inferiores e o Test of Gross Motor Development Second Edition (TGMD-2). Foi utilizada a estatística inferencial de correlação de Kendall tau, adotando &#945;< 0,05. Os resultados demonstram uma relação entre o escore do corer (TGMD-2) e o escore da corrida de 20 metros (Aptidão Física), embora seja uma relação fraca (0,029). Nota-se também que, no escore do teste salto horizontal da aptidão física houve uma relação fraca com o correr, saltar com um pé e a passada (TGMD-2), entretanto estas relações foram negativas (-0,259,-0,263,-0,207 respectivamente). Analisando o teste de arremesso por baixo (TGMD-2) e o teste do arremesso de medicine ball (Aptidão Física), notou-se uma relação fraca. Quando se optou em observar se existia relação entre o escore geral da Aptidão Física e escore do Quociente Motor Amplo do TGMD-2, os resultados indicaram haver uma relação fraca (0,249). Entretanto, os resultados do presente estudo podem ser interpretados como uma evidência para uma associação positiva entre o desempenho motor em habilidades motoras fundamentais e o desempenho em testes de aptidão física em crianças. Novos estudos podem ser conduzidos, em um domínio longitudinal e transversal, com um maior numero de participantes, cujos resultados possam servir de suporte para os educadores físicos, visando o desenvolvimento das habilidades motoras fundamentais e conseqüentemente aprimorar os níveis de aptidão física na infância.

Title: Leisure time activities and motor performance among school aged children Objectives: The aim of the thesis is to evaluate a level of motor performance and leisure time activities among school children aged 12 - 14 years, on elementary school Boženy Němcové in Litoměřice. We want to know, if students with extended teaching of music and aesthetics will get worse results compared to students without extended teaching. Methods: Study presents empirical quantitative research and 86 students participate in it. Level of motor performance was determined by the test battery called Unifittest 6 - 60 and structure of leisure time activities was monitored by the part of the sociological questionnaire called COMPASS II. Amount of substucaneous fat was measured by the multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). We werified our hypotheses by the two sample t-test and with coefficient of effect size Cohens'd. Results: On the basis of evaluated results the statistically signifiant diference was not found in all hypotheses between comparator groups with level of significance (p ≤ 0,05). Cohens'd proved only small or no effect size, except for girls in Leger test where we proved medium effect size (d = 0,5). There wasn't signifiant diference in the structure of leisure time activities. Key words:...

Plusieurs travaux ont montré que les aires cortico-motrices, localisées dans le cortex frontal et responsables des mouvements volontaires, pouvaient être impliquées dans le processus de compréhension de mots d'action. De ce point de vue, il a été rapporté que la performance d'un acte moteur simple (e.g.: attraper un objet) pouvait être améliorée par la prononciation, la lecture ou l'écoute de mots évoquant une action. Nous avons approché la relation entre parole et action à travers l'étude de l'effet de verbes d'action ainsi que d'autres stimuli cognitifs, l'imagerie kinesthésique (IK) et la soustraction mentale (SM), sur la performance d'un acte moteur complexe, le Squat Vertical Jump (SVJ, ou saut vertical accroupi). Nous avons mesuré la hauteur du SVJ chez des hommes (7 expériences, n = 114) et des femmes (2 expériences, n = 41) à l'aide de deux systèmes de mesure, l'Optojump® et le Myotest®. Les résultats ont montré que la prononciation silencieuse et à haute voix du verbe d'action spécifique au SVJ (saute, conjugué à la première personne de l'impératif), ainsi que l'IK et la SM, améliorent significativement la performance du saut, chez les hommes (jusqu'à + 2,7 cm) et, de manière moins prononcée, chez les femmes (jusqu'à + 1 cm dans 2 expériences). Le reste des résultats obtenus avec les hommes ont indiqué que la prononciation du verbe d'action non spécifique au saut (pince) augmente également la hauteur en SVJ, alors que la prononciation ou l'écoute d'autres verbes sans lien avec le saut (lèche, bouge) n'ont pas eu d'effet significatif sur le SVJ. C'est également le cas du verbe d'état 'rêve et d'un verbe incompréhensible par les sujets (tiào : saute en Chinois) ou encore des verbes qui contredisent et/ou qui s'opposent au déroulement de l'action de sauter (tombe et stoppe). La hauteur du saut a été par ailleurs significativement impactée lorsque les sujets ont prononcé des verbes à fort attributs émotifs (gagne et son antonyme perds) / Several studies have shown that cortical motor areas, located in the frontal cortex and responsible for voluntary movement, might be involved in the process of understanding action words. From this point of view, it has been reported that the performance of a simple motor act (e.g.: catching an object) might be improved by the pronunciation, reading or listening to words referring to the action. We approached the relationship between speech and action through the study of the effect of action verbs and other cognitive stimuli, kinesthetic imagery (KI) and mental subtraction (MS), upon the performance of a complex motor act, the Squat vertical jump (SVJ). We measured the height of SVJ in young naive men (7 experiments, n = 114) and women (2 experiments, n = 41) using an Optojump® and a Myotest® apparatuses. The results showed that the silent and loud pronunciation of specific action verb to SVJ (jump), the KI and the MS improved significantly the performance of the movement, in men (up to 2.7 cm) but less in women (up to + 1 cm in the 2 experiments). The results of other experiments obtained with men indicated that pronunciation of the action verb nonspecific to the jump (pinch) increased also the SVJ performance, while the pronunciation or listening to other verbs unrelated to the jump (Jick, move) had no significant effect on the SVJ. A meaningless verb for the French subjects (tiao = jump in Chinese) showed, in turn, no effect as did dream, faJJ and stop. The verb win improved significantly the SVJ height as much as its antonym Jose, thus suggesting a possible influence of affects in the subjects' performance. It appears that the effects of the specific action verb jump did seem effective but not totally exclusive for the enhancement of the SVJ performance, since non-linguistic stimuli (IK) or unrelated to action (MS) may have had a positive effect on the improvement in motor performance. Moreover verbs referring to emotion, unrelated to action, increased the height of SVJ similarly to the specific action verb jump. The results led us to consider the hypothesis that improving the performance of a complex gesture is dependent, a minima, upon the individual's intention, attention, emotions and also, and perhaps most importantly, concepts (we call concepts, the mental representations) as they may be induced by the cerebral processing of words

Although fine motor performance declines with increasing age, older adults are able to improve their performance with motor practice. However, existing studies show mixed results regarding an effect of age on the amount of learning. Moreover, less is known about how age- and learning dependent behavioral changes are reflected on a neurophysiological level. Alpha and, especially, beta power assessed using electroencephalography (EEG) represent reliable markers of neurophysiological processes during motor task performance that need more attention in aging literature. Moreover, acute cardiovascular exercise has been shown to improve motor performance and trigger motor learning processes in young adults. However, this promising approach has not been considered in aging literature so far. Furthermore, the physical fitness level seems to be positively associated with motor performance and motor learning processes. But again, less is known about this association in healthy older adults. Both approaches might help to better understand or even counteract age-related changes in fine motor performance and motor learning. To explore these research topics, two empirical studies were conducted within this dissertation project. In both studies, motor performance and motor learning were assessed on a behavioral level using a precision grip force modulation task. The force modulation task required participants to match a visually presented sinusoidal target force by applying isometric force with the thumb and index finger to a force plate. Processes on a neurophysiological level were measured with an EEG and analyzed with a main focus on (alpha and) beta power. Study 1 aimed to further characterize age-related differences in fine motor performance and motor learning on a behavioral and neurophysiological level. Furthermore, key influencing factors that determine fine motor performance and motor learning in older adults on a behavioral level were investigated. Hence, a sample of young adults and older adults performed a short-term motor learning session, conducted a cardiovascular fitness test, motor fitness tests, and strengths tests. Study 2 focused on the effects of a session of acute exercise on fine motor performance and motor learning in a sample of healthy older adults. Participants were assigned to an experimental group (performing a session of acute cardiovascular moderate intensity exercise on a stationary bicycle) or a control group (listening to an audiobook). Both groups performed a motor learning experiment over two consecutive days. Young adults outperformed older adults in terms of performance variability, temporal precision, and force precision in the force modulation task. The lower behavioral performance was accompanied by higher beta activity in parietal and occipital areas. Although results were different with respect to the analyzed parameter, overall, the amount of motor learning in the force modulation task was not diminished in older adults compared to young adults. Beta power during motor performance was not affected by motor practice. However, beta power at rest increased from pre practice to post practice, especially in older adults. Fine motor performance of older adults was increased more directly after an acute cardiovascular exercise session than after rest. Moreover, frontal beta activity was higher directly after exercise, pointing to better cognitive resources to perform the task after exercise than after rest. Third, a high cardiovascular fitness level predicted a good fine motor performance in the force modulation task in older adults. Findings of the current dissertation project enhance the understanding of age-related changes in fine motor performance and motor learning using a precision grip force modulation task. Furthermore, approaches are presented that counteract age-related changes, improve motor functions, and determine good levels of fine motor performance in healthy older adults.

Over eight decades of research into total artificial hearts (TAHs) has significantly contributed  to saving end-stage heart failure patients. However, at the current stage of development TAHs have several limitations, one of them being their bulkiness. Hence this thesis, with the goal to evaluate the right pump of the TAH developed by Scandinavian Real Heart and propose a compact right drive system without consuming significantly more power than the initial system. In order to do this, the requirements for the right drive systems are evaluated and defined. These requirements are then used to develop a methodology, including a MatLab simulation, for examining and selecting motors for the drive unit of the TAH. Subsequently, the methodology and the simulation are used to identify and assess over 200 motors, as well as select 3 motors for real-world experimental analysis. The suggested motors and the initial motor are then tested in a mock circulatory loop to investigate the performance characteristics and power consumption of the motors. This is done to select the final motor for the right drive unit, as well as verify and validate the created simulation. Based on careful analysis of the mathematical models used in the simulation and presented experimental data, the simulation was accepted to be verified. However, the support for validation of the simulation was lacking, as conflicting outcome for some cases were observed between the simulation and experimental data. Furthermore, given the empirical evidence, a brushless dc motor for the right drive unit and its implementation was proposed. The proposed motor has 11% reduction in size, 20% reduction in power consumption and 34% reduction in weight compared to the initial motor. Therefore, a drive unit with the suggested motor can have a significant impact on the right pump, and potentially even the left pump. Furthermore, the utilisation of the developed simulation can ultimately result in efficient and cost-effective motor selection and provide valuable contribution to the field of drive system development for TAHs. / Över åtta decennier av forskning om totala artificiella hjärtan (TAH) har omfattande bidragit till att rädda patienters liv med kronisk hjärtsvikt. Dessvärre har TAH flera begränsningar i det nuvarande stadiet i utveckling där storleken är ett problem. Därav denna avhandling, med målet att utvärdera den högra pumpen av en TAH utvecklad av Scandinavian Real Heart, för att föreslå ett mer kompakt höger drivsystem utan att det ska förbruka väsentlig mängd mer energi än det ursprungliga systemet. För att åstadkomma detta, har de fysiologiska krav för den högra pumpen analyserats och utifrån den utförda analysen nya krav för drivsystemet har formulerats. Dessa krav har sedan lagt grunden till utveckling av en metodik, inklusive en MatLab-simulering, för att undersöka och välja motorer för drivsystemet av en TAH. Metodiken i samband med simuleringen har använts för att identifiera och bedöma över 200 motorer. Av dessa motorer har tre motorer valts för experimentell utvärdering. I den experimentella utvärderingen, prestandaegenskaper och effektförbrukning av samtliga valda motorer och den ursprungliga motorn har utvärderats i ett konstgjort cirkulationssystem. Syftet med den experimentella utvärderingen är att komma fram till en slutmotor, samt verifiera och validera den utvecklade simuleringen. Baserad på noggrann analys av de använda matematiska modeller i simuleringen och det presenterade experimentella data, ansågs simuleringen vara verifierad. Däremot saknades stöd för validering av simuleringen, på grund av en del motsägande utfall mellan simulering och experimentell data. Därutöver, utifrån den empiriska evidensen föreslogs en borstlös likströmsmotor och dess implementering för det högra drivsystemet. Den föreslagna motorn är 11% mindre i storlek, har 20% lägre effektförbrukning och väger 34% mindre än den ursprungliga motorn. Därför kan en drivenhet med den föreslagna motorn ha en betydande inverkan på den högra pumpen, och potentiellt även den vänstra. Dessutom kan den utvecklade simuleringen användas för att göra urval av motorer för TAH på ett produktivt samt kostnadseffektivt sätt och därmed bidra till framtida utvecklingar av drivenheter för TAH.

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