Abstract The aim of this study was to examine lifestyle risk factors for low bone mass, falls and fractures, and to determine the effect of 30-month exercise trial on bone mass, balance, muscle strength and gait in elderly women. Reliability of an inclinometric method for assessing postural sway was evaluated. Data on risk factors, falls and fractures were collected by questionnaires, and calcaneus and radius bone mass were measured from 1,222 women. Lifetime physical activity, low occupational physical activity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hormone replacement, thyroid hormone and thiazide use were associated with increased bone mass, while low current physical activity, high coffee intake and late menarche were associated with low bone mass in lean women. Factors associated with fractures were: low lifetime habitual physical activity, diabetes, living alone and calcaneum bone mass. One hundred and sixty women with low femoral neck bone mass were randomly assigned to the exercise group (n = 84) or to the control group (n = 76). The outcomes included radius, proximal femur and calcaneus bone mass, postural sway, muscle strength, gait speed and endurance. Bone mineral density (BMD) at proximal femur decreased in the control group, while no change occurred in the exercise group. Mean trochanter bone mineral content (BMC) decreased more in the control group. The women in the exercise group improved their performance in walking speed and endurance, body sway and leg strength compared to the control group. There were six falls that resulted in fractures in the exercise group and 16 in the control group. The inclinometric method proved to be reliable. In conclusion, lifestyle factors are determinants of bone mass in lean elderly women. Long-term exercise has a site-specific effect on BMC but not on BMD in elderly women. Weight-bearing exercise can modify risk factors for fractures, and may even prevent fall-related fractures in elderly women.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Aim: The aim of this study was to determine if a chiropractic adjustment had an effect on muscle strength. The study then aimed to compare the effects a resistance training protocol, to a chiropractic adjustment, to a combination of these two treatments on the neck strength of individuals with cervical facet syndrome. Method: This study consisted of three groups of 10 participants each. The participants were grouped by stratified sampling to balance the groups in terms of age and gender. The participants ranged in age from 22 to 28 years. There were 18 male and 12 female participants. Participants were examined and accepted into the trail according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Treatment was allocated according to groupings. Group 1 received a resistance training protocol, group 2 received chiropractic adjustment only and group 3 received a combination of both treatments. Procedure: Treatment consisted of 6 treatment sessions and a 7th follow up session, over a three week period. Participants in group 1 and 3 were instructed to perform the demonstrated resistance training protocol 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Participants in group 2 and 3 received chiropractic adjustments to hypomobile cervical spine segments, twice a week for three weeks. Cervical range of motion (CROM) was mesured using a CROM device and strength readings were measured using a hand held isometric dynamometer. Measurements were recorded on the 1st, 4th and 7th visits. All participants were required to fill in a Vernon-Mior Neck Disability Index (NDI) on the 1st and 7th visits. The data collected was analysed by a statistician. Results: Analysis of the Vernon-Mior NDI intra-group results showed that all three groups were effective in reducing cervical pain and disability. There was no statistical difference in improvement between the groups. CROM results indicated that all three groups successfully increased cervical range of motion. The combination group had the greatestimprovement, followed by the adjustment group and lastly the resistance training group. The combination group showed statistical improvements in all ranges of motion at visit 4 while this was only achieved by the resistance training group at visit 7. In the adjustment group statistical changes in flexion, extension and lateral flexion were only noted at visit 7, however in rotation, statistical improvements were noted at visit 4. Isometric dynamometer analysis showed that all 3 groups did show a statistically significant increase in cervical muscle strength. The combination group provided the greatest gains, followed by the adjustment group. The smallest gains were seen in the resistance training group. Statistical changes in the resistance training group were only measured at visit 7, while in the combination and adjustment group, these changes were noted by visit 4. Conclusion: Chiropractic adjustment was effective in increasing neck strength. Of the 3 groups, the combination treatment proved to be the most effective method of improving neck strength in individuals with cervical facet syndrome. Of the two individual treatments, chiropractic adjustment was more effective in terms of both strength gains and time taken to achieve these results, than the resistance training protocol.

M.Tech. / Purpose: To determine the effect of Chiropractic spinal adjustive therapy (SAT) of the lumbar spine and Sacroiliac joints on performance utilising indicators such as vertical jump height and T-test time of moderate to highly active sport participants. It has been suggested that a dysfunctional vertebral subluxation complex can cause a decrease in performance. The decreased performance may be due to dysfunctional biomechanics and altered neurological functioning of the lumbar spine and Sacroiliac joints. Methods: A randomised study design with thirty asymptomatic male subjects, which were moderate to highly active as indicated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), participated in this study. Participants were divided into two equal groups, group A (n=15) received Chiropractic SAT of the lumbar spine and Sacroiliac joints, group B (n=15) were rested for five minutes. The study design consisted of six consultations, with intervention being applied at each consultation between objective measurements. Objective data was obtained by the vertical jump test and T-test which determined participant’s explosive power and agility respectively. Objective data was obtained before and after intervention on each of the six consultations. The immediate effect of intervention was represented by the before versus the after measurements of consultations. The short term effect was represented by comparing the before values of consultation one (baseline) to consultation six. Results: The objective results showed that there was a short term and immediate improvement in vertical jump height and T-test time of both groups. With vertical jump height group A showed an immediate mean improvement of 3.845 cm (7%) and a short term mean improvement of 0.74 cm (1%); group B showed an immediate mean improvement of 1.6 cm (3%) and a short term mean improvement of 1.47 cm (3%). With the T-test time group A showed an immediate mean improvement of 0.433 s (4%) and a short term mean improvement v of 0.673 (6%); group B showed a immediate mean improvement of 0.1745 s (2%) and a short term mean improvement of 0.6 s (5%). Conclusion: Although results obtained were not statistically significant (p>0.05), it demonstrated from a clinical perspective that interventions caused an improvement in jump height and T-test time in both groups. Group A showed a greater improvement in every aspect, except in the short term effect of Chiropractic SAT on vertical jump height. It is therefore postulated that improvements noted were as a result of the adjustment providing an enhanced biomechanical and neurological advantage, and therefore in performance indicators such as the vertical jump test and T-test in the participants.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Purpose: This study aims to compare the effects of spinal manipulation versus mobilization of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac (SI) joints on the contractile strength of the hamstring muscle group with regards to strength and flexibility. Method: This study consisted of 2 groups of 15 participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years of age. Males and females were first separated to ensure equal male to female ratios within each group. The potential participants were examined and accepted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The method of treatment administered to each group was determined by group allocation. Group 1 received spinal manipulation directed towards restrictions located within the lumbar spine and/or SI joints. Group 2 received spinal mobilization directed towards restrictions located within the lumbar spine and/or SI joints. Procedure: Treatment consisted of 4 treatment sessions with an additional follow up visit over a 2 week period. Objective data was recorded on visit 1 before and after treatment, visit 3 before and after treatment and on visit 5 in which there was no treatment administered, its purpose was purely to obtain measurements. The measurements were taken in this way in order to determine immediate as well as medium term changes. Objective data consisted of hamstring muscle strength readings taken using a handheld dynamometer and hamstring muscle flexibility readings taken using a digital inclinometer. Analysis of collected data was performed by a statistician. The manipulation and mobilization techniques used were directed towards dysfunctional joints within the lumbar spine and/or SI regions, which were detected by motion palpation. Results: Regarding muscle strength, statistically significant results were noted in Group 1 at visits 1 and 3 on both the right and left sides when determining the immediate effects of the treatment. Medium term changes were seen during the time interval between visits 1 and 3, as well as between visits 1 and 5 bilaterally. When determining the immediate effects of the treatment, Group 2 did not demonstrate muscle strength changes at visit 1 on the right, however statistically significant results were found at visit 3 on the right as well as at visits 1 and 3 on the left. Medium term changes were seen during the time interval between visits 1 and 3, as well as between visits 1 and 5 bilaterally. Manipulation and mobilization were shown to have a statistically significant effect on hamstring muscle strength, although manipulation was shown to have a more beneficial effect on muscle strength both immediately and over time, though this was only found on the left. Regarding muscle flexibility, statistically significant results were noted in Group 1 on both right and left sides at visits 1 and 3 when determining the immediate effects of the treatment. Statistically significant changes only occurred on the left between visits 1 and 5 when determining the medium term effects of the treatment. Group 2 showed statistically significant changes at visit 3 on the right as well as at visits 1 and 3 on the left when determining the immediate effects of the treatment. When determining the medium term effects of the treatment no statistically significant changes were found over the duration of the study. There was no difference found between the groups in terms of the effect that the treatment had on hamstring muscle flexibility, although isolated improvements occurred over time in the manipulation group. Conclusion: The results show that both manipulation and mobilization have a statistically significant effect on hamstring muscle strength. However, manipulation was shown to have a more significant effect. Changes in hamstring muscle flexibility were found to occur immediately and over time in the manipulation group, however only immediate effects were noted in the mobilization group. Therefore, when compared to mobilization, manipulation appears to have a greater effect on hamstring muscle strength and flexibility.

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) training is a new addition to the field of Exercise and Sports Science and has been developed for the use in strength and conditioning exercises. With the introduction of this new mode of exercise, the study focused on comparing the strength gaining effect of WBV training versus conventional resistance training. The study was conducted in a descriptive, exploratory manner utilizing a quasi-experimental approach with a three group comparison pre-test-post-test design consisting of an experimental-, comparison- and control group. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to select 43 male and female healthy, sedentary volunteer participants. The research focused on reviewing the contribution that each mode of training offers to increase strength in the upper leg and underlines the important physiological adaptations that the human body undergoes to bring about an increase in muscle strength. Both the whole body vibration and land-based resistance groups trained three times a week over an eight week intervention period. Exercises were performed with progressive increments in the frequency, amplitude and duration for the WBV- and in workload, number of sets and repetitions for the conventional resistance training program. The control group remained sedentary throughout the duration of the study. The dependent variables of peak torque flexion and extension of the knee joint in both legs were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was done to determine intra-group differences. Post-hoc analysis in the form of Scheffé’s test was done to determine and compare inter-group differences. Practical significance was indicated by means of Partial eta2 The analysis of the results revealed significant strength increases in both conventional resistance training and WBV for most of the dependent variables, except for peak torque extension, where the WBV group did not increase significantly. Based on these results, it can be concluded that both modes of conventional resistance and whole body vibration increased selected dependent variables for upper leg strength in previously inactive individuals.

The purpose of this study was to determine the interrelationships between oxygen intake capacity, strength, body composition and physical working capacity, as measured by the Sjostrand PWC₁₇₀ test. The subsidiary problems were: 1. to determine what statistical procedure, i.e., zero order correlations, first order partial correlations, twenty-second order partial correlations or stepwise multiple regression analysis, gave the greatest insight into the physiological relationships between the variables selected for this study, 2. to determine the form in which the variables investigated have the most meaning biologically, i.e., as raw scores, as scores divided by body weight, or as scores divided by fat free weight, and 3. to determine the accuracy of calculating PWC₁₇₀ by graphical estimation of the best fitting straight line as compared with the computer calculated values obtained by the least squares regression method. Fifty-four subjects from the School of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of British Columbia participated in this study. The Sjostrand PWC₁₇₀ test was conducted to estimate physical working capacity, and an "all out" ride on the bicycle ergometer was administered to determine maximum oxygen intake values. Body density was determined by the hydrostatic weighing technique, and body fat was calculated by the formula derived by Keys and Brozek. A comprehensive strength test was also conducted on all the subjects. The statistical analysis of the data were obtained through the Computing Center at the University of British Columbia (Program - Triangular Regression Package). A zero order correlation analysis was conducted to assess the accuracy of the graphic method in the calculation of PWC₁₇₀ scores. A zero order correlation analysis was also conducted to investigate the interrelationships between all the variables when no variables were held constant. Two first order correlation analysis were conducted to investigate the interrelationships between all the variables when body size was held constant, i.e., body weight and fat free weight, respectively. A twenty-second order correlation matrix was obtained to investigate the interrelationship between two variables when all others were held constant. Three stepwise multiple regression analysis were conducted to determine the interrelationships between each of the dependent variables (PWC₁₇₀ kpm per min; PWC₁₇₀ kpm per min per kg body weight; PWC₁₇₀ kpm per mln per kg fat free weight) with two or more of the independent variables. Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that the conventional graphic technique appeared to be an accurate method to estimate the best fitting straight line in the calculation of the PWC₁₇₀ scores. The results obtained in this study appeared to support the use of performance scores divided by fat free weight as the most biologically meaningful way to express performance capacity data. This appeared to be the preferred method for comparisons of individuals' "true" abilities or capacities without regard to differences in body size or body fat. Consequently, the procedure appeared to be very appropriate for use in normative tables. The first order partial correlations of non-ratio variables with fat free weight held constant appeared to be the best statistical procedure in providing Insight into physiological relationships between oxygen intake capacity, strength and physical working capacity (PWC₁₇₀ kpm per min). The zero order correlation analysis, first order partial correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis showed the following apparent relationships to exist between the variables explored in this study: i) Fat free weight appeared to be the common factor in the relationships between many of the variables in this study, ii) Oxygen intake in liters per min was significantly related to physical working capacity (PWC₁₇₀ kpm per min) in zero order and first order correlation analysis (significant at the 0.01 level of confidence). In the stepwise multiple regression analysis, oxygen intake in liters per minute did not contribute to the prediction of PWC₁₇₀ kpm per min, but it would have been the best single predictor in the absence of fat free weight. Oxygen intake in ml per min per kg body weight was the best predictor of PWC₁₇₀ kpm per min per kg body weight. It was also the best predictor of PWC₁₇₀ kpm per min per kg fat free weight, but this appeared to be due to the smaller dispersions of oxygen intake in ml per min per kg fat free weight. iii) Strength of the right leg extensor muscles correlated significantly with PWC₁₇₀ kpm per min in zero order and first order correlation analysis (significant at the 0.05 level of confidence). This variable made a small contribution to the prediction of physical working capacity in all three stepwise multiple regression analysis, iv) Body density correlated significantly with PWC₁₇₀ kpm per min per kg body weight in zero order correlation analysis and with FWC₁₇₀ kpm per min when body weight was statistically held constant (significant at the 0.01 level of confidence). It contributed to the prediction of FWC₁₇₀ kpm per min per kg body weight only slightly less than oxygen intake ml per min per kg body weight. Thus, it appeared that in this study, leaner subjects appeared to attain higher PWC₁₇₀ kpm per min per kg body weight scores. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the possible effects of spring football practice on strength retention among the varsity football players at the University of the Pacific as measured by the four strength tests from Edwin A. Fleishman’s Basic Fitness Test Battery for Evaluation of Physical Fitness Factors; the one repetition maximum scores from five weight training exercises; and the maximum number of bar dips performed for one set: (2) to determine whether weight training during spring football practice is beneficial for strength retention for the duration of spring football practice: and (3) to determine the effectiveness of two weight training programs in the development of strength.

Orientador: Antonio Wagner Forti / Coorientador: José Elias Tomazini / Banca: Antonio Faria Neto / Banca: Marcelo Guimarães Silva / Resumo: O treinamento de força muscular tornou-se uma das formas mais populares de exercícios para melhorar a aptidão física de um indivíduo, exercendo um papel fundamental no condicionamento físico, na performance esportiva e na hipertrofia muscular utilizando o mecanismo da contração muscular como base para sua realização. Este estudo teve como objetivos promover por meio de uma ferramenta de gerenciamento dos métodos de treinamento físico isotônico, isométrico e pliométrico a quantificação da variação de força muscular dos membros inferiores em atletas amadores de Futebol Americano em Boa Vista, Roraima, relacionar com o perfil antropométrico dos mesmos e validar um sistema de gerenciamento do treinamento de acordo com o método mais apropriado. A amostra foi composta por 15 participantes, homens e mulheres, com idade média de 23,6 ±3,70 anos, estatura média de 1,67 ±0,10 metros e massa corporal médio 80,2 ±27,99 quilos, que foram submetidos a avaliação antropométrica, realização de testes motores e aplicação de treinamento utilizando os métodos de treinamento isotônico, isométrico e pliométrico. As avaliações antropométricas e dos testes motores foram realizadas na Semana 0, 1ª coleta e a 2ª coleta na Semana 9. Os participantes foram divididos em três grupos de métodos de treinamento: pliométrico (G1: n= 5), isométrico (G2: n= 5) e isotônico (G3: n= 5), que foi o grupo controle, isotônico em Circuit training. Entre as coletas, os participantes foram submetidos a três sessões de tr... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Muscle strength training has become one of the most popular forms of exercise to improve an individual's physical fitness, playing a key role in physical conditioning, athletic performance and muscle hypertrophy using the muscle contraction mechanism as the basis for their performance. The purpose of this study was to promote the quantification of the muscular strength variation of the lower limbs in amateur American footballers in Boa Vista, Roraima, using a tool for the management of isotonic, isometric and plyometric physical training methods, to relate to the anthropometric profile and validate a training management system according to the most appropriate method. The sample consisted of 15 participants, men and women, with a mean age of 23.6 ± 3.70 years, mean height of 1.67 ± 0.10 meters and mean body mass of 80.2 ± 27.99 kg, which were submitted to anthropometric evaluation, motor tests and training application using isotonic, isometric and plyometric training methods. The anthropometric and motor tests were performed at Week 0, 1st collection and 2nd collection at Week 9. Participants were divided into three groups of training methods: plyometric (G1: n = 5), isometric (G2: n = 5) and isotonic (G3: n = 5), which was the control group, isotonic in Circuit training. Among the samples, participants were submitted to three weekly training sessions, each lasting 40 minutes. Descriptive statistics were applied, identifying the mean and SD for each variable and the percentag... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Abstract:Introduction: Ageing is associated with a decrease in physical capacity. However, various aspects of this phenomenon remain to be clarified. In the present project, we aimed to investigate age-induced changes in physical capacity, metabolic status, and inflammation in men and women, and to investigate potential correlations between physical capacity and inflammation and/or metabolic markers.Material and method: 39 men and 36 women were longitudinally evaluated at four time points at 16, 34, 52, and 63 years of age. Muscle strength was measured by functional tests such as bench press, handgrip, vertical jump, two hand lift, and curl up. The Åstrand test was performed to estimate maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Muscle thickness was also determined using ultrasonography. Inflammatory and metabolic blood parameters were also measured.Results: Muscle strength tended to decrease at old ages and was generally higher in men than women according to muscle function tests. At the age of 63, men displayed significantly higher muscle mass and strength compared to women. Insulin, glucose, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly increased during the period from 52 to 63 years of age. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and HDL displayed a sex-dependent trend, as they had higher values among women. Glucose, on the other hand, was greater in male individuals. Neither time- nor sex-dependent changes were found in hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and/or C-reactive protein (CRP). Muscle function tests were negatively correlated with HbA1C, insulin, total cholesterol, and CRP at the age of 63. VO2max also showed negative correlations with HbA1C and insulin at the age of 52 and with glucose at the ages of 52 and 63. In other words, increased HbA1C and insulin at the age of 52 as well as increased glucose at the ages of 52 and 63 were associated with decreased VO2max.Conclusion: Alterations in physical capacity were similar between men and women during aging. High inflammatory markers (CRP), as well as dysregulated metabolic status, seem to be somewhat associated with deteriorated muscle function at old ages.

Seven male subjects exercised for 1, 3, 10 and 20 min on a cycle ergometer at 20, 60 and 80% {Mathematical expression}, and then held to fatigue a sustained contraction of the quadriceps at 40% maximal voluntary contraction in order to determine what influence various levels of dynamic exercise would have on isometric function of the same group of muscles. Muscle temperature was measured before and within 15 s of the completion of the cycling to determine whether changes in muscle temperature might influence the subsequent isometric perormance. Isometric endurance was shorter as the severity of the cycling increased beyond 20% {Mathematical expression}, and as the duration of cycling increased up to 10 min. There were discrete linear relationships between muscle temperature and isometric endurance associated with cycling at 60% and 80% {Mathematical expression}. There was a direct inverse relationship between quadriceps strength after cycling and muscle temperature, yet a significant reduction in strength occurred only after cycling at 80% {Mathematical expression}. These results suggest that the encroachment on endurance and strength are controlled by different mechanisms. The heart rates during the isometric contractions were dependent on the preceding rhythmic exercise and decreased after exercise at 60 or 80% {Mathematical expression}. In contrast, the blood pressure always increased during the isometric contractions, reaching similar values at the point of fatigue, regardless of the severity of the previous rhythmic exercise. These data provide additional evidence that separate mechanisms control changes in heart rate and blood pressure.