A estimulação elétrica neuromuscular (EENM) é uma técnica que vem sendo utilizada para melhora das capacidades de força, potência de salto e velocidade, em diferentes modalidades esportivas, buscando o aumento do desempenho atlético. Contudo, até o presente momento existem poucos estudos acerca desta temática, sendo que, nenhum destes é um ensaio clínico randomizado. Outro método que tem se mostrado promissor, para ganho de força e hipertrofia muscular, é a realização do treinamento de baixa intensidade durante a oclusão do fluxo sanguíneo (OFS). Nesse sentido, o presente estudo buscou avaliar a eficácia do treinamento com a EENM durante a OFS dos membros inferiores. Para tal, foram convidados atletas de basquete de alto rendimento, do sexo masculino, com idades entre 16 e 35 anos e IMC entre 20 e 24 Kg/m2. Os atletas foram randomizados nos seguintes grupos: Grupo Controle (n = 17), Grupo EENM (n = 16) e grupo EENM+OFS (n = 16). Os atletas randomizados para os grupos EENM e EENM+OFS foram submetidos a 12 sessões de treinamento, durante quatro semanas consecutivas, 3 dias por semana, em 3 séries com 20 a 30% da resistência máxima até a exaustão. A EENM foi aplicada no músculo quadríceps femoral, por uma corrente pulsada, quadrática, bifásica simétrica, com frequência de 50 Hz, duração da fase de 400 µs, Ton/Toff- 2 segundos, subida e descida - 2 segundos, com intensidade máxima tolerada pelo atleta, realizando o movimento de extensão do joelho, com amplitude de movimento de 90 - 0°. A oclusão foi realizada por um manguito de pressão (18 x 90 cm), posicionado na região proximal da coxa, logo abaixo da linha glútea com pressão média de 221,67 (26,57) mmHg. Os voluntários foram avaliados antes e após o treinamento, por meio das seguintes variáveis: área de secção transversal e espessura muscular; quantificação do desempenho muscular (força, potência, trabalho, resistência e a relação agonista-antagonista); salto vertical e horizontal; teste de agilidade; teste de equilíbrio; quantificação de CK, hGH, IGF-1 e IGFBP-3. Para análise de normalidade dos dados foi realizada a análise de histogramas no resíduo do modelo e o teste de Shapiro-Wilk, em seguida o teste Linear de Modelos Mistos para as comparações entre grupos e post hoc de Bonferroni para a comparação intragrupos, sendo assim, considerados dois fatores nas comparações, tempo e grupo. Os resultados demonstraram que ambos os treinamentos resultaram no aumento do hormônio de crescimento humano. O treinamento com a EENM+OFS resultou no aumento da área de secção transversa e espessura do músculo reto femoral. Pode-se observar também que o treinamento com a EENM, proporcionou aumento da área de secção transversa do músculo reto femoral e melhora do desempenho de alguns testes funcionais. Sendo assim, pode-se concluir que os treinamentos EENM e EENM+OFS foram capazes de promover a hipertrofia muscular, sem repercussão nas das capacidades de força e potência. / Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a technique that has been used to improve the strength, jumping power and speed capabilities in different sports modalities, seeking to increase athletic performance. However, to date there are few studies on this subject, none of which is a randomized clinical trial. Another method that has shown promise for increased strength and muscle hypertrophy, is the realization of low intensity training during blood flow occlusion (BFO). In this sense, the present study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of training with NMES during OBF of lower limbs. To this end, they invited high performance basketball players, male, aged between 16 and 35 years and BMI between 20 and 24 kg/m2. The athletes were randomized into the following groups: Control Group (n = 17), NMES Group (n = 16) and NMES+BFO group (n = 16). Athletes randomized for NMES and NMES+BFO groups were subjected to 12 sessions of training for four consecutive weeks, 3 days a week, for 3 sets of 20 to 30% of maximum resistance to exhaustion. The NMES was applied to the quadriceps femoral muscle by a pulsed, quadratic, symmetrical biphasic current with a frequency of 50 Hz, phase duration of 400 ?s, Ton / Toff- 2 seconds, rise and fall - 2 seconds, with maximum tolerated intensity by the athlete, performing the movement of extension of the knee, with range of movement of 90 - 0°. The occlusion was performed by a pressure cuff (18 x 90 cm), positioned in the proximal region of the thigh, just below the gluteal line with a mean pressure of 221.67 (26.57) mmHg. The volunteers were evaluated before and after training, through the following variables: cross-sectional area and muscle thickness; quantification of muscle performance (strength, power, work, endurance and the agonist-antagonist relationship); vertical and horizontal jump; agility test; balance test and quantification of CK, hGH, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. For analysis of normality of the data, histograms were analyzed in the model residue and the Shapiro-Wilk test, followed by the Linear Mixed Models test for comparisons between groups and Bonferroni post hoc for intragroup comparison, considered two factors in the comparisons, time and group. The results showed that both training resulted in the increase of human growth hormone. Training with NMES+BFO resulted in increased cross-sectional area and thickness of the rectus femoris muscle. It can also be observed that training with NMES provided an increase in the cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris muscle and improved the performance of some functional tests. Thus, it can be concluded that NMES and NMES+BFO training were able to promote muscle hypertrophy, with no effect on the strength and power capabilities.

O controle postural de idosos tem sido estudado com o objetivo de melhor entender os fatores que levam esta população a sofrer mais quedas que os indivíduos jovens. A redução da força e da potência muscular está entre os aspectos que contribuem para o declínio do controle postural. Entretanto, faltam esclarecimentos sobre a capacidade de produzir força e potência muscular em idosos de diferentes idades. Adicionalmente, faltam informações sobre a relação entre força e potência muscular com o desempenho do controle postural em idosas de diferentes faixas etárias. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a força e a potência muscular e sua relação com o desempenho do sistema de controle postural de mulheres idosas de diferentes faixas etárias. Participaram do estudo 80 mulheres que foram divididas em 4 grupos de acordo com a idade: Grupo Jovens (n=20) com idade entre 18 e 30 anos; Grupo 60-64 anos (n=20) com idade entre 60 e 64 anos; Grupo 65-69 anos (n=20) com idade entre 65 e 69 anos; Grupo 70-74 anos (n=20) com idade entre 70 e 74 anos. A força (uma repetição máxima 1RM) e a potência dos músculos extensores e flexores de joelho produzida nas intensidades de 40%, 70% e 90% de 1-RM foram avaliadas através de uma cadeira extensora/flexora. A oscilação do centro de pressão (plataforma de força) e a atividade muscular (Vasto Lateral, Tibial Anterior, Bíceps Femoral e Gastrocnêmio Lateral) foram avaliadas durante a manutenção do controle postural em situação estática, dinâmica e com perturbação da base de suporte. Os resultados revelaram que idosas nas faixas etárias 60-64, 65-69 e 70-74 anos apresentam força e potência muscular semelhantes, porém inferiores em comparação com as jovens. Além disso, mostraram que o desempenho do controle postural de idosas nestas faixas etárias é semelhante, mas inferior em relação às jovens. Não houve diferença entre os grupos para a ativação muscular. Análises de regressão linear múltipla apontaram que a força e a potência muscular estiveram fracamente relacionadas com o desempenho do controle postural. Portanto, estes resultados indicam que, para mulheres com idade entre 60 e 74 anos, a força e a potência muscular são semelhantes e exercem pouca influência no desempenho do controle postural que também é similar nesta faixa etária. / The postural control of elderly has been studied with the aim of better understanding the factors that lead these women to have more falls than young individuals. The reduction in the muscle strength and power are among the aspects that contribute to the impairment of postural control. However, it is still unclear if the capacity of elderly to produce strength and muscle power is distinctive when comparing different ages. In addition, there is little information about the relationship between muscle strength and power with the performance of postural control in older women of different ages. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the muscular strength and power and its relation with the performance of postural control in elderly of different ages. Eighty women were divided into four groups according to their ages: Group Young (n=20) aged between 18 and 30 years; Group 60-64 (n = 20) aged between 60 and 64 years, Group 65-69 (n = 20) aged between 65 and 69 years and Group 70-74 (n = 20) aged between 70 and 74 years. The subjects performed tests for maximal strength (1-RM) and muscle power produced by knee extensor and flexor muscles in the intensities 40%, 70% and 90% of 1-RM using an extensor/flexor equipment. The sway of center of pressure (force plate) and the muscle activity (Vastus lateralis, Tibialis Anterior, Biceps Femoris and Gastrocnemius Lateralis) were analyzed during the maintenance of postural control in static, dynamics and with disturbance of the support base situations. The results revealed that women from three elderly groups (60-64, 65-69 and 70-74 years) have similar muscle strength and power, but lower compared to young group. Moreover, the results showed that women from three elderly groups are also similar with respect to the performance of postural control, but worse than young. There was no difference between groups for muscle activity. Multiple linear regression analyzes indicated that the strength and muscle power were weakly related to the performance of postural control. Therefore, these results indicate that for women aged between 60 and 74 years, muscular strength and power are similar and have little influence on the performance of postural control that is also similar in this age group.

Postula-se que a alteração do eixo do dinamômetro isocinético influencie os resultados da avaliação isocinética da articulação do quadril, todavia essa afirmação não foi testada experimentalmente. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi quantificar a influência da mudança dos parâmetros de avaliação isocinética na articulação do quadril em sujeitos saudáveis. Este é um estudo tipo transversal com 32 quadris de indivíduos saudáveis. Inicialmente, foi realizada avaliação isocinética para flexo-extensão e adução-abdução do quadril com o eixo do dinamômetro alinhado com o trocânter maior para ambos os movimentos. A seguir, a avaliação foi repetida com o eixo posicionado 3 centímetros cranial para a avaliação de flexo-extensão e na interseção da linha formada entre a espinha ilíaca póstero-superior e o centro da linha poplítea e a linha formada entre os trocânteres. Cada avaliação foi realizada em 5 repetições nas velocidades de 60°/s e 180°/s. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante dos parâmetros de avaliação isocinética com a mudança da posição dos eixos para o trabalho muscular no movimento de flexão do quadril na velocidade de 60°/s. Para o movimento de extensão, apenas a variável pico de torque em 60°/s não apresentou diferença estatística significante. No movimento de abdução, as variáveis pico de torque e potência apresentaram diferença significante em ambas as velocidades. Para o movimento de adução, a variável pico de torque e trabalho apresentaram diferença significante em ambas as velocidades. A magnitude da diferença do trabalho muscular foi maior que 6% em todos os movimentos, exceto para flexão a 180°/s e abdução a 60°/s Conclui-se que a mudança do eixo de movimentação do quadril de fato impõe modificações sensíveis nos resultados de pico de torque, trabalho e potência do exame isocinético do quadril em diferentes velocidades angulares e posições. / It is postulated that the change in the isokinetic dynamometer axis influences the results of the isokinetic evaluation of the hip joint, but this assertion has not been experimentally tested. The objective of this research was to quantify the influence of the change of the isokinetic evaluation parameters on the hip joint in healthy subjects. This is a cross-sectional study with 32 hips of healthy individuals. Initially, an isokinetic evaluation was performed for flexion-extension and adduction-abduction of the hip with the dynamometer axis aligned with the greater trochanter for both movements. Next, the evaluation was repeated with the cranial axis positioned for flexion-extension evaluation and at the intersection of the line formed between the posterior-superior iliac spine and the center of the popliteal line and the line formed between the trochanters. Each evaluation was performed in 5 repetitions at speeds of 60°/s and 180°/s. There was a statistically significant difference of the isokinetic evaluation parameters with the change of the position of the axis for the muscular work in the movement of hip flexion at the speed of 60°/s. For the extension movement, only the peak torque variable at 60°/s did not present a significant statistical difference. In the abduction movement, the peak torque and power variables showed a significant difference in both velocities. For the adduction movement, the peak torque and work variable presented significant difference at both speeds. The magnitude of the muscle work difference was greater than 6% in all movements, except for 180°/s flexion and 60°/s abduction. It is concluded that the change in the axis of hip movement does impose sensible changes in the results of peak torque, work and power in hip isokinetic examination at different angular velocities and positions.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:49:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Marcos Atrib Zanchet.pdf: 1473842 bytes, checksum: 7b8de02d952b45627a76794f1b220943 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-12-14 / Given the increased use of tape Kinesio Taping ( KT ) by professionals working in sports and rehabilitation , it is necessary to conduct studies that focus on the effects of this method . As there are several proposed benefits from the application of KT , the objective is to quantify the physical effects of cutaneous stimulation with Kinesio Taping in the levels of maximal isometric strength and handgrip strength endurance . The present study is an experimental , repeated measures . Will be invited to compose the sportsmen young males , which do not have allergy to the material of the bandage or injury in the upper limbs . For collection of levels of muscular strength and endurance will use digital handgrip dynamometer . Data analysis will be performed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. A descriptive presentation of the data will average and standard deviation . A simple analysis of variance ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni test will be used to compare the difference between different groups banding / Dado o aumento da utilização da bandagem Kinesio Taping (KT) por profissionais que atuam no meio esportivo e de reabilitação, torna-se necessária a realização de estudos que tenham como foco os efeitos desse método. Como são vários os benefícios propostos a partir da aplicação da KT, objetiva-se quantificar os efeitos físicos da estimulação tegumentar com Kinesio Taping nos níveis de força isométrica máxima de preensão manual e a resistência de força. O estudo apresentado é de caráter experimental, com medidas repetidas. Serão convidados para compor a esportistas jovens do sexo masculino, que não apresentem alergia ao material da bandagem ou lesão em membros superiores. Para coleta dos níveis de força e resistência muscular será utilizado dinamômetro digital de preensão manual. A análise dos dados será feita com o software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. A apresentação descritiva dos dados será em média e desvio padrão. Uma análise simples de variância ANOVA e teste post hoc de Bonferroni serão usados para comparar a diferença entre os diferentes grupos de bandagem

M.Tech. / Purpose: This study aims to determine whether adjusting the area of nerve root supply, or adjusting the attachment site of the latissimus dorsi muscle, will have an effect on the latissimus dorsi muscle and to which extend, with regards to strength and electromyographic (sEMG) activity. These effects were evaluated by measuring the latissimus dorsi .muscle strength using a Jamar dynamometer as well as sEMG readings of the latissimus dorsi muscle using a Neuro Trac ETS unit. Readings were taken prior to treatment on the first, third, and fifth consultations. Method: Forty five participants who met the inclusion criteria were stratified in number and gender between three groups of equal size (15 participants each). Group 1 received lower cervical adjustments (C5 - C7), group 2 received lower thoracic and lumbar adjustments (T6 - L5) and group 3 received detuned ultrasound therapy on the latissimus dorsi muscle. Group three served as the control group. Participants were treated four times out of a total of five sessions, over a maximum three week period Procedure: Objective data was collected at the beginning of the first and third session, as well as on the fifth consultation by means of a Jamar dynamometer and a Neuro Trac ETS unit in order to assess the functionality of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Analysis of collected data was performed by a statistician. Results: Statistically significant improvement in the dynamometry readings of both the experimental groups were noted when compared to that of the control group. The results of the sEMG activity were variable. Conclusion: The results show that adjusting the area of nerve root supply as well as adjusting the attachment site of the latissimus dorsi muscle are effective treatment protocols (as demonstrated statistically) in increasing strength of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The results suggest that adjusting the attachment site of the latissimus dorsi muscle is most effective in increasing the strength of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The results of the sEMG activity were variable and there were no evidence supporting the effectiveness of adjusting the area of nerve root supply versus adjusting the attachment site ofthe latissimus dorsi muscle on sEMG activity.

The aim of this study was to generate useful isokinetic normative data for various cervical musculature strength, range of motion and ratio variables based on different positional categories in a sample of senior elite South African rugby players. Normative data was generated for the following variables: peak torque, power generated at 0.2 of a second, active and passive range of motion, the ratio of peak torque flexion to peak torque extension (PTF/PTE), the ratio of peak torque lateral flexion left to peak torque lateral flexion right (PTL/PTR), the ratios of peak torque to body weight (PT/BW) and the ratios of peak torque to lean body mass (PT/LBM). Furthermore, the data gathered from the senior elite players was compared to similar data obtained from a sample of schoolboy rugby forwards to detect statistically significant differences (p < .05). A normative survey design was used in which 189 subjects from eight provincial unions participated in a one off evaluation session. The evaluation session comprised of various anthropometrical measurements and an isokinetic cervical musculature assessment. The normative data, displayed in Stanine tables, was generated for four positional categories: the front row (# 1-3), the second row (# 4-5), the back row (# 6-8) and the backline (# 9 -15). The second row positional category performed the best on the peak flexion torque variable (44.04 Nm). The front row positional category achieved the largest average peak extension torque (65.6 Nm). The second row positional category achieved the largest average peak lateral flexion right torque (69.42 Nm). A similar result was observed with the measurement of peak lateral flexion left torque, with the second row positional category achieving the largest average peak lateral flexion left torque (66.31 Nm). The backline positional category achieved the lowest averages on all the abovementioned peak torque variables. The front row positional category performed the best on the flexion power generated at 0.2 of a second variable (160.92 W). The front row positional category again achieved the largest extension power generated at 0.2 of a second average (237.02 W). The second row positional category achieved the largest lateral flexion right power generated at 0.2 of a second average (269.81 W). Similar results were observed with the measurement of lateral flexion left power generated at 0.2 of a second. The second row positional category achieved the largest lateral flexion left power generated at 0.2 of a second average (259.62 W). Again the backline players achieved the smallest power generated at 0.2 of a second averages for all the above-mentioned power variables. The measurement of passive (PROMFE) and active (AROMFE) range of motion for flexion to extension revealed that the second row had the largest average PROMFE (125.44°). The measurement of AROMFE revealed a similar result. The second row again had the largest average AROMFE (108.45°). The measurement of passive (PROMLF) and active (PROMFE) range of motion for lateral flexion left to right revealed smaller and different results to those found for PROMFE and AROMFE. For the variable of PROMLF the backline players had the largest average PROMLF (119.44°). Conversely, the second row had the largest average AROMLF (106.96°). The calculation of the various ratios revealed great variation between the positional categories. This can be attributed to the functional requirements the players have to adhere to, to be successful in their position. Various other statistical calculations were performed to draw the average force distance graphs for the positional categories for the peak torque variables. Furthermore the force distance graphs were assessed to determine the players’ ability to maintain 80% of peak torque. All the senior elite positional categories proved to be significantly (p < .05) older and heavier than the schoolboy forwards. The senior elite forward positional categories were also significantly (p < .05) taller than the schoolboy forward. There however proved to be no significant difference (p > .05) in stature between the backline and schoolboy forwards. All the positional categories proved to have significantly thicker (p < .05) necks, but significantly shorter (p < .05) cervical spines than the schoolboy forwards. The forward positional categories demonstrated to be significantly stronger (p < .05), on all peak torque measures, than the schoolboy forwards. The same was observed between the backline and schoolboy forwards, however no statistically significant difference (p > .05) was observed between the respective sample groups for the measure of peak lateral flexion left torque. For all the measures of power generated at 0.2 of a second, the senior forward positional categories proved to be significantly more powerful (p < .05) than the schoolboy forwards. The senior backline, although significantly more powerful (p < .05) in the flexion movement pattern, proved to be significantly less powerful (p < .05) than the schoolboy forwards in the lateral flexion right movement pattern. No statistically significant differences (p < .05) were found to exist between the senior backline and schoolboy forwards for the extension and lateral flexion left power generated at 0.2 of a second variables. All positional categories proved to have significantly smaller (p < .05) active and passive ranges of motion compared to the schoolboy forwards. Conversely, the senior elite players had significantly larger (p < .05) ratios (PTF/PTE, PTL/PTR, PT/BW and PT/LBM) than the schoolboy forwards. Literature has identified schoolboy rugby as having a much higher incidence of cervical spinal injuries than senior rugby. It can thus be inferred from the above information that the variables of peak torque and power generated at 0.2 of a second play a important role in safeguarding a player from injury on the field of play. Furthermore, calculated ratios show that senior players, especially the forwards, have undergone adaptive changes in cervical musculature strength to meet the requirements of the position they play in, thereby safeguarding themselves from cervical spinal injury. Proper cervical musculature conditioning has been cited in the literature as being an effective but neglected method of preventing cervical spinal injuries. The generation of normative data, concerning cervical musculature performance, can thus be used to prevent the occurrence of cervical injuries and re-injury of the cervical spine by providing a standard of musculature strength for safe participation in rugby, and possibly other collision type sports, and a quantified guide for successful patient rehabilitation respectively.

Muscle strength has been identified as an important contributor to athletic performance. Little attention however, has been paid to the specific relationship between peak isokinetic muscle strength and sprint starting performance. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of an adapted front knee angle, as determined by isokinetic assessment (the angle of peak torque production), on starting performance. Sixteen track sprinters, of elite-national or competitive-regional standard, were asked to perform eight sprints over 50m using four separate starting techniques. Technique 1 featured the athlete’s usual starting preferences while Techniques 2, 3 and 4 featured a standardised set of starting preferences with experimental modifications of the front knee angle in the “set” position. Isokinetic muscle strength was measured at slow (60°/s) and fast (240°/s) test speeds in order to determine the angle of peak torque production for concentric knee extension of each subject’s lead leg. Using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Post Hoc analysis (LSD), no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed between the experimental techniques for: block time, force-time measures during block time, sprint times, sprint velocity and acceleratio n measures at intervals up to 50m. Significant differences (p<0.05) were however observed between reaction times for the experimental techniques. Slower reaction times are most likely due to increased upper body pretension, resulting from the increased hip elevation seen for these techniques. The results indicate that increased hip elevation may have delayed the initiation of the relevant motor response required to affect an optimal sprint start. Technique 1 resulted in the shortest reaction times, shortest block times, fastest sprint times and greatest sprint velocities for all four techniques. This result was possibly due to the athlete’s experience with, and repeated use of, this technique. The experimental techniques therefore provided no added advantage over the subject’s preferred starting technique and did not significantly optimise sprint starting performance. The results show that modification of the front knee angle had no significant influence on sprint starting performance and sprint running ve locity or acceleration patterns up to 50m. Using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient to determine the strongest correlations between isokinetic knee strength and sprint starting performance, analysis revealed that the strongest relationships were found between sprint starting performance expressed as acceleration and isokinetic knee strength expressed as relative peak torque and absolute peak torque. For Technique 1 the strongest correlation was found between acceleration (30m - 40m) and relative peak torque as measured at a test speed of 240°/s (r = 0.62). For the remaining experimental techniques, the strongest correlation was found between acceleration (10m - 20m) and relative peak torque as measured at a test speed of 60°/s (r = 0.53) for Technique 2, between acceleration (40m - 50m) and peak torque measured at a test speed of 60°/s (r = 0.72) for Technique 3, and between acceleration (0m - 5m) and peak torque as measured at a test speed of 240°/s (r = 0.71) for Technique 4. These results suggest that isokinetic muscle strength does not correlate strongly with sprint starting performance and that additional factors, such as neuromuscular organisation and muscle fibre typing, possibly make a greater contribution to optimal sprint starting performance.

M.Tech. / This study was conducted to determine the effect of Sacroiliac joint adjustment to the restricted Sacroiliac joint in combination with myofascial dry needling to the active/latent Rectus Femoris muscle trigger point and Rectus Femoris myofascial dry needling on its own on Quadriceps Femoris muscle strength. Thirty participants between the ages of 18 and 40 years were recruited through the use of advertisements placed in and around the University of Johannesburg’s Chiropractic Day Clinic. Participants were assessed for exclusion criteria by performing a Full Case History, Pertinent Physical Examination, Lumbar Spine and Pelvis Regional Examination and S.O.A.P note. The participants who conformed to the specific inclusion criteria were accepted for this study. These participants were randomly placed into two groups of sixteen participants each. Group One receive Sacroiliac joint adjustment to the restricted Sacroiliac joint and ipsilateral myofascial dry needling of the Rectus Femoris muscle active/latent myofascial trigger points. Group two received myofascial dry needling of the Rectus Femoris muscle active/latent myofascial trigger point on the same side as the Sacroiliac joint restriction. Each participant received five treatments over a three week period, i.e. two treatments for the first two weeks and one follow-up treatment in the third week. The subjective data of the patients lower back pain was assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. The objective data was obtained from the Isometric Dynamometer measuring the Quadriceps Femoris muscle strength before and after each treatment. In addition the Algometer was used for measuring the pressure pain threshold of the Rectus Femoris trigger points. An analysis was performed using Repeated Measures Analysis, t-Test, Frequencis, Descriptives and Friedman’s Tests. The results of this study demonstrate that Sacroiliac joint adjustment to a restricted Sacroiliac joint with ipsilateral myofascial dry needling of the Rectus Femoris muscle showed a statistically significant, but temporary increase in Quadriceps Femoris muscle strength. Myofascial dry needling of the Rectus Femoris muscle on its own was found to be statistically insignificant for the increase in Quadriceps Femoris muscle strength.

L’analyse de l’activité électromyographique (EMG) corrélative de l’imagerie motrice (IM) et l’effet de l’entraînement mental sur l’amélioration et le recouvrement de la force musculaire permettent de mieux comprendre les mécanismes nerveux de l’IM et l’importance du contenu de l’image mentale. Une activité EMG subliminale a en effet été enregistrée lors de l’IM, validant l’hypothèse d’une inhibition incomplète de la commande motrice. Elle était modulée selon l’intensité de l’effort mental et le régime de contraction, comme lors d’une contraction physique. Ces données renforcent l’équivalence physiologique entre IM et exécution réelle. Les programmes d’entraînement et de réhabilitation intégrant l’IM s’appuient sur ces données théoriques. L’amélioration de la force musculaire était significativement plus importante suite à un entraînement combinant répétitions physiques et mentales, comparativement à une pratique physique seule, même si l’effet ne concernait que certains groupes musculaires. Ce travail démontre également l’efficacité d’un entraînement par IM, lorsqu’il est associé à des soins de kinésithérapie, après rupture du ligament croisé antérieur ou brûlure de la main. L’IM jouerait un rôle prépondérant dans l’activation des programmes moteurs et faciliterait la récupération fonctionnelle. L’IM peut donc être considérée comme un complément bénéfique aux programmes d’entraînement et de réhabilitation dans le développement et le recouvrement des fonctions motrices / Analyzing the electromyographic (EMG) activity accompanying motor imagery (MI) as well as the imagery‐related effects on strength enhancement contributes to a better understanding of the neural mechanisms of MI. Accordingly, the subliminal EMG activity recorded during MI supports the hypothesis of an incomplete inhibition of the motor command during mental rehearsal. Interestingly, the pattern of EMG response was modulated by the mental effort and the imagined contraction type, in the same way as during physical movement. Furthermore, the data provided evidence that MI contributed both to increase muscle strength, though strength gains were not observed in all muscles. Finally, MI was found to facilitate motor recovery following anterior cruciate ligament tear as well as in burned patients. These results confirm that MI should be considered a reliable and costeffective technique to improve motor recovery and motor performance.

M.Tech. / Purpose: Chiropractic adjustment has been shown to be an effective treatment for low back pain (Cox, 1999 and Lawrence et al, 2008). The role that the transverse abdominus plays in low back pain is not clear. Sacroiliac adjustment changes the activation speed (Marshall and Murphy, 2006) and the strength of contraction of transverse abdominus. This study aims to determine the short-term effects of chiropractic manipulative treatment on the feed-forward activation of the deep abdominal muscles in patients with chronic low back pain. Method: Forty five participants with chronic mechanical low back pain were used in this study. The primary cause of their back pain was mechanical. The study consisted of three randomly selected groups of participants. Group one was treated using abdominal exercise only. Group two was treated using both chiropractic manipulation and abdominal exercise. Group three was treated using chiropractic manipulation only. Procedure: The effect on the feed-forward activation of transverse abdominus and internal oblique was measured and recorded using surface electromyography in each group. The participants also completed an Oswestry Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire and a Numerical Pain Rating Scale in order to record any change in back pain. Participants were seen seven times over a maximum four week period. Readings were taken on the first, third and fifth and seventh visits. Results: Statistically significant (p<0.05) results were seen in all three groups for the Oswestry Pain and Disability Questionnaire and Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Minimum EMG results were not statistically significant, however group three showed improvement clinically. Maximum EMG results were also did not show a statistically significant change. Feed-forward activation of the transverse abdominus muscle showed no statistically significant change. Conclusion: Favourable results were obtained clinically for all three groups. Group three (chiropractic manipulation only) was shown to be the most effective in terms of patient perception of pain and disability. Objectively, the results were less definitive. Chiropractic manipulation alone had the most favourable effect on the resting surface EMG readings of the transverse abdominus, while chiropractic manipulation combined with abdominal exercises and abdominal exercises alone did not show this change. This too was seen in the results for the maximum EMG readings. Onset times of the transverse abdominus muscle showed no improvement.