Thesis ( Ph. D.)--Walden University, 2003. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references ([111]-117).

Thesis (doctoral)--Lund University, 1995. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted.

Inledning Triathlon är en uthållighetsidrott där momenten simning, cykel och löpning utförs i en följd. Svensk triathlon har vuxit beträffande antal utövare och tävlingar sedan år 2005. Syfte och frågeställningar Studiens syfte var att undersöka hur de tidigare outforskade svenska triathleter är fördelade beträffande kön, ålder och huvudsaklig tävlingsdistans, samt vilka skador som förekommer Hur ser fördelningen ut mellan män och kvinnor som tränar/tävlar mot viss distans? Hur ser fördelningen ut mellan olika kategorier av erfarenhet (år av idrottsutövande) mellan dem som tränar/tävlar mot viss distans? Hur är prevalensen för olika skador och hur ser skadepanoramat ut? Hur är prevalensen för skadeproblematik i förhållande till huvudsaklig tävlingsdistans? Metod En enkätundersökning baserad på tidigare internationell forskning bestående av tolv flervalsfrågor skapades beträffande den svenske triathletens bakgrund, erfarenheter, tränings- och/eller tävlingsdistans och skadeproblematik. Totalt inkom 614 varav 564 (92 %) kompletta svar. Studiens resultat visar på att triathleter som tränar och/eller tävlar i sprintdistans är de som är mest skadefria (30 %). Ökad distans ger ökad risk för skador och/eller överbelastningsproblematik, nästan 18 % av de som tränar/tävlar i längre distans än sprint har drabbats av akut muskelbristning. Flest andel (49,3 %) triathleter påträffas i olympisk och/eller halv Ironman-distans. Något fler kvinnor (24 %) än män (15 %) är aktiva inom sprint och färre kvinnor (27 %) än män (36 %) i ultradistans. Slutsats Svensk triathlon och triathleter är i denna studie snarlik fördelade likt tidigare internationell forskning. Manliga triathleter tränar och/eller tävlar i längre distans än sprint i större utsträckning (85 %) än kvinnliga (76 %). Det är marginellt fler triathleter som är 40 år eller äldre och flertalet av triathleterna (85 %) tränar och/eller tävlar i olympisk distans eller längre. Överbelastningsproblematik är det som svenska triathleter drabbas av i störst utsträckning (60 %), oavsett tävlingsdistans, och vanligen (64 %) drabbas de nedre extremiteterna. / Introduction Triathlon is the sport in which the athlete compete in the order swimming, cycling and running. Swedish triathlon has since year 2005 grown in numbers of practitioners and events. The aim of this study was to investigate how the previously non-examined Swedish triathlon have developed regarding numbers of events, practitioners, common injuries for the triathletes and at what distances the Swedish triathletes train and compete? The issues to be resolved were: How is the distribution between the sexes and race distance? How is the distribution between different categories of experiences (years as athlete) and different race distances? What is the prevalence for triathlon injuries and what injuries are there? What is the prevalence of injuries among the triathletes in different primary race distances? The method involved previous international research done in the field to serve as a basis for the creation of a questionnaire containing twelve multiple choice questions regarding the Swedish triathletes previous experiences within the sport and previous (if any) injuries sustained during either practice or race. 614 answers were collected of which 562 (92 %) were complete. Results from this study shows that the triathletes which are active at the sprint distance are those who have the highest rate (30 %) of answers with "no injury". Longer race distances means an increased risk for overuse injury, almost 18 % of the triathletes which train and/or compete at the longer distances have suffered from an acute muscle rupture. Most of the triathletes (49,3 %) in this study were active in the Olympic and/or half-Ironman distance. The conclusions of this study are that Swedish triathlon and triathletes are comparable to previous international studies. There is a slight difference between the sexes in race distance; there are slightly more (24 %) women active in sprint than men (15 %) and there are slightly less women (27 %) who are active in the Ironman distance than men (36 %). Among the Swedish triathletes there are marginally more of them who are 40 years of age or more and 85 % of all the triathletes train and/or race in Olympic distance or longer. The Swedish triathletes suffers commonly from overuse injury, regardless of race distance, in the lower extremities. This was the case for 64 % of the triathletes of which who completed the questionnaire.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at the Durban Institute of Technology, 2008. / Purpose Cricket fast bowlers are prone to the development of Myofascial pain syndrome and in particular active myofascial trigger points in their rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder joint (Scott, et al. 2001). This is due to the severe stresses placed upon the muscles, bones and joints of the shoulder as a result of the high velocity throwing action (Bartlett, et al.1996). In muscles containing active myofascial trigger points a decrease in the stretch range of motion as well as the maximal contractile force is noted, these two factors may negatively affect the speed at which a fast bowler deliver the ball (Travell, Simons and Simons, 1999). Dry needling is viewed as the most effective means of deactivating myofascial trigger points leading to in increase in both the contractile force and range of motion of the affected muscle, which could increase the speed at which the bowler delivers the ball (Wilks, 2003). The aim of the study was to determine the immediate effect of dry needling active myofascial trigger points of the rotator cuff on bowling speed in action cricket fast bowlers. Method The study consisted of 40 participants (randomly split into two equal groups of 20) each with shoulder pain of a myofascial origin. Group A (intervention group) received the dry needling intervention in their most tender active myofascial trigger point. While participants in Group B (control group) received no treatment. Bowling speeds were measured both before and after the intervention, to determine its effect on bowling speed. IV Data was entered into MS Exel spreadsheet and imported into SPSS version 15 (SPSS Inc.,Chicago, Iiiinois, USA), which was used for data analysis. Paticipants were evaluated on bowling speed, Algometer readings and Numerical pain rating Scale (NRS) both pre and post intervention. Participants were also asked if they believed the intervention increased, decreased or had no effect on their bowling speeds. Two sample t-test was used to compare baseline values between the groups. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare the rate of change of each outcome over time in the two groups. Pearson’s correlation analysis (intra-group) was used to assess the strength and magnitude of correlations of the changes in the outcomes. The McNemar – Bowker test and Weighted Cohen’s kappa statistics were calculated to assess agreement between perceived and actual levels of change. Results A significant treatment effect was observed in the intervention group were an increase in bowling speed, algometer readings as well a decrease in Numerical pain rating scale(NRS) scores was observed. There was also a perceived increase in the speed the participants delivered the ball in the intervention group. No significant changes were observed in the control group. The findings of this study indicate that dry needling as a treatment modality would be beneficial to fast bowlers in not only increasing their speeds but also the pain experienced as a result of active myofascial trigger points.

With the general increase in Rugby union's popularity the past decade, there has been an increase in sport injuries, both from acute and overuse trauma. Approximately half of all sport injuries may be attributed to overuse or repetitive micro trauma rather than a single traumatic event. Although very few overuse injuries have an established aetiology, the fact that over 80% of these injuries occurs at or below the knee suggests that there may be some common mechanisms in the aetiology. It could only be stated with certainty that the aetiology of these injuries is multifactorial and diverse, with both extrinsic and intrinsic factors contributing. Many intrinsic factors (personal) predispose athletes to develop overuse injuries. Intervention of intrinsic injury risk factors is more problematic, as intrinsic risk factors are often difficult to examine and even more difficult to rehabilitate than external factors. Extrinsic risk factors (environmental) that are independent of the injured person can be influenced through the intervention of the extrinsic factors. Main attention should be paid not to the treatment of the site of injury but to the possible cause of the symptoms. It is therefore vital that coaches and medical teams have a complete understanding of the incidence, nature, severity, and causes of injuries in order to review the adequacy of their injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of selected anthropometric parameters, biomechanical malalignment and flexibility on the prevalence of Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) in U/19 university rugby players of the 2006 season of the North-West University (NWU) Rugby Institute (RI). A prospective once-off subject availability study was performed that included U/19 rugby union players of the RI of the NWU (n=91). Selected biomechanical and anthropometrical assessments were made. Biomechanical and anthropometrical assessments were preformed on all subjects before the start of the season. All existing injuries were recorded by means of an injury history questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (e.g. mean and standard deviations) and contingency tables were used to analyse the data. Effect sizes were used to decide on the practical significance of the findings. A cut-off point of 0.8 (large effect) was set for practical significance of differences between means. Players with MTSS had a wider Bi-iliocristal width than those without MTSS. There were leg length differences for both players with and without MTSS for Hiospinale, Trochanterion-Tibiale lateral and Tibial lateral length. Iliospinale- and Trochanterion-Tibiale lateral length differences presented with the largest length difference. Iliospinale, Trochanterion-Tibiale lateral and Tibial lateral length difference had a small effect. Only Bi-iliocristal width presented with a medium effect. Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius and Plantaris as well as Soleus and Popliteus flexibility of players without MTSS were tighter than those of players who suffered from MTSS. Only Hamstring tightness had a small effect. Gastrocnemius and Plantaris as well as Soleus and Popliteus presented with a medium effect. Players without MTSS had a more flexible TFL on their right side. All the other flexibility measurements of the Thomas test presented that players without MTSS had a more inflexible profile. Effect size was not analysed because of the small sample sizes in some of the cells. Players without MTSS presented with an overall more inflexible profile than those with MTSS. More players without MTSS supinated at heel contact on both their feet, compared to the players with MTSS. Players without MTSS supinated more on both their feet during mid stance. A small percentage of players with and without MTSS supinated during the propulsion phase. More players without MTSS had a neutral right foot mid stance compared to players with MTSS who had a more neutral mid stance on their right foot. Players with MTSS pronated more with both their feet during propulsion. Players with MTSS pronated mostly during the propulsion phase and mostly had flatter and higher arched feet than players without MTSS. More players with MTSS had a light flat foot, flat foot as well as a high arched foot than players without MTSS. Most of the players with MTSS had normal right arched foot type. None of the players with MTSS had either a light high right foot or a high arched left foot. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

With the general increase in Rugby union's popularity the past decade, there has been an increase in sport injuries, both from acute and overuse trauma. Approximately half of all sport injuries may be attributed to overuse or repetitive micro trauma rather than a single traumatic event. Although very few overuse injuries have an established aetiology, the fact that over 80% of these injuries occurs at or below the knee suggests that there may be some common mechanisms in the aetiology. It could only be stated with certainty that the aetiology of these injuries is multifactorial and diverse, with both extrinsic and intrinsic factors contributing. Many intrinsic factors (personal) predispose athletes to develop overuse injuries. Intervention of intrinsic injury risk factors is more problematic, as intrinsic risk factors are often difficult to examine and even more difficult to rehabilitate than external factors. Extrinsic risk factors (environmental) that are independent of the injured person can be influenced through the intervention of the extrinsic factors. Main attention should be paid not to the treatment of the site of injury but to the possible cause of the symptoms. It is therefore vital that coaches and medical teams have a complete understanding of the incidence, nature, severity, and causes of injuries in order to review the adequacy of their injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of selected anthropometric parameters, biomechanical malalignment and flexibility on the prevalence of Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) in U/19 university rugby players of the 2006 season of the North-West University (NWU) Rugby Institute (RI). A prospective once-off subject availability study was performed that included U/19 rugby union players of the RI of the NWU (n=91). Selected biomechanical and anthropometrical assessments were made. Biomechanical and anthropometrical assessments were preformed on all subjects before the start of the season. All existing injuries were recorded by means of an injury history questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (e.g. mean and standard deviations) and contingency tables were used to analyse the data. Effect sizes were used to decide on the practical significance of the findings. A cut-off point of 0.8 (large effect) was set for practical significance of differences between means. Players with MTSS had a wider Bi-iliocristal width than those without MTSS. There were leg length differences for both players with and without MTSS for Hiospinale, Trochanterion-Tibiale lateral and Tibial lateral length. Iliospinale- and Trochanterion-Tibiale lateral length differences presented with the largest length difference. Iliospinale, Trochanterion-Tibiale lateral and Tibial lateral length difference had a small effect. Only Bi-iliocristal width presented with a medium effect. Hamstrings, Gastrocnemius and Plantaris as well as Soleus and Popliteus flexibility of players without MTSS were tighter than those of players who suffered from MTSS. Only Hamstring tightness had a small effect. Gastrocnemius and Plantaris as well as Soleus and Popliteus presented with a medium effect. Players without MTSS had a more flexible TFL on their right side. All the other flexibility measurements of the Thomas test presented that players without MTSS had a more inflexible profile. Effect size was not analysed because of the small sample sizes in some of the cells. Players without MTSS presented with an overall more inflexible profile than those with MTSS. More players without MTSS supinated at heel contact on both their feet, compared to the players with MTSS. Players without MTSS supinated more on both their feet during mid stance. A small percentage of players with and without MTSS supinated during the propulsion phase. More players without MTSS had a neutral right foot mid stance compared to players with MTSS who had a more neutral mid stance on their right foot. Players with MTSS pronated more with both their feet during propulsion. Players with MTSS pronated mostly during the propulsion phase and mostly had flatter and higher arched feet than players without MTSS. More players with MTSS had a light flat foot, flat foot as well as a high arched foot than players without MTSS. Most of the players with MTSS had normal right arched foot type. None of the players with MTSS had either a light high right foot or a high arched left foot. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Thesis (M.App.Sc.) - Carleton University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 117-124). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at the Durban Institute of Technology, 2008. / Purpose Cricket fast bowlers are prone to the development of Myofascial pain syndrome and in particular active myofascial trigger points in their rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder joint (Scott, et al. 2001). This is due to the severe stresses placed upon the muscles, bones and joints of the shoulder as a result of the high velocity throwing action (Bartlett, et al.1996). In muscles containing active myofascial trigger points a decrease in the stretch range of motion as well as the maximal contractile force is noted, these two factors may negatively affect the speed at which a fast bowler deliver the ball (Travell, Simons and Simons, 1999). Dry needling is viewed as the most effective means of deactivating myofascial trigger points leading to in increase in both the contractile force and range of motion of the affected muscle, which could increase the speed at which the bowler delivers the ball (Wilks, 2003). The aim of the study was to determine the immediate effect of dry needling active myofascial trigger points of the rotator cuff on bowling speed in action cricket fast bowlers. Method The study consisted of 40 participants (randomly split into two equal groups of 20) each with shoulder pain of a myofascial origin. Group A (intervention group) received the dry needling intervention in their most tender active myofascial trigger point. While participants in Group B (control group) received no treatment. Bowling speeds were measured both before and after the intervention, to determine its effect on bowling speed. IV Data was entered into MS Exel spreadsheet and imported into SPSS version 15 (SPSS Inc.,Chicago, Iiiinois, USA), which was used for data analysis. Paticipants were evaluated on bowling speed, Algometer readings and Numerical pain rating Scale (NRS) both pre and post intervention. Participants were also asked if they believed the intervention increased, decreased or had no effect on their bowling speeds. Two sample t-test was used to compare baseline values between the groups. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare the rate of change of each outcome over time in the two groups. Pearson’s correlation analysis (intra-group) was used to assess the strength and magnitude of correlations of the changes in the outcomes. The McNemar – Bowker test and Weighted Cohen’s kappa statistics were calculated to assess agreement between perceived and actual levels of change. Results A significant treatment effect was observed in the intervention group were an increase in bowling speed, algometer readings as well a decrease in Numerical pain rating scale(NRS) scores was observed. There was also a perceived increase in the speed the participants delivered the ball in the intervention group. No significant changes were observed in the control group. The findings of this study indicate that dry needling as a treatment modality would be beneficial to fast bowlers in not only increasing their speeds but also the pain experienced as a result of active myofascial trigger points.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-10-06T13:02:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-05-07. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-10-06T13:19:07Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000847525.pdf: 1421430 bytes, checksum: adac97f26aec54c9b0abb820c7935e72 (MD5) / O surgimento constante de trabalhadores adoecidos reforça a necessidade de estudos que abordem aspectos do cotidiano no ambiente laboral, em especial, a precarização das condições de trabalho, introdução de novas tecnologias, e os modos de organização e gestão dos processos produtivos. Dentre as doenças do trabalho mais prevalentes estão as Lesões por Esforços Repetitivos/Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionados ao Trabalho (LER/DORT), as quais relacionam-se diretamente à organização do trabalho que ignora os limites do corpo e as singularidades dos sujeitos trabalhadores. O objetivo principal desse estudo foi investigar os significados do corpo no trabalho em indivíduos com diagnóstico de LER/DORT. Para se alcançar o objetivo proposto foi realizado um estudo de caso, numa abordagem qualitativa, a qual está embasada na teoria sócio-histórica da Psicologia, conduzidos pelas concepções de Leontiev e Vigotski, em busca dos significados atribuídos pelos sujeitos da pesquisa. O meio utilizado para alcançar os dados foi através de entrevistas abertas individuais com nove sujeitos, os quais tinham diagnóstico de LER/DORT e eram acompanhados no CEREST de Botucatu. A partir das informações apreendidas emergiram três núcleos de significação: Necessidade de trabalhar: o corpo em movimento; Submissão do corpo: falta de autonomia/ poder; e Corpo impedido: eu travei, eu parei minha vida. Além desses, significados e elementos explicativos compuseram o esquema ilustrador dos resultados. A expressão que melhor define todo o processo saúde/doença aferido nas entrevistas de acordo com o cenário relatado pelos sujeitos é A extravagância de trabalhar doente, e o produto deste é um Futuro incerto. Repleto de sofrimento físico e mental / The constant appearance of sick workers reinforces the need for studies that address aspects of daily life in the work environment, in particular, the precarious working conditions, the introduction of new technologies, methods of organization and management of production processes. Among the most prevalent occupational diseases are the Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMD), which are directly related to the organization of the work that ignores the limits of the body and the uniqueness of each individual worker. The main focus of this study was to investigate the significance of the body at work in individuals diagnosed with RSI and WRMD. To achieve the proposed objective, a case study was held in a qualitative approach, which is based in the sociohistorical theory of psychology, conducted by the conceptions of Leontiev and Vigotski, in search of the meanings attributed by the interviewed individuals. The means used to achieve the data was through individual open interviews with nine subjects whom had been diagnosed with RSI/WRMD and were accompanied at the Worker's Health Reference Center (WHRC) in Botucatu. From the collected information, three meaning cores have been revealed: Need to work: the body in motion; Body submission: lack of autonomy/power; and Prevented body: I caught, I stopped in my life. In addition to these, meanings and explanatory material have composed the illustrator scheme of results. The phrase that best defines the whole process of health/disease measured in the interviews according to the scenario reported by the individuals is The extravagance of working sick, and the product of this, is an Uncertain Future, replete with physical and mental suffering

The present study analyzed the health benefits data of employees in a southwestern United States manufacturing plant. The data consisted of the prevalence rates of headaches, muscle injuries, upper respiratory complaints, and colds/flu for baseline (1985) and intervention levels (1986-1988) for five high-risk jobs. The prevalence rates of headaches and muscle injuries decreased significantly (p < .001) from baseline levels for all five job groups. Comparisons with a nontreatment group revealed significant decreases (p < .05) for three of the five job groups. The findings support the efficacy of the ergonomic interventions. A health surveillance system is recommended for early detection and prevention of cumulative trauma disorders.