No description available.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 101-103). Also available via World Wide Web.

Thesis (MAppSc in Physiotherapy)--University of South Australia, 1996

Thesis (MAppSc in Physiotherapy)--University of South Australia, 1995

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 115-117).

D.Phil. / The goal of effective rehabilitation should always be to restore "normal" function if possible. What is "normal" function? Although many subjective definitions may describe what is "normal", it is the search for objective criteria of what constitutes "normality" that inspires exercise scientists worldwide! The primary aim of this study was to establish normative isokinetic torque values in young males, for rehabilitation purposes in South Africa. Four hundred and forty four (444) healthy male subjects participated in the study. A Cybex 340 isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure peak torque, using a quantitative experimental design. No correction was made for the effects of gravity. The following movement patterns were included: ankle plantar/dorsiflexion, knee flexion/extension, shoulder external/internal rotation, shoulder horizontal abduction/adduction, shoulder flexion/extension, elbow flexion/extension (using two different grip positions), and forearm pronation/supination. Descriptive statistics together with percentile scaling were used to develop normative values for the movement patterns studied. Normative values were presented in relative terms and expressed as a percentage in terms of Nm torque per kg body mass (% BM). In addition to the relative isokinetic torque values, the agonisUantagonist ratios were also ~xpressed as a percentage. The percentile scales were also included to be used by clinicians involved in talent identification programmes and the screening of elite athletes. To conclude, normative isokinetic values were de'leloped for young South African males. To enable subjects with large variations in body weight to utilize these norms, they were expressed in relative terms (% BM) instead of absolute terms (Nm). The possible benefit of the study was that population-specific and objective normative values were established for rehabilitation purposes and for use in sport science programs.

The purpose of this investigation is to propose a method for determining resultant joint moments from a Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer. Previous investigations using a dynamometers determined that measured moments from a dynamometer do not equate to the moment applied by the joint. Using Biodex System 3 dimensions and equipment, the proposed method corrects for gravity, acceleration and inertia moments, and relative angular movement between the dynamometer and the joint axis of rotation for the knee and ankle. The current method includes gravitations correction using a 3rd order polyfit method to a 4°/s passive trial, and inclusion of inertial moments from the dynamometer arm and limb segment. A method is also proposed to correct for gravitational moments, acceleration and inertia moments, and distal joint moments while testing the hip. Previously proposed methods are then compared to the proposed method in isometric and isokinetic exertions. The comparison to a known moment concluded that the results for the isometric exertion are accurate for the proposed method. If the torque measurements from the dynamometer are independent of the velocity, as reported by the manufacturer, the validation of the proposed method for isometric testing holds true for isokinetic as well. The results from isokinetic testing show reasonable results for determining the resultant joint moments. The proposed method can be simplified for clinical or experimental testing. If inertial and acceleration moments are not of concern, than using the propsed gravitational correction will account for the COM (Center of Mass). No additional measurements of the limb segement and dynamometer attachment are needed. The proposed method is recommended for Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer correction in obtaining resultant joint moments at the knee, ankle, and hip. / Master of Science

The present study assessed the isokinetic responses of male military personnel(N=42). The study aimed to evaluate the strength capabilities of South African infantrymen and establish benchmark data on a population not previously tested. “Work-simulation” packages have not been widely exploited and this study further aimed to approximate how effectively occupation simulating tasks could identify the capabilities of soldiers. Testing was carried out using a CYBEX 6000 isokinetic dynamometer and involved six laboratory tests (LTs) and four occupation-simulating tests (OSTs). Subjects were required to complete two testing sessions with the order of tests randomized. The LTs consisted of ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder and trunk. In the OSTs, gripping, valve-tightening, wrench-turning and pulling/pushing responses were collected. Slow, medium and fast test speeds were used for each bout. Cardiac responses were measured using heart rate monitoring and perceptual measures assessed using Borg’s (1971) RPE scale. The results of the testing showed significant differences in agonist and antagonist responses at all three testing speeds, the only exception being slow speed trunk values (peak torque). Upper- to lower-extremity ratios highlighted a possible weakness in the elbow flexors group, while correlations between LTs and OSTs highlighted the specificity of strength principle, as poor relationships were observed.

No description available.

published_or_final_version / Sports Science / Master / Master of Science in Sports Science