Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- AUT University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (185 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.) in the Archive at the City Campus (T 615.8515 MCK)

Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis, PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2006. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 107 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 68-71).

Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references.

Numerous mathematical models have been developed to investigate the high incidence of low back pain associated with lifting activities. These mainly consider the muscle forces required to support the spine, and few have considered the additional role of curvature. One previous model which represented the spine as an arch (Aspden 1987) indicated the curvature to have a significant effect on both loading and stability of the spine. However this model included collective loading patterns for body weight and muscle forces, and only partial representation of the spine. On the basis that the level of anatomic detail of a model affects the accuracy of its predictions (McGill and Norman, 1987), this thesis describes the development of a model which provides greater detail for investigating spinal stability in the sagittal plane. The curvature of the whole spine, a distributed loading pattern for body weight, and the activity of individual spinal muscle groups have been considered. Comparison with the previous arch model has shown these to be necessary features for determining the loading and stability associated with a given posture. In particular, application of individual muscle forces provide greater control of stability at each vertebral level. By considering the force requirements of the individual muscle groups and the consequent loads at each intervertebral joint, possible areas of tissue over load can be identified.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of weight training on general agility, and further, to examine the effectiveness of progressive resistance exercise, as opposed to badminton, in the development of general agility. Three factors, non-translatory, translatory and change of direction were identified in the literature as being separate components of general agility. Suitable tests representing these factors were selected to examine the hypotheses. Thirty-six University of British Columbia first and second year students enrolled in the service programme of the School of Physical Education were randomly selected and divided into three groups. Following the initial tests, the Experimental Group underwent a programme of weight training, one of the Control groups played badminton and the second Control group was restricted from all physical education activity. At the end of the ten week period, the three groups were retested in the same manner. The Experimental Group averaged gains in performance that were statistically significant for all three items, whereas, Control Group I (Badminton) exhibited gains that were statistically significant in the Burpee and Side Step tests only. No statistically significant gains were obtained for Control Group II (no activity). The improvement of the Experimental Group did not significantly exceed the improvement of Control Group I in any of the tests, but did, however, significantly exceed the improvement of Control Group II in the Burpee and Side Step tests. The improvement of Control Group I significantly exceeded that of Control Group II in the Side Step Test only. A low statistical relationship was established between the three test Items. It was concluded that weight training was effective in developing non-translatory and translatory agility, and that badminton was also effective in developing these aspects of agility. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

The effects of weight training on the strength, power and size of arm flexor muscles in older women and the relationship between physical self-efficacy and changes in strength and power were investigated. Being reasonably strong is clearly desirable for older women to be able to live independently and safely; both strength and power are important. Although most older people living alone are women, very little research has been concerned with strength or power, or with training for strength, in older women. A 2 (experimental and control groups) x 2 (before and after training) experimental design was used. Subjects (N = 68) were randomly assigned to the 2 groups. Right arm strength (6RM), peak power, fat-free cross-sectional area (FCA), and Physical Self-efficacy (PSE) were measured before and after 12 weeks training, which was carried out at home. The experimental group trained elbow flexors 3 times a week, using dumbells; the control group trained for increased flexibility, for a similar amount of time weekly. For various reasons (no-shows, drop-outs, medical, incomplete cases) only 50 cases were available for analysis, 30 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group. Eighteen of these 50 subjects had initially reported minor disorders such as controlled hypertension or joint problems. Adherence was approximately 92%. In the experimental group, 6RM increased 20% more than in the control group, but peak power was slightly lower in both groups. There was no change in FCA. PSE was not correlated with the increase in 6RM, but was significantly linearly correlated with peak power. These results, and particularly the different response to training for strength and power in this group, are discussed. The mean reduction in peak power over the training period was not expected; possible reasons are discussed. The expectation of a relationship between PSE and changes in physical performance was not realized, although there was a statistically significant correlation between PSE and peak power. Possible reasons for this are discussed. In general, it was concluded that, after twelve weeks of training, the increase in weight-lifting performance using arm flexors: -shows that older women can, through a simple programme of progressive weight training done at home, improve the amount of weight they can lift -was not accompanied by hypertrophy of arm flexors -was not accompanied by an increase in peak power of the arm flexors -was not related to physical self-efficacy as measured In this study. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

The design of two passive back lift assist exoskeletons are presented in this thesis. The first exoskeleton uses carbon fiber as an energy storage medium while the second system utilizes a series system comprised of a gas spring and metal coil spring. The first exoskeleton was successfully tested long term in a warehouse environment and in laboratory experiments. From these tests and feedback from wearers several drawbacks to the design were discovered. Version two of the exoskeleton successfully addresses these concerns. / Master of Science / This document presents the designs of two lightweight passive exoskeletons. Exoskeletons are wearable devices that assist users in performing tasks that may be difficult or impossible without extra assistance. The exoskeletons developed and discussed in this thesis assist the wearer when bending or performing lifting tasks. As a user bends over or squats, energy is stored in the exoskeleton and is released when the user returns to standing. The first exoskeleton utilizes carbon fiber leaf springs to store the energy. It was successfully tested in a real-world warehouse setting and under laboratory conditions. Testing results and feedback from users led to modifications and new features which are included in the second version. The second exoskeleton uses a gas spring and coil spring in series for energy storage. It also incorporates a novel walking differential which allows users to seamlessly transition from walking to lifting.

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