The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the potential mechanisms and sites of neural adaptations that mediate cross-limb transfer of strength and motor learning that can occur subsequent to unilateral training. Better understanding of the mechanisms should allow therapeutic benefits of this effect to be assessed. There are two main classes of mechanisms that could contribute to cross-limb transfer. The first is described by the ??bilateral access?? hypothesis, which suggests that neural adaptations induced by training reside in bilaterally projecting motor areas that are accessible to the untrained (ipsilateral) hemisphere during task execution to facilitate performance. According to the alternative ??cross-activation?? hypothesis, activation of the untrained hemisphere during unilateral training leads to adaptations in the untrained hemisphere that cause improved performance with the opposite untrained limb. A series of studies were conducted in this research. We directly tested the cross-activation hypothesis via a reliable twitch interpolation technique involving transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Four-weeks of strength training for the right wrist increased neural drive (from the untrained motor cortex) to the untrained left wrist. The data demonstrate that strength training of one limb can influence the efficacy of corticospinal pathways that project to the opposite untrained limb, consistent with the cross-activation hypothesis. To investigate the contribution of each hemisphere in cross-limb transfer, we applied repetitive TMS (rTMS) to the trained or the untrained motor cortex to disrupt brain processing after unilateral ballistic training. Learning to produce ballistic movements requires optimization of motor drive to the relevant muscles in a way that resembles high-force contractions performed during strength training. Ballistic skill transferred rapidly to the untrained hand and the improved performance was accompanied by bilateral increases in corticospinal excitability. Performance improvement in each hand was specifically suppressed by rTMS of the opposite hemisphere. Thus the motor cortex ipsilateral to the trained hand is critically altered during unilateral training; and neural adaptations within this untrained hemisphere are crucial in cross-limb transfer of ballistic skill. Overall, the data are in agreement with the cross-activation hypothesis for high-force and ballistic tasks, although they do not exclude the potential involvement of bilateral access mechanisms.

Abstract Background Congenital hemiplegia is the most common form of cerebral palsy accounting for 1 in 1300 live births. Children usually present with greater upper limb than lower limb involvement. Impaired unimanual capacity of the involved upper limb and deficits in bimanual performance contribute to difficulties with day to day activities and participation in home, school and community life. Interventions to address these deficits in upper limb unimanual capacity and bimanual performance have recently shifted focus to address limitations in activity performance rather than underlying impairments. One intensive intervention approach is constraint induced movement therapy, which entails placing a constraint on the unimpaired upper limb to focus intense and repetitive training of the impaired upper limb. To date, it is unclear whether constraint induced movement therapy is superior to a more traditional bimanual therapy to improve activity performance and participation outcomes for children with congenital hemiplegia, as there has been no direct comparison of the two approaches. Aim The primary aim of this research was to determine whether constraint induced movement therapy was more effective than bimanual training to improve activity performance and participation for children with congenital hemiplegia. The specific aims were to: i) determine the efficacy of therapeutic upper limb interventions on activity and participation outcomes for children with congenital hemiplegia, ii) systematically review the clinimetric properties (psychometric properties and clinical utility) of participation assessment tools for children with congenital hemiplegia, iii) examine the relationship between impairments, unimanual capacity and bimanual performance in children with congenital hemiplegia and, iv) determine whether constraint induced movement therapy is more effective than bimanual training to improve activity and participation outcomes for children with congenital hemiplegia. Research Design A matched pairs randomised design was chosen with children matched for age, gender, side of hemiplegia and upper limb function. Children were randomised within pairs to receive either constraint induced movement therapy or bimanual training in equal dosages. Both interventions used a day camp model, with groups receiving the same dosage and content of intervention delivered in the same environment. A novel circus theme was used in the camps to enhance children’s engagement and motivation. Children in the constraint induced movement therapy group wore a tailor made glove on their unimpaired hand during the intervention camp. Outcomes were measured across all domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health at baseline, 3 and 26 weeks post intervention. The primary outcome measure for unimanual capacity of the impaired upper limb was the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function, and bimanual performance was the Assisting Hand Assessment. A secondary outcome measure for unimanual capacity was the Jebsen Taylor Test of Hand Function. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used as the primary outcome for participation and three measures, the Assessment of Life Habits, Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and the School Function Assessment were included to explore their research utility and responsiveness to change. Results Two systematic reviews were performed prior to the commencement of the randomised trial. The first systematic review and meta-analysis of all upper limb interventions for children with congenital hemiplegia identified four treatment approaches with varying evidence to support their efficacy. Interventions included the use of intramuscular Botulinum toxin A injections to the upper limb augmenting upper limb training, neurodevelopmental treatment, constraint induced movement therapy and hand arm intensive bimanual training. Data were pooled for upper limb, self care and individualised outcomes. Results indicated a small to medium treatment effect favouring all four interventions on upper limb outcomes. Large treatment effects favoured intramuscular Botulinum toxin A injections combined with upper limb training for individualised outcomes. Overall, the systematic review and meta-analysis found no upper limb training approach to be superior although Botulinum toxin A injections appeared to provide a consistent supplementary benefit to a variety of upper limb training approaches. However it was unclear which type of upper limb training was optimal. Findings suggested that the two intensive intervention approaches that are the focus of this randomised controlled trial, constraint induced movement therapy and bimanual intensive training, required further research to support their efficacy. The second systematic review was performed to inform choice of participation measures for the randomised comparison trial. The review identified five specific measures of participation suitable for school aged children with congenital hemiplegia (Assessment of Life Habits, Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment, School Function Assessment (participation domain), Children Helping Out: Responsibilities and Expectations, School Outcome Measure) and two measures of individualised outcomes that could include specific participation goals (Goal Attainment Scaling and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure). Results suggested that no one measure adequately captured all aspects of participation as outlined in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and a combination of assessments would be required to broadly assess children’s participation in home, school and community life. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was selected as the primary outcome measure in the randomised trial as it had strong evidence for validity and reliability, had been used in paediatric clinical trials and was responsive to change. Three measures of participation, the Assessment of Life Habits which was completed by the parent/caregiver, the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment which was completed by the child, and the School Function Assessment, which was completed by the child’s teacher, were selected to explore the research utility of the measures and their responsiveness to change. Analysis of cross-sectional data collected during screening and baseline assessments for the randomised trial found a strong relationship between bimanual performance and unimanual capacity. Scores on the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function and stereognosis accounted for a significant amount of variance in scores on the Assisting Hand Assessment. There were only moderate associations between impairments (eg. sensory deficits and reduced grip strength) and bimanual performance and unimanual capacity. Age, gender, grip strength and two-point discrimination did not significantly influence bimanual performance. Results of the randomised controlled trial found no differences between groups on any baseline measure. A significant difference between groups favouring the constraint induced movement therapy group was found at 26 weeks on the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function. There were no differences between groups on any other measure at either immediately post intervention at 3 weeks or in the medium term at 26 weeks. The constraint induced movement therapy group made significant gains in unimanual capacity (Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function and Jebsen Taylor Test of Hand Function) from baseline to 3 and 26 weeks. The bimanual group demonstrated significant improvement in movement efficiency (Jebsen Taylor Test of Hand Function) by 26 weeks. Significant gains in bimanual performance (Assisting Hand Assessment) were evidenced for both groups from baseline to 3 weeks. These gains were maintained at 26 weeks by the bimanual group only. There were no differences between groups on any participation measures. Both constraint induced movement therapy and bimanual training groups made statistically and clinically significant changes in perceived performance and satisfaction of identified functional goals from baseline to 3 and 26 weeks. Significant gains were made by both groups in personal care on the Assessment of Life Habits from baseline to 26 weeks. There were no changes for either group on the School Function Assessment and Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment. Conclusions This study found minimal differences between the two training approaches. Outcomes achieved by children reflected the mode of upper limb training, that is, improved and sustained gains in unimanual capacity were achieved with a unimanual approach (constraint induced movement therapy), and significant change in bimanual performance was achieved following bimanual training. The constraint induced movement therapy group made initial improvements in bimanual performance that were not sustained at 26 weeks, suggesting that intensive unimanual training may need to be followed by bimanual training in order to retain effects. Both interventions resulted in significant improvements in the achievement of individualised outcomes. Small gains in participation appeared to correspond with specific goal areas identified by children and their caregivers and highlighted the importance of goal directed training and measuring individualised outcomes. Regardless of the type of approach, intervention needs to be goal-directed, focusing on areas of central importance for children and their families.

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the potential mechanisms and sites of neural adaptations that mediate cross-limb transfer of strength and motor learning that can occur subsequent to unilateral training. Better understanding of the mechanisms should allow therapeutic benefits of this effect to be assessed. There are two main classes of mechanisms that could contribute to cross-limb transfer. The first is described by the ??bilateral access?? hypothesis, which suggests that neural adaptations induced by training reside in bilaterally projecting motor areas that are accessible to the untrained (ipsilateral) hemisphere during task execution to facilitate performance. According to the alternative ??cross-activation?? hypothesis, activation of the untrained hemisphere during unilateral training leads to adaptations in the untrained hemisphere that cause improved performance with the opposite untrained limb. A series of studies were conducted in this research. We directly tested the cross-activation hypothesis via a reliable twitch interpolation technique involving transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Four-weeks of strength training for the right wrist increased neural drive (from the untrained motor cortex) to the untrained left wrist. The data demonstrate that strength training of one limb can influence the efficacy of corticospinal pathways that project to the opposite untrained limb, consistent with the cross-activation hypothesis. To investigate the contribution of each hemisphere in cross-limb transfer, we applied repetitive TMS (rTMS) to the trained or the untrained motor cortex to disrupt brain processing after unilateral ballistic training. Learning to produce ballistic movements requires optimization of motor drive to the relevant muscles in a way that resembles high-force contractions performed during strength training. Ballistic skill transferred rapidly to the untrained hand and the improved performance was accompanied by bilateral increases in corticospinal excitability. Performance improvement in each hand was specifically suppressed by rTMS of the opposite hemisphere. Thus the motor cortex ipsilateral to the trained hand is critically altered during unilateral training; and neural adaptations within this untrained hemisphere are crucial in cross-limb transfer of ballistic skill. Overall, the data are in agreement with the cross-activation hypothesis for high-force and ballistic tasks, although they do not exclude the potential involvement of bilateral access mechanisms.

Thesis--University of Oklahoma. / Includes bibliographical references.

Six neuropsychological topics illustrating altered perceptions and illusory beliefs are explored with particular emphasis on the neurobiological underpinnings of such phenomena. The first five topics are phantom limb, out-of-body experiences including depersonalization and near-death experiences, delusions with an emphasis on the effects of psychedelic drugs, autonomic reflex actions including respiration and heartbeat, and virtual reality. The last topic focuses on three disorders impairing perception and cognition, namely, Anton-Babinski, Charles Bonnet, and Diogenes Syndromes. Many of the related neurobiological mechanisms reflect disturbances of both lower-level and multisensory processing along with specific cortical impairments such as at the temporoparietal junction. The latter has been linked, for example, to out-of-body experiences. Similarly, aberrant neural learning and signaling such as that based on synaptic receptor disturbances show how the interplay between lower-level brain activity and that in the prefrontal cortex contributes to delusions. Specific hypotheses set forth to explain these alterations in perception and cognition are reviewed, such as a remapping theory which depicts cortical reorganization in response to synaptic changes mediated by receptors. The effects of these perceptual/cognitive distortions on experiential pleasure/pain and on adaptability are also explored.

The evolution of the tetrapod limb from paired fish fins involved drastic changes to the appendicular dermal and endochondral skeleton. Fish fin rays were lost, and the endochondral bone was modified and elaborated to form three distinct segments common to all tetrapod limbs: the stylopod, the zeugopod, and the autopod. Identifying the molecular mechanisms that contributed to these morphological changes presents a unique insight into our own evolutionary history. Chapter II of this thesis focuses on the actinodin gene family and how their disappearance from the tetrapod genome during the fin-to-limb transition may have contributed to the loss of dermal fin rays. The actinodin genes code for structural proteins in the actinotrichia, rigid fibers being the first exoskeletal elements formed during zebrafish fin development. We have identified tisse-specific cis-acting regulatory elements responsible for actinodin1 activation in the fin fold ectoderm and mesenchyme. These elements are only partially functional in transgenic reporter mouse limbs. We therefore propose that changes to actinodin gene regulation contributed to the loss of the actinodin genes during limb evolution. The actinotrichia also serve as a scaffold for the migration of cells from the distal fin mesenchyme, which has been shown to differentiate into fin ray osteoblasts. In fact, both actinotrichia and distal fin mesenchyme migration defects have been proposed as events that may lead to the loss of dermal bone during the fin-to-limb transition. Chapter III of this thesis tests the effects of distal fin mesenchyme ablation on larval and adult zebrafish fin development. Following the chemo/genetic ablation of these cells, zebrafish display actinotrichia, fin fold, and fin ray defects supporting the hypothesis the defects in distal fin mesenchyme may have contributed to the loss of dermal fin rays during tetrapod evolution. Previous research has shown that changes in the regulation of the 5’HoxA/D genes may have had consequences for both actinodin regulation and the migration of distal fin fold mesenchyme. Chapter IV of this thesis examines the contributions of Hoxa11 regulatory changes to the evolution of the pentadactyl, or five-digit state, in tetrapods. Through a novel tetrapod-specific enhancer, Hoxa11 is repressed from the presumptive limb autopod region in mice. In fish, hoxa11b is expressed distally and ectopic expression of Hoxa11 in the distal limb bud produces mice with polydactyly (extra digits), an ancestral tetrapod character state. In conclusion, we have provided evidence that actinotrichia defects (potentially though changes in actinodin regulation) and fin fold mesenchyme defects may have contributed to the loss of fin dermal bone during the fin-to-limb transition. Our data also shows these two events may have been linked as fin fold mesenchyme require actinotrichia to migrate correctly, while actinotrichia maintenance relies on Actinodin secretion from fin fold mesenchyme. Furthermore, we have also contributed to the growing body of evidence that proposes changes in 5’HoxA/D regulation during the fin-to-limb transition underlie changes in appendicular dermal and endochondral bone. Therefore, it is possible that modifications in shared gene regulatory networks underlie both dermal and endochondral bone evolution during the fin-to-limb transition.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar variáveis cinemáticas e coordenativas do nado borboleta sob diferentes modelos inspiratórios, velocidades de nado e níveis de desempenho. Participaram 23 nadadores competitivos, divididos em grupo de nível iniciante (n = 9) e grupo de nível avançado (n = 14). Foram mensuradas as durações das fases da braçada (entrada e apoio, puxada, empurrada e recuperação) e da pernada (descendente1, ascendente 1, descendente 2, ascendente 2), bem como a duração relativa das duas fases propulsivas principais DP1 (do início ao final da fase descendente 1 da pernada) e DP2 (do início da puxada ao final da fase descendente da segunda pernada). Os ângulos de ataque do tronco foram avaliados nos pontos-chave de entrada das mãos, início da puxada, início da empurrada e saída das mãos da água. Com relação à coordenação de membros, foram avaliadas as diferenças temporais entre pontos-chave da braçada e da pernada, sendo: T1 (entrada das mãos – início da fase descendente da primeira pernada), T2 (final da fase descendente da primeira pernada – início da puxada), T3 (início da empurrada – início da fase descendente da segunda pernada), T4 (final da fase descendente da segunda pernada – saída das mãos da água) e TTG (diferença de tempo total). Foi realizado, ainda, o estudo de um dos casos por meio de videogrametria tridimensional, por meio da qual foi possível mensurar as amplitudes de oscilação vertical do vértex e do ombro. Os principais resultados mostram que: (1) O grupo de nível avançado, comparado ao de nível iniciante, apresentou maior velocidade de nado, maior freqüência de ciclos e maior índice de nado. Este maior índice de nado foi acompanhado de menores ângulos de ataque do tronco nos pontos-chave de entrada das mãos, início da puxada e saída das mãos da água. Nadadores de nível avançado apresentaram, ainda, menor duração relativa na fase de entrada e apoio, maior duração relativa na fase de recuperação. Considerando as fases propulsivas principais do nado, a duração relativa de DP2 foi maior no grupo avançado. Com relação à coordenação de membros, estes nadadores apresentaram menor diferença de tempo entre pontos-chave da braçada e da pernada para T2, T3, T4 e TTG. (2) Ao se executar ciclos não-inspiratórios, houve uma menor DC, comparado ao modelo de inspiração lateral, e um maior índice de nado, com relação aos modelos de inspiração frontal e lateral. Ainda, ciclos não-inspiratórios acarretaram em menores ângulos de ataque do que os demais modelos nos pontos-chave de entrada das mãos, início da puxada, início da empurrada e saída das mãos da água. O modelo de inspiração lateral apresentou um menor ângulo de ataque do que o modelo frontal somente no ponto-chave de entrada das mãos na água. Analisando a coordenação de nado, o modelo de inspiração lateral apresentou uma maior diferença de tempo para T1 e T3, quando comparado ao modelo de ciclos não-inspiratórios. (3) Com o aumento da velocidade imposta, os nadadores aumentaram a freqüência de ciclos, reduziram a distância percorrida por ciclo e aumentaram o índice de nado. Esse comportamento foi acompanhado por uma redução do ângulo de ataque do tronco nos pontos-chave de entrada das mãos na água, início da puxada e saída das mãos da água. Ainda, houve aumento na duração relativa das fases propulsivas e redução das fases não-propulsivas da braçada. Da mesma forma a duração relativa das fases propulsivas da pernada aumentou e a duração relativa da fase não-propulsiva A1 reduziu. Com relação à coordenação de membros, as diferenças de tempo para T1, T2, T4 e TTG reduziram com o aumento da velocidade. / The aim of this study was to compare the kinematical and coordinative parameters of the butterfly stroke under different breathing patterns, paces and expertise levels. Volunteered to this study 23 competitive swimmers, divide in beginner level group (n=9) and advanced level group (n = 14). Arm (entry and catch, pull, push and recovery) and leg (downward 1, upward 1, downward 2, upward 2) stroke phases relative duration, the main propulsive phases durations DP1 (from the beginning to the end of the downward 1 leg stroke phase) and DP2 (from the beginning of the pull phase to the end of the upward 2 leg stroke phase). The trunk angle of attack was measured at the hands entry, pull beginning, push beginning and hands exit key points. Regarding the inter-limb coordination, we analyzed the time gap between arm and leg propulsive actions, being: T1 (hands entry – beginning of the downward 1 phase), T2 (end of the downward 1 phase – beginning of the pull phase), T3 (beginning of the push phase –beginning of the downward 2 phase), T4 (end of the downward 2 phase – hands exit) and TTG (total time gap). In parallel a tridimensional analysis case study was developed for measuring the vertex and shoulder’s vertical amplitude of oscillation. The main results includes: (1) The advanced level group presented higher stroke rate and stroke index when compared to the beginner level group. This higher stroke index was due to lower angle of attack at the hands entrym pull beginning and hands exit key point. Advanced level swimmers presented also a shorter entry and catch phase and a longer recovery phase. Regarding the main propulsive phases of the butterfly stroke, advanced level swimmers had a longer DP2. Considering the inter-limb coordination the advanced level group also presented shorter time gaps for T2, T3, T4 and TTG; (2) Performing the non-breathing condition swimmers had shorter stroke length, compared to de lateral breathing pattern, and a higher stroke index, compared to both frontal and lateral breathing conditions. Regarding the trunk angle of attack it was smaller at the hands entry, beginning of the pull phase, beginning of the push phase and hands release key points when performing non-breathing cycles. Compared to frontal breathing pattern, the trunk angle of attack was smaller at the hands entry performing lateral breathing. Compared to non-breathing pattern, T1 and T3 time gaps were longer performing lateral breathing; (3) Increasing the imposed pace, stroke rate and stroke index increased while stroke length decreased. Trunk angle of attack also reduced at the hands entry, beginning of pull phase and hands release key points. Relative duration for arm and leg stroke propulsive phases relative duration increased and non-propulsive phases relative duration decreased, except for the upward 2 phase. Regarding the inter-limb coordination T1, T2, T4 and TTG reduced when increasing the imposed pace.

A presente pesquisa teve por objetivo a geração de diretrizes de projeto para o desenvolvimento de Próteses de Membros Inferiores, que atendesse as necessidades funcionais dos usuários que resulte na simplificação do objeto. Para isso, investigou-se o usuário, percebendo suas necessidades físicas e psicológicas, com conhecimento de leis federais existentes para o auxílio a esse público. Também, foram examinados a anatomia humana e os procedimentos cirúrgicos para a amputação de membros inferiores, a fim de compreender sua influência na concepção de uma prótese. Outro enfoque da pesquisa foi o estudo da biomecânica para reconhecer os movimentos realizados por uma pessoa sadia durante a deambulação, observando-se as etapas da sua marcha em comparação à marcha de indivíduos amputados que utilizavam próteses. Ainda foram analisados distintos tipos de próteses de membros inferiores e a tecnologia empregada em cada uma de suas partes: sistema de encaixe ao coto, joelho protético e sistema pé-tornozelo. Esses estudos originaram dados empregados na aplicação da metodologia do Design for X, para avaliar as próteses atuais em seus aspectos e construção, com o objetivo de gerar diretrizes de projeto para a elaboração de próteses simplificadas. Constatou-se que a aplicação do método originou diretrizes de projeto que poderão ser empregados durante o desenvolvimento de projetos de próteses de membros inferiores, visando à redução de custo do produto. / This research aims to generate design requirements for the development of Lower Limb Prosthetics that meet the functional needs of users, leading to a simplification of the object. For this, we investigated the users regarding their physical and psychological needs, with full knowledge of the existence of federal laws in order to help people. Human anatomy and surgical procedures for lower limb amputation were also examined in order to understand their influence on the design of a prosthesis. Another focus of the research was the study of biomechanics to recognize the movements performed by a healthy person when walking, observing the steps of their march comparing them with the march of amputees who used prosthesis. For the simplified development of prosthesis different types of prosthetic legs have been examined, technology has been employed in each of its parts such as fitting the stump prosthetic knee and the ankle-foot system. These studies yielded useful data used in the application of the methodology of Design for X to assess current prosthetic aspects and construction, to achieve design requirements for the development of simplified prosthesis. It was found that the application of the method originated design requirements that may be employed during the development of lower limb prosthesis projects, aiming to reduce product cost.

Introdução: Atletas de Powerlifting utilizam habitualmente em sua preparação física o Agachamento (AT) e o Box-Squat (BS). Conhecer as variáveis cinemáticas e eletromiográficas destes exercícios é relevante para sua prescrição. Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos agudos da utilização do Agachamento e do Box-Squat, em três diferentes amplitudes de movimento, sobre variáveis de desempenho neuromuscular, em atletas de Powerlifting. Materiais e Métodos: Dez atletas de Powerlifing (31,7±5,05 anos) participaram de duas sessões de avaliação: i) aplicação de questionário, realização de medidas antropométricas e testes de 1RM para Agachamento e Box-Squat nas condições Completo, Paralelo e Parcial; ii) Coleta do sinal eletromiográfico dos músculos Reto Femoral; Vasto Lateral; Vasto Medial; Bíceps Femoral; Glúteo Máximo; Gastrocnêmio Lateral e Eretores da Coluna, durante AT e BS com as cargas de 1RM previamente aferidas. Coleta de dados de cinemetria 2D para o cálculo da Potência Absoluta e Relativa. Resultados: A carga de 1RM (252±55 Kg) e o Índice de Força Relativa (2,66±0,43) do BS Parcial foram significativamente maiores que nas outras cinco variações de exercício. Potência Absoluta (613,25±194,80 W) e Relativa (6,48±1,86) foram maiores no AT Parcial quando comparado a BS Completo, AT Completo, AT Paralelo e BS Paralelo. A ativação EMG do Reto Femoral foi maior no BS Completo (95,48±46,82 %CIVM) comparada à AT Parcial e BS Parcial. O Glúteo Máximo foi mais ativado no AT Paralelo (175,36±101,79 %CIVM) comparado ao BS Completo (143,51±79,00 %CIVM). A ativação dos Eretores da Coluna no AT Paralelo (132,27±77,31 %CIVM) foi superior à do AT Parcial (92,09±38,28 %CIVM). Conclusão: As cargas de 1RM foram maiores em excursões articulares reduzidas, com vantagem do BS Parcial. O AT Parcial apresentou maiores valores de Potência Absoluta e Relativa. AT e BS mostraram-se equivalentes do ponto de vista da ativação muscular. / Introduction: Powerlifters commonly use Squats and Box-Squats in their training process. Knowing kinetics and kinematics of these exercises can help trainers when planning a training program. Objective: To compare kinetic and kinematics of full, parallel and partial Squats and Box-Squats performed by Powerlifters. Material and Methods: Ten Powerlifters (31,7±5,05 years) participated in two sessions of data collection: i) Survey about training and injury, Anthropometrical measures, 1RM testing for the full, parallel and partial Squats and Box-Squats; ii) Muscle activity of rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, lateral gastrocnemius and erector spinae over the six conditions at 100% of 1RM. Sagital plane video was recorded for power output measures. Results: Significantly higher loads were observed in Partial Box-Squat (252±55 Kg) compared to the other five situations. Overall (613,25±194,80 W) and Relative (6,48±1,86) Power Output were higher at Partial Squat when compared to Parallel and Full Squats and Box-Squats. Muscle activation of rectus femoris was significantly higher in Full Box-Squat (95,48±46,82 %MVC) compared to Partial Squats and Box-Squats. Gluteus maximus activation was higher at the Parallel Squat (175,36±101,79 %MVC) when compared to the Full Box-Squat (143,51±79,00 %MVC). Erector Spinae muscle activation was significantly higher in Parallel Squat (132,27±77,31 %MVC) in comparison to the Partial Squat (92,09±38,28 %MVC). Conclusion: Higher 1RM loads were found in Partial Range of Motion, especially in Box-Squat. Overall and Relative Power Output were higher at Partial Squats. Squats and Box-Squats showed similar muscle activation patterns.

As órteses de membro superior são dispositivos que auxiliam na reabilitação da mão e que tem como objetivo estabilizar, imobilizar, prevenir e corrigir deformidades, melhorando assim a função. O processo tradicional de confecção de órteses é realizado por meio do uso de termoplásticos de baixa temperatura, material moldado diretamente sobre o membro do usuário, sendo neste processo relatados inúmeros problemas, que envolvem desconforto durante o processo, alto custo e baixa adesão do paciente ao uso. O presente trabalho, portanto, teve por objetivo propor a construção de um framework com abordagem metodológica projetual para a produção de órteses de membro superior baseada no processo de design e design colaborativo, com auxílio de recursos de fabricação digital, como digitalização tridimensional e manufatura aditiva (impressão 3D). Através de uma pesquisa exploratória, foram discutidas questões relativas ao projeto de órteses de membro superior (MMSS) pela forma tradicional, utilizando termoplástico de baixa temperatura, e questões do processo de design no desenvolvimento de novos produtos a serem aplicadas do desenvolvimento de órteses utilizando a manufatura aditiva A coleta de dados contou com a participação dos principais personagens envolvidos no processo, usuários de órteses, Terapeutas Ocupacionais e Designers. Com base na técnica de card sorting e entrevistas, foi elaborado um framework da abordagem projetual para a criação de órteses utilizando processos de fabricação digital, de forma colaborativa. O framework ainda foi aplicado no desenvolvimento de uma órtese a fim de avaliar os resultados e melhorias levantadas durante a fase de entrevistas com profissionais e usuários. Ao final do processo, obteve-se uma órtese funcional em que foram atendidos os requisitos necessários para a produção de uma órtese levantada pelo trabalho, além da criação do framework servindo como um guia para o desenvolvimento de órteses utilizando a manufatura aditiva. / Upper limb orthoses are devices that assist in the rehabilitation of the hand and that aim to stabilize, immobilize, prevent and correct deformities, thus improving the function. The traditional process of making orthotics is accomplished through the use of thermoplastics of low temperature, molded material directly on the member of the user, being in this process reported numerous problems, that involve discomfort during the process, high cost and low adhesion of the patient to the use. The present work, therefore, aimed to propose the construction of a framework with a design methodological approach for the production of upper limb orthosis based on the process of design and collaborative design, with the aid of digital manufacturing resources such as three - dimensional digitization and additive manufacturing (3D printing). Through an exploratory research, questions regarding the design of upper limb orthoses (MMSS) in the traditional way, using low-temperature thermoplastic, and design process issues in the development of new products to be applied in the development of orthoses using the additive manufacture The data collection was attended by the main characters involved in the process, users of orthoses, Occupational Therapists, and Designers. Based on the technique of card sorting and interviews, a framework of the design approach for the creation of orthoses using digital manufacturing processes was developed in a collaborative way. The framework was also applied in the development of a bracing in order to collaborate with the results and improvements raised during the interviews phase with professionals and users. At the end of the process, a functional orthosis was obtained, in which the necessary requirements for the production of an orthosis were obtained by the work, besides the creation of a framework serving as a guide for the development of orthoses using the additive manufacture.