bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting in Vivo Soft Tissue Masses of the Lower Extremity Using Segment Anthropometric Measures and DXA
Authors: Holmes Jeffrey D. , Andrews David M. , Durkin Jennifer L. , Dowling James J.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to derive and validate regression equations for the prediction of fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), wobbling mass (WM), and bone mineral content (BMC) of the thigh, leg, and leg + foot segments of living people from easily measured segmental anthropometric measures. The segment masses of 68 university-age participants (26 M, 42 F) were obtained from full-body dual photon x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, and were used as the criterion values against which predicted masses were compared. Comprehensive anthropometric measures (6 lengths, 6 circumferences, 8 breadths, 4 skinfolds) were taken bilaterally for the thigh and leg for each person. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to derive a prediction equation for each mass type and segment. Prediction equations exhibited high adjustedR2values in general (0.673 to 0.925), with higher correlations evident for the LM and WM equations than for FM and BMC. Predicted (equations) and measured (DXA) segment LM and WM were also found to be highly correlated (R2= 0.85 to 0.96), and FM and BMC to a lesser extent (R2= 0.49 to 0.78). Relative errors between predicted and measured masses ranged between 0.7% and –11.3% for all those in the validation sample (n= 16). These results on university-age men and women are encouraging and suggest that in vivo estimates of the soft tissue masses of the lower extremity can be made fairly accurately from simple segmental anthropometric measures.
Effects of Low-Load Resistance Training with Vascular Occlusion on the Mechanical Properties of Muscle and Tendon
Authors: Kubo Keitaro , Komuro Teruaki , Ishiguro Noriko , Tsunoda Naoya , Sato Yoshiaki , Ishii Naokata , Kanehisa Hiroaki , Fukunaga and Tetsuo
Published: August 2016

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of low-load resistance training with vascular occlusion on the specific tension and tendon properties by comparing with those of high-load training. Nine participants completed 12 weeks (3 days/week) of a unilateral isotonic training program on knee extensors. One leg was trained using low load (20% of 1 RM) with vascular occlusion (LLO) and other leg using high load (80% of 1 RM) without vascular occlusion (HL). Before and after training, maximal isometric knee extension torque (MVC) and muscle volume were measured. Specific tension of vastus lateralis muscle (VL) was calculated from MVC, muscle volume, and muscle architecture measurements. Stiffness of tendon-aponeurosis complex in VL was measured using ultrasonography during isometric knee extension. Both protocols significantly increased MVC and muscle volume of quadriceps femoris muscle. Specific tension of VL increased significantly 5.5% for HL, but not for LLO. The LLO protocol did not alter the stiffness of tendon-aponeurosis complex in knee extensors, while the HL protocol increased it significantly. The present study demonstrated that the specific tension and tendon properties were found to remain following low-load resistance training with vascular occlusion, whereas they increased significantly after high-load training.
Age-Related Differences in Muscle Power during Single-Step Balance Recovery
Authors: Madigan Michael L.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate agerelated differences in muscle power during a surrogate task of trip recovery. Participants included 10 healthy young men (19–23 years old) and 10 healthy older men (65–83). The task involved releasing participants from a forward-leaning posture. After release, participants attempted to recover their balance using a single step of the right foot. Muscle power at the hip, knee, and ankle of the stepping limb were determined from the product of joint angular velocity and joint torque. Muscle powers during balance recovery followed a relatively consistent pattern in both young and older men, and showed effects of both lean and age. Interestingly, the effects of age did not always involve smaller peak power values in the older men as expected from the well-documented loss of muscle power with aging. Older men exhibited smaller peak muscle power at the knee and larger peak muscle power at the ankle and hip compared to young men. The increases in muscle power at the ankle and hip may result from a neuromuscular adaptation aimed at improving balance recovery ability by compensating for the age-related loss of muscle function.
The Effect of Leg Muscle Activation State and Localized Muscle Fatigue on Tibial Response during Impact
Authors: Holmes Adriana M. , Andrews David M.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of voluntarily manipulating muscle activation and localized muscle fatigue on tibial response parameters, including peak tibial acceleration, time to peak tibial acceleration, and the acceleration slope, measured at the knee during unshod heel impacts. A human pendulum delivered consistent impacts to 15 female and 15 male subjects. The tibialis anterior and lateral gastrocnemius were examined using electromyography, thus allowing voluntary contraction to various activation states (baseline, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% of the maximum activation state) and assessing localized muscle fatigue. A skin-mounted uniaxial accelerometer, preloaded medial to the tibial tuberosity, allowed tibial response parameter determination. There were significant decreases in peak acceleration during tibialis anterior fatigue, compared to baseline and all other activation states. In females, increased time to peak acceleration and decreased acceleration slope occurred during fatigue compared to 30% and 45%, and compared to 15% through 60% of the maximum activation state, respectively. Slight peak acceleration and acceleration slope increases, and decreased time to peak acceleration as activation state increased during tibialis anterior testing, were noted. When examining the lateral gastrocnemius, the time to peak acceleration was significantly higher across gender in the middle activation states than at the baseline and fatigue states. The acceleration slope decreased at all activation states above baseline in females, and decreased at 60% of the maximum activation state in males compared to the baseline and fatigue states. Findings agree with localized muscle fatigue literature, suggesting that with fatigue there is decreased impact transmission, which may protect the leg. The relative effects of leg stiffness and ankle angle on tibial response need to be verified.
The Effects of Articulated Figure Skates on Jump Landing Forces
Authors: Bruening Dustin A. , Richards James G.
Published: August 2016

Lower extremity injuries in figure skating have long been linked to skating boot stiffness, and recent increases in jump practice time may be influencing the frequency and seriousness of these injuries. It is hypothesized that stiff boots compromise skaters' abilities to attenuate jump landing forces. Decreasing boot stiffness by adding an articulation at the ankle may reduce the rate and magnitude of landing forces. Prototype articulated figure skating boots were tested in this study to determine their effectiveness in enabling skaters to land with lower peak impact forces. Nine competitive figure skaters, who trained in standard boots and subsequently in articulated boots, performed off-ice jump simulations and on-ice axels, double toe loops, and double axels. Analysis of the off-ice simulations showed decreases in peak heel force and loading rate with use of the articulated boot, although the exact kinematic mechanisms responsible for these decreases are still unclear. Analysis of the on-ice jumps revealed few kinematic differences between boot types, implying that the skaters did not use the articulation. Greater adaptation and training time is likely needed for the results seen off-ice to transfer to difficult on-ice jumps.
Kinematic Analysis of the Technique for Elite Male Long-Distance Speed Skaters in Curving
Authors: Yuda Jun , Yuki Masahiro , Aoyanagi Toru , Fujii Norihisa , Ae Michiyoshi
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate technical factors for maintaining skating velocity by kinematic analysis of the skating motion for elite long-distance skaters during the curve phase in official championship races. Sixteen world-class elite male skaters who participated in the 5,000-m race were videotaped with two synchronized high-speed video cameras (250 Hz) in a curve lane by using a panning DLT technique. Three-dimensional coordinates of the body and blades during the first and second halves of the races were collected to calculate kinematic parameters. In the group that maintained greater skating velocity, the thigh angle during the gliding phase of the left stroke during the second half was greater than that during the first half, and the center of mass was located more forward during the second half. Thus, it was suggested that long-distance speed skaters should change the support leg position during the gliding phase in the left stroke of the curve phase under fatigued conditions so that they could extend the support leg with a forward rotation of the thigh and less shank backward rotation.
Ground Reaction Forces during Human Locomotion on Railroad Ballast
Authors: Wade Chip , Redfern Mark S.
Published: August 2016

Locomotion over ballast surfaces provides a unique situation for investigating the biomechanics of gait. Although much research has focused on level and sloped walking on a smooth, firm surface in order to understand the common kinematic and kinetic variables associated with human locomotion, the literature currently provides few if any discussions regarding the dynamics of locomotion on surfaces that are either rocky or uneven. The purpose of this study was to investigate a method for using force plates to measure the ground reaction forces (GRFs) during gait on ballast. Ballast is a construction aggregate of unsymmetrical rock used in industry for the purpose of forming track bed on which railway ties are laid or in yards where railroad cars are stored. It is used to facilitate the drainage of water and to create even running surfaces. To construct the experimental ballast surfaces, 31.75-mm (1¼-in.) marble ballast at depths of approximately 63.5 mm (2.5 in.) or 101.6 mm (4 in.) were spread over a carpeted vinyl tile walkway specially designed for gait studies. GRF magnitudes and time histories from a force plate were collected under normal smooth surface and under both ballast surface conditions for five subjects. GRF magnitudes and time histories during smooth surface walking were similar to GRF magnitudes and time histories from the two ballast surface conditions. The data presented here demonstrate the feasibility of using a force plate system to expand the scope of biomechanical analyses of locomotion on ballast surfaces.
PCA-Based SVM for Automatic Recognition of Gait Patterns
Authors: Wu Jianning , Wang Jue
Published: August 2016

In this technical note, we investigate a combination PCA with SVM to classify gait pattern based on kinetic data. The gait data of 30 young and 30 elderly participants were recorded using a strain gauge force platform during normal walking. The gait features were first extracted from the recorded vertical directional foot– ground reaction forces curve using PCA, and then these extracted features were adopted to develop the SVM gait classifier. The test results indicated that the performance of PCA-based SVM was on average 90% to recognize young– elderly gait patterns, resulting in a markedly improved performance over an artificial neural network–based classifier. The classification ability of the SVM with polynomial and radial basis function kernels was superior to that of the SVM with linear kernel. These results suggest that the proposed technique could provide an effective tool for gait classification in future clinical applications.
Hip Contact Stress during Normal and Staircase Walking: The Influence of Acetabular Anteversion Angle and Lateral Coverage of the Acetabulum
Authors: Daniel Matej , Iglič Aleš , Kralj-Iglič Veronika
Published: August 2016

Hip contact stress is considered to be an important biomechanical factor related to development of coxarthrosis. The effect of the lateral coverage of the acetabulum on the hip contact stress has been demonstrated in several studies of hip dysplasia, whereas the effect of the anterior anteversion remains unclear. Therefore, the joint hip contact stress during normal level walking and staircase walking, in normal and dysplastic hips, for small and large acetabular anteversion angle was computed. For small acetabular anteversion angle, the hip contact stress is slightly increased (less than 15%) in staircase walking when compared with normal walking. In hips with large angle of acetabular anteversion, walking downstairs significantly increases the maximal peak contact stress (70% in normal hips and 115% in dysplastic hips) whereas walking upstairs decreases the peak contact stress (4% in normal hips and 34% in dysplastic hips) in comparison to normal walking. Based on the presented results, we suggest that the acetabular anteversion should be considered in biomechanical evaluation of the hips, especially when the lateral coverage of the acetabulum is small.
Power-Time, Force-Time, and Velocity-Time Curve Analysis during the Jump Squat: Impact of Load
Authors: Cormie Prue , McBride Jeffrey M. , McCaulley Grant O.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the impact of load on the power-, force- and velocity-time curves during the jump squat. The analysis of these curves for the entire movement at a sampling frequency of 200–500 Hz averaged across 18 untrained male subjects is the most novel aspect of this study. Jump squat performance was assessed in a randomized fashion across five different external loads: 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg (equivalent to 0 ± 0, 18 ± 4, 37 ± 8, 55 ± 12, 74 ± 15% of 1RM, respectively). The 0-kg loading condition (i.e., body mass only) was the load that maximized peak power output, displaying a significantly (p ≤ .05) greater value than the 40, 60, and 80 kg loads. The shape of the force-, power-, and velocity-time curves changed significantly as the load applied to the jump squat increased. There was a significantly greater rate of power development in the 0 kg load in comparison with all other loads examined. As the first comprehensive illustration of how the entire power-, force-, and velocity-time curves change across various loading conditions, this study provides extensive evidence that a load equaling an individuals body mass (i.e., external load = 0 kg) maximizes power output in untrained individuals during the jump squat.
Reconstruction of the Human Gastrocnemius Force–Length Curve in Vivo: Part 1—Model-Based Validation of Method
Authors: Winter Samantha L. , Challis John H.
Published: August 2016

The muscle fiber force–length relationship has been explained in terms of the cross-bridge theory at the sarcomere level. In vivo, for a physiologically realistic range of joint motion, and therefore range of muscle fiber lengths, only part of the force–length curve may be used; that is, the section of the force– length curve expressed can vary. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of a method for determining the expressed section of the force– length curve for biarticular muscles. A muscle model was used to simulate the triceps surae muscle group. Three model formulations were used so that the gastrocnemius operated over different portions of the force–length curve: the ascending limb, the plateau region, and the descending limb. Joint moment data were generated for a range of joint configurations and from this simulated data the region of the force– length relationship that the gastrocnemius muscle operated over was successfully reconstructed using the algorithm of Herzog and ter Keurs (1988a). Further simulations showed that the correct region of the force–length curve was accurately reconstructed even in the presence of random and systematic noise generated to reflect the effects of sampling errors, and incomplete muscle activation.
Reconstruction of the Human Gastrocnemius Force–Length Curve in Vivo: Part 2—Experimental Results
Authors: Winter Samantha L. , Challis John H.
Published: August 2016

For a physiologically realistic range of joint motion and therefore range of muscle fiber lengths, only part of the force-length curve can be used in vivo; i.e., the section of the force–length curve that is expressed can vary. The purpose of this study was to determine the expressed section of the force–length relationship of the gastrocnemius for humans. Fourteen male and fourteen female subjects aged 18–27 performed maximal isometric plantar flexions in a Biodex dynamometer. Plantar flexion moments were recorded at five ankle angles: −15°, 0°, 15°, 30°, and 40°, with negative angles defined as dorsiflexion. These measurements were repeated for four randomly ordered knee angles over two testing sessions 4 to 10 days apart. The algorithm of Herzog and ter Keurs (1988a) was used to reconstruct the force–length curves of the biarticular gastrocnemius. Twenty-four subjects operated over the ascending limb, three operated over the descending limb, and one operated over the plateau region. The variation found suggests that large subject groups should be used to determine the extent of normal in vivo variability in this muscle property. The possible source of the variability is discussed in terms of parameters typically used in muscle models.
The Relationship between Consistency of Propulsive Cycles and Maximum Angular Velocity during Wheelchair Racing
Authors: Wang Yong “Tai” , Vrongistinos Konstantinos Dino , Xu Dali
Published: August 2016

The purposes of this study were to examine the consistency of wheelchair athletes’ upper-limb kinematics in consecutive propulsive cycles and to investigate the relationship between the maximum angular velocities of the upper arm and forearm and the consistency of the upper-limb kinematical pattern. Eleven elite international wheelchair racers propelled their own chairs on a roller while performing maximum speeds during wheelchair propulsion. A Qualisys motion analysis system was used to film the wheelchair propulsive cycles. Six reflective markers placed on the right shoulder, elbow, wrist joints, metacarpal, wheel axis, and wheel were automatically digitized. The deviations in cycle time, upper-arm and forearm angles, and angular velocities among these propulsive cycles were analyzed. The results demonstrated that in the consecutive cycles of wheelchair propulsion the increased maximum angular velocity may lead to increased variability in the upper-limb angular kinematics. It is speculated that this increased variability may be important for the distribution of load on different upper-extremity muscles to avoid the fatigue during wheelchair racing.
External Forces during Actual Acceleration across Transition Speed
Authors: Segers Veerle , Aerts Peter , Lenoir Matthieu , De Clercq Dirk
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the kinetics of the walk-to-run transition (WRT) and run-to-walk transition (RWT), when accelerating or decelerating across transition speed (a = 0.17 m·s−2). Nine women performed gait transitions on a 50-m-long walkway. Vertical ground reaction forces (GRFs) and the center of pressure (COP) were examined in the range from 3 steps before to 3 steps after transition in order to identify the possible occurrence of a transition process, in order to facilitate the actual realization of transition. The actual transition is realized in one step, during WRT and RWT. This transition step was characterized by an outlying vertical GRF and COP trajectory (deviating from walking and running). Despite this clear discontinuity, a transitional adaptation period (process) appeared in both transitions. In the WRT, transition was prepared and kinetic adaptations were found in the last step before transition. The RWT was pre- and “post”-pared and only completed during the first walking step after transition. Thus, the WRT and RWT are two distinct phenomena, with different kinetics.
Biomechanical Comparison between Elite Female and Male Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Chu Yungchien , Fleisig Glenn S. , Simpson Kathy J. , Andrews James R.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of the current study was to identify the biomechanical features of elite female baseball pitching. Kinematics and kinetics of eleven elite female baseball pitchers were reported and compared with eleven elite male pitchers. Results suggested that females share many similarities with males in pitching kinematics, with a few significant differences. Specifically, at the instant of stride foot contact, a female pitcher had a shorter and more open stride and less separation between pelvis orientation and upper torso orientation. From foot contact to ball release, a female pitcher produced lower peak angular velocity for throwing elbow extension and stride knee extension. Ball velocity was lower for the female. Foot contact to ball release took more time for a female pitcher. Maximal proximal forces at the shoulder and elbow joints were less for a female pitcher.
Effects of Speed and Visual-Target Distance on Toe Trajectory during the Swing Phase of Treadmill Walking
Authors: Miller Christopher A. , Feiveson Alan H. , Bloomberg Jacob J.
Published: August 2016

Gait kinematics have been shown to vary with speed and visual-target fixation distance, but their combined effects on toe trajectory during treadmill walking are not known. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the role of walking speed and target distance on vertical toe trajectory during treadmill walking. Subjects walked on a treadmill at five speeds while performing a dynamic visual-acuity task at both “far” and “near” target distances (ten trials total). The analysis concentrated on three specific toe trajectory events during swing: the first peak toe height just after toe-off; the minimum toe height (toe clearance), and the second peak toe height just before heel strike. With increasing speed, toe clearance decreased and the peak toe height just before heel strike increased. Only the peak toe height just after toe-off was significantly changed between the near-target and far-target tasks, though the difference was small. Therefore, walking speed and visual-fixation distance cannot be neglected in the analysis of toe trajectory. Otherwise, differences observed between populations may be attributed to age- or clinically related factors, instead of disparities of speed or target-fixation distance.
The Effects of Speed and Surface Compliance on Shock Attenuation Characteristics for Male and Female Runners
Authors: Dufek Janet S. , Mercer John A. , Griffin Janet R.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of running speed and surface compliance on shock attenuation (SA) characteristics for male and female runners. We were also interested in identifying possible kinematic explanations, specifically, kinematics of the lower extremity at foot-ground contact, for anticipated gender differences in SA. Fourteen volunteer recreational runners (7 male, 7 female) ran at preferred and slow speeds on an adjustable bed treadmill, which simulated soft, medium, and hard surface conditions. Selected kinematic descriptors of lower extremity kinematics as well as leg and head peak impact acceleration values were obtained for 10 left leg contacts per subject-condition. Results identified significant SA values between genders across conditions and more specifically, across surfaces for females, with male runners demonstrating a similar trend. Regression modeling to predict SA by gender for surface conditions elicited unremarkable results, ranging from 30.9 to 59.9% explained variance. It appears that surface compliance does affect SA during running; however, the runner’s ability to dissipate the shock wave may not be expressly explained by our definition of lower extremity kinematics at contact.
Sensitivity of Loading to the Timing of Joint Kinematic Strategies in Simulated Forefoot Impact Landings
Authors: Gittoes Marianne J. R. , Kerwin David G. , Brewin Mark A.
Published: August 2016

The impact loads experienced in landing may be influenced by the joint kinematic strategy used. This study aimed to enhance the understanding of the sensitivity of impact loading to the timing of joint kinematic strategies in simulated forefoot landings. Coordinate and force data of drop landings were used to initiate, drive, and evaluate a wobbling mass model. Ankle, knee, and hip joint angle profile timings were modified in the simulated motions. Changes to the timing of the ankle and knee joint angle profiles were associated with substantial changes in the peak vertical ground reaction force (GFzmax) of up to 3.9 body-weights (BW) and 1.5 BW, respectively, whereas loading was less sensitive to temporal changes in the hip joint strategy. Accentuated impact loads incurred by a modified knee flexion action may be explained by the need to maintain an ordered and controlled load attenuation strategy. Individual strategies and external and joint reaction forces should be considered for developing insight into loading in impact landings.
A Combined Muscle Model and Wavelet Approach to Interpreting the Surface EMG Signals from Maximal Dynamic Knee Extensions
Authors: Forrester Stephanie E. , Pain Matthew T.G.
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to identify areas of reduced surface EMG amplitude and changed frequency across the phase space of a maximal dynamic knee extension task. The hypotheses were that (1) amplitude would be lower for eccentric contractions compared with concentric contractions and unaffected by fiber length and (2) mean frequency would also be lower for eccentric contractions and unaffected by fiber length. Joint torque and EMG signals from the vasti and rectus femoris were recorded for eight athletic subjects performing maximum knee extensions at 13 preset crank velocities spanning ±300°⋅s−1. The instantaneous amplitude and mean frequency were calculated using the continuous wavelet transform time–frequency method, and the fiber dynamics were determined using a muscle model of the knee extensions. The results indicated that (1) only for the rectus femoris were amplitudes significantly lower for eccentric contractions (p = .019) and, for the vasti, amplitudes during eccentric contractions were less than maximal but this was also the case for concentric contractions due to a significant reduction in amplitude toward knee extension (p = .023), and (2) mean frequency increased significantly with decreasing fiber length for all knee extensors and contraction velocities (p = .029). Using time–frequency processing of the EMG signals and a muscle model allowed the simultaneous assessment of fiber length, velocity, and EMG.
Does Floatation Influence Breaststroke Technique?
Authors: Leblanc Hugues , Seifert Ludovic , Chollet Didier
Published: August 2016

This study is aimed at examining the relationships between floatation parameters, assessed by field tests and the stroking characteristics of breaststroke swimmers. The floatation parameters were evaluated for 23 males and 23 females by the hydrostatic lift test, the sinking force acting at the ankle test and the maximal glide length after a push-off from the pool wall test. The swimmers performed two trials at submaximal and sprint pace, and then, from the data given by a PC-video velocity system, the duration and velocity of their propulsive, recovery and glide phases were analyzed. In the female group and at slow pace, glide duration is correlated with hydrostatic lift (r = .62) and with maximal glide length (r = .44); mean glide velocity is correlated with hydrostatic lift (r = .73). In the male group and at slow pace, the sinking force was correlated with the glide phase (r = –0.66) and with the mean glide velocity (r = –0.78). At sprint velocity, the hydrostatic lift is correlated with the glide phase in the female group (r = .52). Floatation parameters have an impact on the gliding phase of the breaststroke cycle.
Potential Muscle Function during the Swing Phase of Stroke Gait
Authors: George-Reichley Debra G. , Higginson Jill S.
Published: August 2016

The understanding of individual muscle impairments that affect swing phase in stroke gait will lead to better rehabilitation strategies for this population. We used induced acceleration analysis to evaluate the potential each muscle has to accelerate the hip and knee joints of the swing limb, using kinematics from three stroke subjects and five healthy subjects. To determine the influence of altered limb position on muscle function, we augmented hip extension by 10° in swing phase for all subjects. We found that in early swing, healthy subjects had greater potential to accelerate the knee into flexion than stroke subjects, whereas stroke subjects had greater potential to accelerate the hip into flexion. Perturbing the hip flexion angle into greater extension increased the potential of biarticular muscles to flex the knee in swing phase. The potential of muscles to improve swing phase dynamics depends on the initial posture of the limb and highlights the importance of subject-specific evaluations in the design of appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Intralimb Joint Coordination Patterns of the Lower Extremity in Maximal Velocity Phase Sprint Running
Authors: Gittoes Marianne J.R. , Wilson Cassie
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to develop insight into the lower extremity joint coupling motions used in the maximal velocity phase of sprint running. Two-dimensional coordinate data were used to derive sagittal plane joint angle profiles of sprint running trials. Intralimb joint coupling motions were examined using a continuous relative phase (CRP) analysis. The knee-ankle (KA) coupling was more out of phase compared with the hip-knee (HK) coupling across the step phase (mean CRP: KA 89.9° HK 34.2°) and produced a lower within-athlete CRP variability (VCRP) in stance. Touchdown (TD) produced more out-of-phase motions and a larger VCRP than toe-off. A destabilization of the lower extremity coordination pattern was considered necessary at TD to allow for the swing-to-stance transition. The key role that the KA joint motion has in the movement patterns used by healthy athletes in the maximal velocity phase of sprint running was highlighted.
Implementation of Discrete Element Analysis for Subject-Specific, Population-Wide Investigations of Habitual Contact Stress Exposure
Authors: Anderson Donald D. , Iyer Krishna S. , Segal Neil A. , Lynch John A. , Brown Thomas D.
Published: August 2016

There exist no large-series human data linking contact stress exposure to an articular joint’s propensity for developing osteoarthritis because contact stress analysis for large numbers of subjects remains impractical. The speed and simplicity of discrete element analysis (DEA) for estimating contact stresses makes its application to this problem highly attractive, but to date DEA has been used to study only a small numbers of cases. This is because substantial issues regarding its use in population-wide studies have not been addressed. Chief among them are developing fast and robust methods for model derivation and the selection of boundary conditions, establishing accuracy of computed contact stresses, and including capabilities for modeling in-series structural elements (e.g., a meniscus). This article describes an implementation of DEA that makes it feasible to perform subject-specific modeling in articular joints in large population-based studies.
Effects of Training on Muscle and Tendon in Knee Extensors and Plantar Flexors in Vivo
Authors: Kubo Keitaro , Ikebukuro Toshihiro , Yata Hideaki , Tsunoda Naoya , Kanehisa Hiroaki
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training on muscle and tendon properties between knee extensors and plantar flexors in vivo. Twenty healthy young men voluntarily participated in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into two training groups: knee extension group (n = 10) and plantar flexion group (n = 10). They performed five sets of exercises with a 1-min rest between sets, which consisted of unilateral knee extension for the knee extension group and plantar flexion for the plantar flexion group at 80% of 1 repetition maximum with 10 repetitions per set (4 days/wk, 12 wk). Before and after training, muscle strength, neural activation level (by interpolated twitch), muscle volume (by magnetic resonance imaging), and tendon stiffness (by ultrasonography) were measured. There were no differences in the training-induced increases in muscle strength, activation level, muscle volume, and tendon stiffness between knee extensors and plantar flexors. These results suggested that if the used protocol of training (i.e., intensity, repetition, etc.) were the same, there were no differences in the training-induced changes in muscle and tendon properties between knee extensors and plantar flexors.
The Shoulder Distraction Force in Cricket Fast Bowling
Authors: Stuelcken Max C. , Ferdinands René E.D. , Ginn Karen A. , Sinclair Peter J.
Published: August 2016

This preliminary study aimed to quantify the magnitude of the peak shoulder distraction force during the bowling action of female cricket fast bowlers. An eight camera Vicon motion analysis system operating at 120 Hz recorded the fast bowling actions of 18 Australian female fast bowlers. A three segment inverse solution model of the bowling arm was used to calculate the shoulder distraction force. A large peak shoulder distraction force was recorded during the early stages of the follow-through of the bowling action. When normalized for body weight, the distraction force was within the range of values reported for baseball and softball pitchers, who are considered to be at high risk of shoulder injury. Therefore, the relative importance of the peak shoulder distraction force in the fast bowling action for the development of shoulder pain in female cricket fast bowlers warrants further investigation.
Comparison of Lower Extremity Kinematic Curves during Overground and Treadmill Running
Authors: Fellin Rebecca E. , Manal Kurt , Davis Irene S.
Published: August 2016

Researchers conduct gait analyses utilizing both overground and treadmill modes of running. Previous studies comparing these modes analyzed discrete variables. Recently, techniques involving quantitative pattern analysis have assessed kinematic curve similarity in gait. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare hip, knee and rearfoot 3-D kinematics between overground and treadmill running using quantitative kinematic curve analysis. Twenty runners ran at 3.35 m/s ± 5% during treadmill and overground conditions while right lower extremity kinematics were recorded. Kinematics of the hip, knee and rearfoot at footstrike and peak were compared using intraclass correlation coefficients. Kinematic curves during stance phase were compared using the trend symmetry method within each subject. The overall average trend symmetry was high, 0.94 (1.0 is perfect symmetry) between running modes. The transverse plane and knee frontal plane exhibited lower similarity (0.86–0.90). Other than a 4.5 degree reduction in rearfoot dorsiflexion at footstrike during treadmill running, all differences were ≤1.5 degrees. 17/18 discrete variables exhibited modest correlations (>0.6) and 8/18 exhibited strong correlations (>0.8). In conclusion, overground and treadmill running kinematic curves were generally similar when averaged across subjects. Although some subjects exhibited differences in transverse plane curves, overall, treadmill running was representative of overground running for most subjects.
Kinematic and Kinetic Analysis of the Fouetté Turn in Classical Ballet
Authors: Imura Akiko , Iino Yoichi , Kojima Takeji
Published: August 2016

The fouetté turn in classical ballet dancing is a continuous turn with the whipping of the gesture leg and the arms and the bending and stretching of the supporting leg. The knowledge of the movement intensities of both legs for the turn would be favorable for the conditioning of the dancer’s body. The purpose of this study was to estimate the intensities. The hypothesis of this study was that the intensities were higher in the supporting leg than in the gesture leg. The joint torques of both legs were determined in the turns performed by seven experienced female classical ballet dancers with inverse dynamics using three high-speed cine cameras and a force platform. The hip abductor torque, knee extensor and plantar flexor torques of the supporting leg were estimated to be exerted up to their maximum levels and the peaks of the torques were larger than the peaks of their matching torques of the gesture leg. Thus, the hypothesis was partly supported. Training of the supporting leg rather than the gesture leg would help ballet dancers perform many revolutions of the fouetté turn continuously.
The Effect of Saddle Position on Maximal Power Output and Moment Generating Capacity of Lower Limb Muscles during Isokinetic Cycling
Authors: Vrints Jeroen , Koninckx Erwin , Van Leemputte Marc , Jonkers Ilse
Published: August 2016

Saddle position affects mechanical variables during submaximal cycling, but little is known about its effect on mechanical performance during maximal cycling. Therefore, this study relates saddle position to experimentally obtained maximal power output and theoretically calculated moment generating capacity of hip, knee and ankle muscles during isokinetic cycling. Ten subjects performed maximal cycling efforts (5 s at 100 rpm) at different saddle positions varying ± 2 cm around the in literature suggested optimal saddle position (109% of inner leg length), during which crank torque and maximal power output were determined. In a subgroup of 5 subjects, lower limb kinematics were additionally recorded during submaximal cycling at the different saddle positions. A decrease in maximal power output was found for lower saddle positions. Recorded changes in knee kinematics resulted in a decrease in moment generating capacity of biceps femoris, rectus femoris and vastus intermedius at the knee. No differences in muscle moment generating capacity were found at hip and ankle. Based on these results we conclude that lower saddle positions are less optimal to generate maximal power output, as it mainly affects knee joint kinematics, compromising mechanical performance of major muscle groups acting at the knee.
Anticipatory Postural Adjustments During Lateral Step Motion in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Tateuchi Hiroshige , Ichihashi Noriaki , Shinya Masahiro , Oda Shingo
Published: August 2016

Patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) have difficulty with mediolateral postural control. Since the symptom of hip OA includes joint pain, which mostly occurs upon initial movement, patients with hip OA might have disabling problems with movement initiation. This study aimed to identify the movement strategy during the anticipatory postural adjustments in the lateral step motion in patients with hip OA. We studied 18 female subjects with unilateral hip OA and 10 healthy subjects, and measured temporal, kinetic, and kinematic variables. Patients with hip OA required a longer duration of anticipation phase than the control subjects, the total duration of lateral stepping was not different between the groups. Displacement of the center of mass to the supporting (affected) side during the anticipation phase was not different between the two groups. These findings suggest that, in patients with hip OA, the center of mass slowly moved to the affected side. Furthermore, patients with hip OA showed greater shift of the trunk to the supporting side than did the control subjects. These movement characteristics might contribute to the achievement of both protection of the affected hip joint and quickness in the subsequent lateral step in patients with hip OA.
A Comparison of Three-Dimensional Breast Displacement and Breast Comfort During Overground and Treadmill Running
Authors: White Jennifer , Scurr Joanna , Hedger Wendy
Published: August 2016

Comparisons of breast support requirements during overground and treadmill running have yet to be explored. The purpose of this study was to investigate 3D breast displacement and breast comfort during overground and treadmill running. Six female D cup participants had retro-reflective markers placed on the nipples, anterior superior iliac spines and clavicles. Five ProReflex infrared cameras (100 Hz) measured 3D marker displacement in four breast support conditions. For overground running, participants completed 5 running trials (3.1 m/s ± 0.1 m/s) over a 10 m indoor runway; for treadmill running, speed was steadily increased to 3.1 m/s and 5 gait cycles were analyzed. Subjective feedback on breast discomfort was collected using a visual analog scale. Running modality had no significant effect on breast displacement (p > .05). Moderate correlations (r = .45 to .68, p < .05) were found between breast discomfort and displacement. Stride length (m) and frequency (Hz) did not differ (p < .05) between breast support conditions or running modalities. Findings suggest that breast motion studies that examine treadmill running are applicable to overground running.
The Effects of Repetitive Drop Jumps on Impact Phase Joint Kinematics and Kinetics
Authors: Weinhandl Joshua T. , Smith Jeremy D. , Dugan Eric L.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of fatigue on lower extremity joint kinematics, and kinetics during repetitive drop jumps. Twelve recreationally active males (n = 6) and females (n = 6) (nine used for analysis) performed repetitive drop jumps until they could no longer reach 80% of their initial drop jump height. Kinematic and kinetic variables were assessed during the impact phase (100 ms) of all jumps. Fatigued landings were performed with increased knee extension, and ankle plantar flexion at initial contact, as well as increased ankle range of motion during the impact phase. Fatigue also resulted in increased peak ankle power absorption and increased energy absorption at the ankle. This was accompanied by an approximately equal reduction in energy absorption at the knee. While the knee extensors were the muscle group primarily responsible for absorbing the impact, individuals compensated for increased knee extension when fatigued by an increased use of the ankle plantar flexors to help absorb the forces during impact. Thus, as fatigue set in and individuals landed with more extended lower extremities, they adopted a landing strategy that shifted a greater burden to the ankle for absorbing the kinetic energy of the impact.
Effect of Object Width on Muscle and Joint Forces During Thumb–Index Finger Grasping
Authors: Vigouroux Laurent , Domalain Mathieu , Berton Eric
Published: August 2016

The objective of this study was to identify the impact of modifying the object width on muscle and joint forces while gripping objects. The experimental protocol consisted to maintain horizontally five objects of different widths (3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, and 7.5 cm) with a thumb–index finger grip. Subjects were required to grasp spontaneously the object without any instruction regarding the grip force (GF) to apply. A biomechanical model of thumb–index finger pinch was developed to estimate muscle and joint forces. This model included electromyography, fingertip force, and kinematics data as inputs. The finger joint postures and the GF varied across the object widths. The estimated muscle forces also varied significantly according to the object width. Interestingly, we observed that the muscle force/GF ratios of major flexor muscles remain particularly stable with respect to the width whereas other muscle ratios differed largely. This may argue for a control strategy in which the actions of flexors were preserved in spite of change in joint postures. The estimated joint forces tended to increase with object width and increased in the distal–proximal sense. Overall, these results are of importance for the ergonomic design of handheld objects and for clinical applications.
Rotational Biomechanics of the Elite Golf Swing: Benchmarks for Amateurs
Authors: Meister David W. , Ladd Amy L. , Butler Erin E. , Zhao Betty , Rogers Andrew P. , Ray Conrad J. , Rose Jessica
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine biomechanical factors that may influence golf swing power generation. Three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics were examined in 10 professional and 5 amateur male golfers. Upper-torso rotation, pelvic rotation, X-factor (relative hip-shoulder rotation), O-factor (pelvic obliquity), S-factor (shoulder obliquity), and normalized free moment were assessed in relation to clubhead speed at impact (CSI). Among professional golfers, results revealed that peak free moment per kilogram, peak X-factor, and peak S-factor were highly consistent, with coefficients of variation of 6.8%, 7.4%, and 8.4%, respectively. Downswing was initiated by reversal of pelvic rotation, followed by reversal of upper-torso rotation. Peak X-factor preceded peak free moment in all swings for all golfers, and occurred during initial downswing. Peak free moment per kilogram, X-factor at impact, peak X-factor, and peak upper-torso rotation were highly correlated to CSI (median correlation coefficients of 0.943, 0.943, 0.900, and 0.900, respectively). Benchmark curves revealed kinematic and kinetic temporal and spatial differences of amateurs compared with professional golfers. For amateurs, the number of factors that fell outside 1–2 standard deviations of professional means increased with handicap. This study identified biomechanical factors highly correlated to golf swing power generation and may provide a basis for strategic training and injury prevention.
Walking Strategies During the Transition Between Level and Hill Surfaces
Authors: Gottschall Jinger S. , Okorokov Dmitri Y. , Okita Noriaki , Stern Keith A.
Published: August 2016

Healthy young adults transition between level and hill surfaces of various angles while walking at fluctuating speeds. These surface transitions have the potential to decrease dynamic balance in both the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. Hence, the purpose of the current study was to analyze modifications in temporal-spatial parameters during hill walking transitions. We hypothesized that in comparison with level walking, the transition strides would indicate the adoption of a distinct gait strategy with a greater base of support. Thirty-four participants completed level and hill trials on a walkway with a 15-degree portable ramp apparatus. We collected data during 4 transition strides between level and ramp surfaces. In support of our hypothesis, compared with level walking, the base of support was 20% greater during 3 out of the 4 transition strides. In short, our results illustrate that healthy young adults did adopt a distinct gait strategy different from both level and hill walking during transitions strides.