Search results for "229"
showing 10 items of 1572 documents
How the ankle joint angle alters the antagonist and agonist torques during maximal efforts in dorsi- and plantar flexion
2011
The aim of this study was to assess, via an EMG bio-feedback method, the ankle joint angle effect on the agonist and antagonist torques in plantar- (PF) and dorsi-flexion (DF). The isometric PF and DF maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) torques were measured simultaneously with surface EMG activity of triceps surae (TS) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles in 12 young adults (mean age 27) at five different ankle joint angles. Our results showed that: (i) The coactivation level does not properly reflect the mechanical effect of the antagonist muscle, (ii) TS antagonist torque significantly altered the DF MVC-angle relationship, whereas TA antagonist torque did not influence this MVC-angle re…
Determinants of elite-level air rifle shooting performance
2015
This study focused on identifying the most important factors determining performance in elite-level air rifle shooting technique. Forty international- and national-level shooters completed a simulated air rifle shooting competition series. From a total of 13 795 shots in 319 tests, shooting score and 17 aiming point trajectory variables were measured with an optoelectronic device and six postural balance variables were measured with force platform. Principal component analysis revealed six components in the air rifle shooting technique: aiming time, stability of hold, measurement time, cleanness of triggering, aiming accuracy, and timing of triggering. Multiple regression analysis identifie…
Asthma, allergies and respiratory symptoms in different activity groups of swimmers exercising in swimming halls
2021
Abstract Background Respiratory symptoms are common in competitive swimmers. However, among these and in swimmers at other activity levels the swimming distance, the total spent time in swimming halls and their medical background varies. Our objectives were, first, to assess their medical histories and the associations with respiratory symptoms among swimmers in different activity groups and then second, to study the pulmonary function findings and related medications in competitive swimmers who exercise in swimming hall environments the most. Methods First, 1118 participants consisting of 133 competitive-, 734 fitness- and 251 occasional swimmers answered questionnaires concerning their me…
Barreras percibidas en el desplazamiento activo al centro educativo: fiabilidad y validez de una escala
2016
Resumen: Objetivo: Examinar la fiabilidad y la validez de una escala para evaluar las barreras percibidas en el desplazamiento activo al centro escolar en jóvenes españoles. Método: La validez de la escala fue evaluada en una muestra de 465 adolescentes (14-18 años de edad) mediante un análisis factorial confirmatorio y a través de la asociación con el transporte activo autorreportado. Una submuestra completó la escala dos veces, con una separación de una semana, a fin de evaluar su fiabilidad. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que la escala tenía índices de ajuste satisfactorios con dos factores. Un factor incluyó los ítems relativos a ambiente y seguridad (α = 0,72), y otro los ítems s…
The Anabasis of Patrick: Travelling an allegorical narrative map of illness and disability
2018
Abstract Objectives This paper examines the stories of Patrick, a man living with cancer and a spinal cord injury. Design An intrinsic case study was used to address Patrick's experiences. The design of the study is underpinned by narrative dialogism. Method Photo-elicitation interviews were conducted. Visual and verbal data were analysed using a dialogical narrative analysis. Results Patrick aligned his experiences with a story titled Anabasis to organize and express them. Although Anabasis is not a story about illness, it provides Patrick with an allegorical narrative map of how to live with disability and survive illness. Within ‘The Anabasis of Patrick’, the analysis identified three st…
How preconditioning and pretensioning of grafts used in ACLigaments surgical reconstruction are influenced by their mechanical time-dependent charact…
2021
Abstract Purpose Consensus about a pre-implant preparation protocol adaptable to any graft used in Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction is still lacking. In fact, there is not agreement on reliable metrics that consider both specific graft dimensional characteristics, such as its diameter, and the inherent properties of its constitutive material, i.e. ligaments or tendons. Aim of the present study was to investigate and propose the applied engineering stress as a possible metrics. Methods Preconditioning and pretensioning protocol involved groups of grafts with different section (10 or 32 mm2) and materials (i.e. human patellar and hamstring tendons, and synthetic grafts). A 140 N load…
Anxiety and athletic performance of finnish athletes: Application of the zone of optimal functioning model
1995
Abstract The aim of this study was to test five hypotheses based on Hanin's [in Spielberger, C. D. & Diaz-Guerrero, R. (Eds), Cross-cultural anxiety (Vol. 2, pp. 45–64), 1986] Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) model. Eighty Finnish athletes filled out the State Anxiety Inventory two weeks, one week and one hour before the start of a competition. The predicted anxiety level measured two weeks and one week before the competition correlated significantly with the state anxiety level measured one hour before the start. Comparison of athletes preparing for a very important competition showed that those who were inside their optimal individual zone performed significantly better than…
Bicuspid aortic valve and sports: From the echocardiographic evaluation to the eligibility for sports competition
2021
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect in adults. Although a BAV may remain without clinical consequences for a lifetime, it can deteriorate in aortic valve stenosis and regurgitation and aortic dilatation. Unfortunately, the impact of regular training on patients with BAV and its natural course is not fully understood, although preliminary evidence suggests that the progression of valvular disease occurs primarily in an independent manner from sports practice. The current review aims to report how to perform a comprehensive echocardiographic examination in athletes with BAV and analyze the current literature on the influence of sports practice and how it imp…
Identifying technical, physiological, tactical and psychological characteristics that contribute to career progression in soccer
2016
This study sought to examine which technical, physiological, tactical and psychological characteristics at age 15 years contribute to successful soccer performance at age 19 years. Participants were male soccer players ( n = 114; mean age 15.4 ± 0.3 years), divided into elite and sub-elite groups based on their performance level at age 19 years. Technical, physiological, tactical and psychological characteristics were recorded when players were 15-year olds. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that performance level at age 19 was clearly associated with technical skills of passing and centering as well as agility and motivation levels recorded at age 15 years. These results extend o…
Effects of high intensity resistance aquatic training on body composition and walking speed in women with mild knee osteoarthritis : a 4-month RCT wi…
2017
Objective: To investigate the effects of 4-months intensive aquatic resistance training on body composition and walking speed in post-menopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis (OA), immediately after intervention and after 12-months follow-up. Additionally, influence of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) will be investigated. Design: This randomised clinical trial assigned eighty-seven volunteer postmenopausal women into two study arms. The intervention group (n = 43) participated in 48 supervised intensive aquatic resistance training sessions over 4-months while the control group (n = 44) maintained normal physical activity. Eighty four participants continued into the 12-months' fo…