Search results for "BIOMECHANICS"
showing 10 items of 281 documents
Inertial properties of the arm are accurately predicted during motor imagery
2004
Abstract In the present study, using the mental chronometry paradigm, we examined the hypothesis that during motor imagery the brain uses a forward internal model of arm inertial properties to predict the motion of the arm in different dynamic states. Seven subjects performed overt and covert arm movements with one (motion around the shoulder joint) and two (motion around both the shoulder and elbow joints) degrees of freedom in the horizontal plane. Arm movements were executed under two loading conditions: without and with an added mass (4 kg) attached to the subject’s right wrist. Additionally, movements were performed in two different directions, condition which implies changes in the ar…
Knee and ankle joint stiffness in sprint running.
2002
Stiffness has often been considered as a regulated property of the neuromuscular system. The purpose of this study was to examine the ankle and knee joint stiffness regulation during sprint running.Ten male sprinters ran at the constant relative speeds of 70, 80, 90, and 100% over a force platform, and ground reaction forces, kinematic, and EMG parameters were collected.The results indicated that with increasing running speed the average joint stiffness (change in joint moment divided by change in joint angle) was constant (7 N x m x deg(-1)) in the ankle joint and increased from 17 to 24 N x m x deg(-1) (P0.01) in the knee joint.The observed constant ankle joint stiffness may depend on (co…
Effects of plantar flexor muscle fatigue induced by electromyostimulation on postural coordination
2007
International audience; The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of a modification of an intrinsic capacity (plantar flexor strength) on the implementation of in-phase and anti-phase mode of coordination. Analysis of hip and ankle relative phases during fore-aft tracking task was done before and after an electromyostimulation fatigue protocol on the soleus muscles. Results showed participants used exclusively in-phase and anti-phase modes of coordination, with a sudden switch from one to the other with target frequency increase. Regarding tracking tasks, fatigue induces a decrease of performance for lower frequencies, and a significant decrease of switch frequency (−0.0…
Effects of 12-wk eccentric calf muscle training on muscle-tendon glucose uptake and SEMG in patients with chronic Achilles tendon pain
2014
High-load eccentric exercises have been a key component in the conservative management of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. This study investigated the effects of a 12-wk progressive, home-based eccentric rehabilitation program on ankle plantar flexors' glucose uptake (GU) and myoelectric activity and Achilles tendon GU. A longitudinal study design with control ( n = 10) and patient ( n = 10) groups was used. Surface electromyography (SEMG) from four ankle plantar flexors and GU from the same muscles and the Achilles tendon were measured during submaximal intermittent isometric plantar flexion task. The results indicated that the symptomatic leg was weaker ( P < 0.05) than the asymptomatic…
Electrical and mechanical H(max)-to-M(max) ratio in power- and endurance-trained athletes.
2001
The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical and electromyographic (EMG) characteristics of soleus motor units activated during maximal H reflex and direct M response among subjects with different histories of physical activity. Power-trained athletes produced stronger twitches, with a higher rate of twitch tension buildup and relaxation, than their endurance counterparts for both maximal H-reflex and maximal M-wave responses. The maximal H-reflex-to-maximal M-wave ratios for both force output (twitch) and EMG wave amplitude were significantly lower in power-trained than endurance-trained athletes. However, power-trained athletes exhibited a significantly greater twitch-to-EMG ratio…
Afferent contribution to locomotor muscle activity during unconstrained overground human walking:an analysis of triceps surae muscle fascicles
2010
Plantar flexor series elasticity can be used to dissociate muscle–fascicle and muscle–tendon behavior and thus afferent feedback during human walking. We used electromyography (EMG) and high-speed ultrasonography concomitantly to monitor muscle activity and muscle fascicle behavior in 19 healthy volunteers as they walked across a platform. On random trials, the platform was dropped (8 cm, 0.9 g acceleration) or held at a small inclination (up to ±3° in the parasagittal plane) with respect to level ground. Dropping the platform in the mid and late phases of stance produced a depression in the soleus muscle activity with an onset latency of about 50 ms. The reduction in ground reaction force…
Effects of marathon running on running economy and kinematics.
2000
The present study was designed to investigate interactions between running economy and mechanics before, during, and after an individually run marathon. Seven experienced triathletes performed a 5-min submaximal running test on a treadmill at an individual constant marathon speed. Heart rate was monitored and the expired respiratory gas was analyzed. Blood samples were drawn to analyze serum creatine kinase activity (S-CK), skeletal troponin I (sTnI), and blood lactate (B-La). A video analysis was performed (200 frames · s−1) to investigate running mechanics. A kinematic arm was used to determine the external work of each subject. The results of the present study demonstrate that after the …
Nordic walking practice might improve plantar pressure distribution.
2012
Nordic walking (NW), characterized by the use of two walking poles, is becoming increasingly popular (Morgulec-Adamowicz, Marszalek, & Jagustyn, 2011). We studied walking pressure patterns of 20 experienced and 30 beginner Nordic walkers. Plantar pressures from nine foot zones were measured during trials performed at two walking speeds (preferred and 20% faster), and under two walking conditions (NW vs. normal walking). In comparison to normal walking, NW experience led to a significant (p < .05) pressure reduction of about 50% on the central metatarsals. No significant increases were detected in other foot regions. The differences between experienced and beginners during normal walking inc…
Gait analysis in idiopathic scoliosis before and after surgery: a comparison of the pre- and postoperative muscle activation pattern
1998
In a prospective experimental study the level gait activity scores of the iliocostalis lumborum, glutaeus medius, tensor fasciae latae, vastus lateralis and peronaeus longus muscles of both body sides were examined by computerized electromyography in 23 patients with idiopathic scoliosis before and after CD instrumentation. The pre- and postoperative findings were examined as to asymmetric patterns in muscle requisition during gait and the respective changes induced by the spinal correction. These results were compared with the corresponding results obtained in healthy subjects in two independent sessions with identical experimental conditions. A muscle activity asymmetry coefficient was de…
Quadriceps Femoris Torque and EMG Activity in Seated versus Supine Position
2003
To compare voluntary and electrically evoked knee extensor torque, surface electromyography (EMG), and activation level obtained under seated versus supine position, i.e., with shortened versus lengthened rectus femoris (RF) muscle.The knee extensor torque obtained during maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and after single and paired stimuli applied at rest was measured under seated (i.e., 90 degrees hip angle) and supine (i.e., 180 degrees hip angle) conditions. The associated EMG activity from biarticular RF and monoarticular vasti was also recorded, and activation level was estimated by means of the twitch interpolation technique.Knee extensor MVC was 10.6% higher in the seated compare…