Nordic Hamstring Exercise training induces improved lower‐limb swing phase mechanics and sustained strength preservation in sprinters

Abstract Transfemoral amputee often encounters reduced toe clearance resulting in trip-related falls. Swing phase joint angles have been shown to influence the toe clearance therefore, training intervention that targets shaping the swing phase joint angles can potentially enhance toe clearance. The focus of this study was to investigate the effect of the shift in the location of the center of pressure (CoP) during heel strike on modulation of the swing phase joint angles in able-bodied participants (n=6) and transfemoral amputees (n=3). We first developed a real-time CoP-based visual feedback system such that participants could shift the CoP during treadmill walking. Next, the kinematic data were collected during two different walking sessions- baseline (without feedback) and feedback (shifting the CoP anteriorly/posteriorly at heel strike to match the target CoP location). Primary swing phase joint angle adaptations were observed with feedback such that during the mid-swing phase, posterior CoP shift feedback significantly increases (p<0.05) the average hip and knee flexion angle by 11.55 degrees and 11.86 degrees respectively in amputees, whereas a significant increase (p<0.05) in ankle dorsiflexion, hip and knee flexion angle by 3.60 degrees, 3.22 degrees, and 1.27 degrees respectively compared to baseline was observed in able-bodied participants. Moreover, an opposite kinematic adaptation was seen during anterior CoP shift feedback. Overall, results confirm a direct correlation between the CoP shift and the modulation in the swing phase lower limb joint angles.

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Low Volume, Home-Based Weighted Step Exercise Training Can Improve Lower Limb Muscle Power and Functional Ability in Community-Dwelling Older Women

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm8010041 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 41 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Jacqueline L. Mair ◽

Giuseppe De Vito ◽

Colin A. Boreham

Keyword(s):

Exercise Training ◽

Older Women ◽

Power Output ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Functional Ability ◽

Muscular Strength ◽

Training Programme ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Home Based ◽

Low Volume

Stepping exercise can be used as a scalable form of high intensity exercise to enhance important aspects of physical fitness in older populations. The addition of supplementary weights increases the resistive element of stepping, with the potential for training improvements in muscular strength, power, and functional abilities alongside other fitness outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a low-volume, home-based weighted step exercise programme on muscular strength, power, and functional ability in previously inactive community-dwelling older women. Eleven participants, aged between 65–74 years, independently completed a six-week individualised and progressive step exercise training programme wearing a weighted vest. Knee extensor strength, lower limb power output, and physical function using a battery of functional tests were measured at baseline, following a 6-week control period, and again following the 6-week training programme. Following training, lower limb power output improved by 10–11% (p < 0.05) and was accompanied by a corresponding 9% (p < 0.01) improvement in stair climb time and 10% (p < 0.01) improvement in normalised stair climbing power, highlighting the beneficial effects of weighted stepping for transferable improvements in functional fitness. The magnitude of observed training improvements suggest that weighted step training has the potential to prolong independence and prevent age-related health conditions such as sarcopenia.

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Lower limb kinematics during the swing phase in patients with knee osteoarthritis measured using an inertial sensor

Gait & Posture ◽

10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.06.017 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 57 ◽

pp. 236-240 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Kenji Tanimoto ◽

Makoto Takahashi ◽

Kazuki Tokuda ◽

Tomonori Sawada ◽

Masaya Anan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Inertial Sensor ◽

Swing Phase ◽

Limb Kinematics ◽

Lower Limb Kinematics

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Newly designed computer controlled knee-ankle-foot orthosis (Intelligent Orthosis)

Prosthetics and Orthotics International ◽

10.3109/03093649809164488 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 230-239 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

T. Suga ◽

O. Kameyama ◽

R. Ogawa ◽

M. Matsuura ◽

H. Oka

Keyword(s):

Lower Limb ◽

Stance Phase ◽

Gait Cycle ◽

Normal Subjects ◽

Swing Phase ◽

Ankle Foot Orthosis ◽

Normal Gait ◽

Heel Contact ◽

Computer Controlled ◽

Foot Orthosis

The authors have developed a knee-ankle-foot orthosis with a joint unit that controls knee movements using a microcomputer (Intelligent Orthosis). The Intelligent Orthosis was applied to normal subjects and patients, and gait analysis was performed. In the gait cycle, the ratio of the stance phase to the swing phase was less in gait with the knee locked using a knee-ankle-foot orthosis than in gait without an orthosis or gait with the knee controlled by a microcomputer. The ratio of the stance phase to the swing phase between controlled gait and normal gait was similar. For normal subjects the activity of the tibialis anterior was markedly increased from the heel-off phase to the swing phase in locked gait. The muscle activities of the lower limb were lower in controlled force in locked gait showed spikes immediately after heel-contact in the vertical at heel-contact in the sagittal to locked gait, gait with the Intelligent Orthosis is smooth and close to normal gait from the viewpoint of biomechanics. Even in patients with muscle weakness of the quadriceps, control of the knee joint using the Intelligent Orthosis resulted in a more smooth gait with low muscle discharge.

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