scholarly journals Effects of Cooling on Ankle Muscle Strength, Electromyography, and Gait Ground Reaction Forces

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amitava Halder ◽  
Chuansi Gao ◽  
Michael Miller
Keyword(s):  
Cold Water ◽  
Isometric Force ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Local Cooling ◽  
Ankle Muscle ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
And Performance

The effects of cooling on neuromuscular function and performance during gait are not fully examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of local cooling for 20 min in cold water at 10°C in a climate chamber also at 10°C on maximal isometric force and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the lower leg muscles. Gait ground reaction forces (GRFs) were also assessed. Sixteen healthy university students participated in the within subject design experimental study. Isometric forces of the tibialis anterior (TA) and the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) were measured using a handheld dynamometer and the EMG was recorded using surface electrodes. Ground reaction forces during gait and the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) were recorded using a force plate. There was a significantly reduced isometric maximum force in the TA muscle (P<0.001) after cooling. The mean EMG amplitude of GM muscle was increased after cooling (P<0.003), indicating that fatigue was induced. We found no significant changes in the gait GRFs and RCOF on dry and level surface. These findings may indicate that local moderate cooling 20 min of 10°C cold water, may influence maximal muscle performance without affecting activities at sub-maximal effort.

Ankle and Midfoot Power During Single-Limb Heel Rise in Healthy Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-55
Author(s):  
Frank E. DiLiberto ◽  
Deborah A. Nawoczenski
Keyword(s):  
Peak Power ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Inverse Dynamic ◽  
Heel Height ◽  
Foot Motion ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Ankle Function

Although the midfoot is recognized to have an important role in the successful performance of a single-limb heel rise, healthy heel rise performance remains primarily characterized by ankle function. The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of midfoot region power to single-limb heel rise in healthy adults. Participants (N = 12) performed 20 single-limb heel rises. An electromagnetic motion capture system and a force plate were used to record 3-segment foot motion and ground reaction forces. Inverse dynamic calculations were performed to obtain ankle and midfoot region powers. These data were evaluated with descriptive statistics. A correlation was performed to evaluate the contribution of midfoot region power to heel height, as heel height is a clinical measure of heel-rise performance. The midfoot contributed power during single-limb heel rise (peak positive power: 0.5 [0.2] W·kg−1). Furthermore, midfoot peak power accounted for 36% of the variance in heel height (P = .04). As energy generating internal mechanisms, such as muscle activity, are attributed to power generation, midfoot tissue loading and muscle performance should be considered during clinical and modeling applications of the heel-rise task.

scholarly journals Effects of Running on Sand vs. Stable Ground on Kinetics and Muscle Activities in Individuals With Over-Pronated Feet

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
AmirAli Jafarnezhadgero ◽  
Nasrin Amirzadeh ◽  
Amir Fatollahi ◽  
Marefat Siahkouhian ◽  
Anderson S. Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tibialis Anterior ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Compensatory Mechanism ◽  
Running Speed ◽  
Loading Rates ◽  
Reaction Forces

Background: In terms of physiological and biomechanical characteristics, over-pronation of the feet has been associated with distinct muscle recruitment patterns and ground reaction forces during running.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of running on sand vs. stable ground on ground-reaction-forces (GRFs) and electromyographic (EMG) activity of lower limb muscles in individuals with over-pronated feet (OPF) compared with healthy controls.Methods: Thirty-three OPF individuals and 33 controls ran at preferred speed and in randomized-order over level-ground and sand. A force-plate was embedded in an 18-m runway to collect GRFs. Muscle activities were recorded using an EMG-system. Data were adjusted for surface-related differences in running speed.Results: Running on sand resulted in lower speed compared with stable ground running (p &lt; 0.001; d = 0.83). Results demonstrated that running on sand produced higher tibialis anterior activity (p = 0.024; d = 0.28). Also, findings indicated larger loading rates (p = 0.004; d = 0.72) and greater vastus medialis (p &lt; 0.001; d = 0.89) and rectus femoris (p = 0.001; d = 0.61) activities in OPF individuals. Controls but not OPF showed significantly lower gluteus-medius activity (p = 0.022; d = 0.63) when running on sand.Conclusion: Running on sand resulted in lower running speed and higher tibialis anterior activity during the loading phase. This may indicate alterations in neuromuscular demands in the distal part of the lower limbs when running on sand. In OPF individuals, higher loading rates together with greater quadriceps activity may constitute a proximal compensatory mechanism for distal surface instability.

Ground reaction force and hoof deceleration patterns on two different surfaces at the trot

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pia Gustås ◽  
Christopher Johnston ◽  
Stig Drevemo
Keyword(s):  
Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Triaxial Accelerometer ◽  
Loading Rates ◽  
Sand Surface ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Force Data

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to compare the hoof deceleration and ground reaction forces following impact on two different surfaces. Seven unshod Standardbreds were trotted by hand at 3.0–5.7 m s− 1 over a force plate covered by either of the two surfaces, sandpaper or a 1 cm layer of sand. Impact deceleration data were recorded from one triaxial accelerometer mounted on the fore- and hind hooves, respectively. Ground reaction force data were obtained synchronously from a force plate, sampled at 4.8 kHz. The differences between the two surfaces were studied by analysing representative deceleration and force variables for individual horses. The maximum horizontal peak deceleration and the loading rates of the vertical and the horizontal forces were significantly higher on sandpaper compared with the sand surface (P < 0.001). In addition, the initial vertical deceleration was significantly higher on sandpaper in the forelimb (P < 0.001). In conclusion, it was shown that the different qualities of the ground surface result in differences in the hoof-braking pattern, which may be of great importance for the strength of the distal horse limb also at slow speeds.

Correlation between Ground Reaction Force and Tibial Acceleration in Vertical Jumping

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 180-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niell G. Elvin ◽  
Alex A. Elvin ◽  
Steven P. Arnoczky
Keyword(s):  
Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Accelerometer Data ◽  
Jump Height ◽  
Vertical Jumping ◽  
Average Coefficient ◽  
Reaction Forces

Modern electronics allow for the unobtrusive measurement of accelerations outside the laboratory using wireless sensor nodes. The ability to accurately measure joint accelerations under unrestricted conditions, and to correlate them with jump height and landing force, could provide important data to better understand joint mechanics subject to real-life conditions. This study investigates the correlation between peak vertical ground reaction forces, as measured by a force plate, and tibial axial accelerations during free vertical jumping. The jump heights calculated from force-plate data and accelerometer measurements are also compared. For six male subjects participating in this study, the average coefficient of determination between peak ground reaction force and peak tibial axial acceleration is found to be 0.81. The coefficient of determination between jump height calculated using force plate and accelerometer data is 0.88. Data show that the landing forces could be as high as 8 body weights of the jumper. The measured peak tibial accelerations ranged up to 42 g. Jump heights calculated from force plate and accelerometer sensors data differed by less than 2.5 cm. It is found that both impact accelerations and landing forces are only weakly correlated with jump height (the average coefficient of determination is 0.12). This study shows that unobtrusive accelerometers can be used to determine the ground reaction forces experienced in a jump landing. Whereas the device also permitted an accurate determination of jump height, there was no correlation between peak ground reaction force and jump height.

Twisting and Bending: The Functional Role of Salamander Lateral Hypaxial Musculature During Locomotion

2001 ◽  
Vol 204 (11) ◽  
pp. 1979-1989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wallace O. Bennett ◽  
Rachel S. Simons ◽  
Elizabeth L. Brainerd
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
The Body ◽  
Transversus Abdominis ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Terrestrial Locomotion ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Hypaxial Muscle

SUMMARY The function of the lateral hypaxial muscles during locomotion in tetrapods is controversial. Currently, there are two hypotheses of lateral hypaxial muscle function. The first, supported by electromyographic (EMG) data from a lizard (Iguana iguana) and a salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus), suggests that hypaxial muscles function to bend the body during swimming and to resist long-axis torsion during walking. The second, supported by EMG data from lizards during relatively high-speed locomotion, suggests that these muscles function primarily to bend the body during locomotion, not to resist torsional forces. To determine whether the results from D. ensatus hold for another salamander, we recorded lateral hypaxial muscle EMGs synchronized with body and limb kinematics in the tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum. In agreement with results from aquatic locomotion in D. ensatus, all four layers of lateral hypaxial musculature were found to show synchronous EMG activity during swimming in A. tigrinum. Our findings for terrestrial locomotion also agree with previous results from D. ensatus and support the torsion resistance hypothesis for terrestrial locomotion. We observed asynchronous EMG bursts of relatively high intensity in the lateral and medial pairs of hypaxial muscles during walking in tiger salamanders (we call these ‘α-bursts’). We infer from this pattern that the more lateral two layers of oblique hypaxial musculature, Mm. obliquus externus superficialis (OES) and obliquus externus profundus (OEP), are active on the side towards which the trunk is bending, while the more medial two layers, Mm. obliquus internus (OI) and transversus abdominis (TA), are active on the opposite side. This result is consistent with the hypothesis proposed for D. ensatus that the OES and OEP generate torsional moments to counteract ground reaction forces generated by forelimb support, while the OI and TA generate torsional moments to counteract ground reaction forces from hindlimb support. However, unlike the EMG pattern reported for D. ensatus, a second, lower-intensity burst of EMG activity (‘β-burst’) was sometimes recorded from the lateral hypaxial muscles in A. tigrinum. As seen in other muscle systems, these β-bursts of hypaxial muscle coactivation may function to provide fine motor control during locomotion. The presence of asynchronous, relatively high-intensity α-bursts indicates that the lateral hypaxial muscles generate torsional moments during terrestrial locomotion, but it is possible that the balance of forces from both α- and β-bursts may allow the lateral hypaxial muscles to contribute to lateral bending of the body as well.

scholarly journals The Effects of an Eight over Cricket Bowling Spell upon Pace Bowling Biomechanics and Performance within Different Delivery Lengths

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 200
Author(s):  
Samuel J. Callaghan ◽  
Robert G. Lockie ◽  
Warren A. Andrews ◽  
Walter Yu ◽  
Robert F. Chipchase ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Whole Body ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Load Monitoring ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Run Up ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Cricket Bowling ◽  
Shoulder Kinematics ◽  
Release Speed

Pace bowlers must often perform extended bowling spells with maximal ball release speed (BRS) while targeting different delivery lengths when playing a multi-day match. This study investigated the effect of an eight over spell upon pace bowling biomechanics and performance at different delivery lengths. Nine male bowlers (age = 18.8 ± 1.7 years) completed an eight over spell, while targeting different lengths (short: 7–10 m, good: 4–7 m, full: 0–4 m from the batter’s stumps, respectively) in a randomized order. Trunk, knee and shoulder kinematics and ground reaction forces at front foot contact (FFC), as well as run-up velocity and BRS were measured. Paired sample t-tests (p ≤ 0.01), Hedges’ g effect sizes, and statistical parametrical mapping were used to assess differences between mean variables from the first and last three overs. No significant differences (p = 0.05–0.98) were found in any discrete or continuous variables, with the magnitude of difference being trivial-to-medium (g = 0.00–0.73) across all variables. Results suggest pace bowlers sustain BRS through a single eight over spell while tolerating the repeatedly high whole-body biomechanical loads as suggested by maintaining the kinematics or technique at the assessed joints during FFC. Practically, the findings are advantageous for bowling performance and support current bowling load monitoring practices.

scholarly journals Physical and Performance Characteristics Related to Unintentional Musculoskeletal Injury in Special Forces Operators: A Prospective Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (12) ◽  
pp. 1153-1160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas R. Heebner ◽  
John P. Abt ◽  
Mita Lovalekar ◽  
Kim Beals ◽  
Timothy C. Sell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Musculoskeletal Injury ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Special Forces ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
And Performance

Context:  Seventy-seven percent of musculoskeletal injuries sustained by United States Army Special Forces Operators are preventable. Identification of predictive characteristics will promote the development of screening methods to augment injury-prevention programs. Objective:  To determine physical and performance characteristics that predict musculoskeletal injuries. Setting:  Clinical laboratory. Patients or Other Participants:  A total of 95 Operators (age = 32.7 ± 5.1 years, height = 179.8 ± 6.9 cm, mass = 89.9 ± 12.7 kg). Main Outcome Measure(s):  Laboratory testing consisted of body composition, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, upper and lower body strength and flexibility, balance, and biomechanical evaluation. Injury data were captured for 12 months after laboratory testing. Injury frequencies, cross-tabulations, and relative risks (RRs) were calculated to evaluate the relationships between physical characteristics and injury proportions. Between-groups differences (injured versus uninjured) were assessed using appropriate t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. Results:  Less shoulder-retraction strength (RR = 1.741 [95% confidence interval = 1.003, 3.021]), knee-extension strength (RR = 2.029 [95% confidence interval = 1.011, 4.075]), and a smaller trunk extension : flexion ratio (RR = 0.533 [95% confidence interval = 0.341, 0.831]) were significant risk factors for injury. Group comparisons showed less trunk strength (extension: P = .036, flexion: P = .048) and smaller right vertical ground reaction forces during landing (P = .025) in injured Operators. Knee strength, aerobic capacity, and body mass index were less in the subgroup of spine-injured versus uninjured Operators (P values = .013−.036). Conclusions:  Knee-extension and shoulder-retraction strength were risk factors for musculoskeletal injury in Operators. Less trunk-flexion and -extension strength, higher body mass index, lower aerobic capacity, and increased ground reaction forces during landing were characteristics that may also contribute to musculoskeletal injury. Having 2 or more risk factors resulted in a greater injury proportion (χ2 = 13.512, P = .015); however, more research is needed. Athletic trainers working in the military or similar high-demand settings can use these data to augment screening and injury-prevention protocols.

GROUND REACTION FORCES OF COMMONLY USED VOLLEYBALL BLOCKING APPROACHES

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (89) ◽  
pp. 13-20
Author(s):  
Dimitrije Cabarkapa ◽  
Andrew Fry ◽  
Damjana Cabarkapa ◽  
Arden Rogers ◽  
Eric Mosier
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Strength And Conditioning ◽  
Advanced Level ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Concentric Force ◽  
Vertical Jump Height ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
The Right

Aim: The purpose of this study was to quantify ground reaction forces for some of the most commonly utilised volleyball blocking approaches and to examine their kinetic and kinematic characteristics. Basic procedures: The study was comprised of 18 healthy recreationally active women who volunteered to participate. Immediately after completion of the warm-up protocol, subjects performed 5 blocking approaches: stationary blocking approach (SBA), shuffle block to the right (SHBR), shuffle block to the left (SHBL), swing block to the right (SWBR) and swing block to the left (SWBL). In order to allow adequate recovery, each trial was randomly assigned and separated by a 1-2 minute rest interval. A uni-axial force plate with data acquisition system sampling at 1000 Hz was used to measure ground reaction forces. Main findings: SWBR and SWBL unveiled the greatest peak concentric force and rate of force development when compared to SBA, while no difference was observed when compared to SHBR and SHBL. Results: No significant differences were observed in peak landing force, impulse, and vertical jump height between any of the blocking approaches examined in this study. Conclusions: Knowing biomechanical characteristics of some of the most commonly utilised volleyball blocking approaches may help athletes to appropriately respond and quickly adjust to the opponent’s attacking position. Kinetic and kinematic variables are likely to be augmented with an advanced level of competition and can be trained and improved by properly designed and implemented strength and conditioning programmes.

scholarly journals Force plate gait analysis to assess limb function after tibial tuberosity advancement in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease

2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (03) ◽  
pp. 243-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Damur ◽  
T. Guerrero ◽  
M. Haessig ◽  
P. Montavon ◽  
K. Voss
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Tibial Tuberosity ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Cranial Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Vertical Ground ◽  
Vertical Ground Reaction Forces

Summary Objective: To assess functional outcome in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease after tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) using force plate gait analysis, and to evaluate parameters potentially influencing outcome. Study design: Prospective clinical study. Animals: Consecutive clinical patients (n=37) with CrCL-deficient stifles (n=40). Methods: The stifle joints were examined arthroscopically prior to TTA. Meniscal release was not performed if the medial meniscus was intact. Open medial arthrotomy and partial meniscectomy were performed in the presence of meniscal tears. Vertical ground reaction forces were measured preoperatively and at follow-up examinations four to 16 months postoperatively (mean: 5.9 months). The ground reaction forces of a group of 65 healthy dogs were used for the comparison. The potential effects of clinical parameters on functional outcome were evaluated statistically. Results: Complete CrCL rupture was identified in 28 joints, and partial CrCL rupture in 12 joints. The medial meniscus was damaged in 21 stifles. Vertical ground reaction forces were significantly higher at follow-up (P<0.01), but remained significantly lower than those of control dogs (P<0.01). Complications were identified in 25% of joints, and the dogs with complications had significantly lower peak vertical forces at follow-up than the dogs without complications (P=0.04). Other clinical parameters did not influence outcome. Conclusions: Tibial tuberosity advancement significantly improved limb function in dogs with CrCL disease, but did not result in complete return to function. Complications adversely affected functional outcome. Clinical significance: A return to a function of approximately 90% of normal can be expected in dogs with CrCL disease undergoing TTA.

Interactions Between Posture and Locomotion: Motor Patterns in Humans Walking With Bent Posture Versus Erect Posture

2000 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 288-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Grasso ◽  
M. Zago ◽  
F. Lacquaniti
Keyword(s):  
Gait Cycle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Muscle Synergies ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Motor Patterns ◽  
Erect Posture ◽  
Body Segments ◽  
Plane Orientation ◽  
Temporal Coupling ◽  
Reaction Forces

Human erect locomotion is unique among living primates. Evolution selected specific biomechanical features that make human locomotion mechanically efficient. These features are matched by the motor patterns generated in the CNS. What happens when humans walk with bent postures? Are normal motor patterns of erect locomotion maintained or completely reorganized? Five healthy volunteers walked straight and forward at different speeds in three different postures (regular, knee-flexed, and knee- and trunk-flexed) while their motion, ground reaction forces, and electromyographic (EMG) activity were recorded. The three postures imply large differences in the position of the center of body mass relative to the body segments. The elevation angles of the trunk, pelvis, and lower limb segments relative to the vertical in the sagittal plane, the ground reaction forces and the rectified EMGs were analyzed over the gait cycle. The waveforms of the elevation angles along the gait cycle remained essentially unchanged irrespective of the adopted postures. The first two harmonics of these kinematic waveforms explain >95% of their variance. The phase shift but not the amplitude ratio between the first harmonic of the elevation angle waveforms of adjacent pairs was affected systematically by changes in posture. Thigh, shank, and foot angles covaried close to a plane in all conditions, but the plane orientation was systematically different in bent versus erect locomotion. This was explained by the changes in the temporal coupling among the three segments. For walking speeds >1 m s−1, the plane orientation of bent locomotion indicates a much lower mechanical efficiency relative to erect locomotion. Ground reaction forces differed prominently in bent versus erect posture displaying characteristics intermediate between those typical of walking and those of running. Mean EMG activity was greater in bent postures for all recorded muscles independent of the functional role. The waveforms of the muscle activities and muscle synergies also were affected by the adopted posture. We conclude that maintaining bent postures does not interfere either with the generation of segmental kinematic waveforms or with the planar constraint of intersegmental covariation. These characteristics are maintained at the expense of adjustments in kinetic parameters, muscle synergies and the temporal coupling among the oscillating body segments. We argue that an integrated control of gait and posture is made possible because these two motor functions share some common principles of spatial organization.

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