Using Motor Imagery Training to Increase Quadriceps Strength: A Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 80 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 87-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler M. Saumur ◽  
Stephen D. Perry
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Quadriceps Strength ◽  
Imagery Training ◽  
Brief Training ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Background: Motor imagery training implements neural adaptation theory to improve muscle strength without physically performing muscle contractions. To date, motor imagery training research regarding the efficacy of improving torque of the quadriceps over a brief training period is limited. Objective: To determine the impact of a 3-week motor imagery training on peak torque during knee extension. Method: Ten young, healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups over a 3-week period: strength training, motor imagery training and control. Results: Following training, an increase in peak torque was observed in all strength training participants (mean change of 38 ± 15%) and in 2 members of the motor imagery training group (45 ± 10%). Conclusion: Brief periods of motor imagery training may have the potential to improve quadriceps strength; however, more research is needed with larger populations to test this hypothesis.

scholarly journals Greater Power but Not Strength Gains Using Flywheel Versus Equivolumed Traditional Strength Training in Junior Basketball Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1181
Author(s):  
Marko D. M. Stojanović ◽  
Mladen Mikić ◽  
Patrik Drid ◽  
Julio Calleja-González ◽  
Nebojša Maksimović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Training Group ◽  
T Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Sprint Time ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
And Control

The main aim of the present study was to compare the effects of flywheel strength training and traditional strength training on fitness attributes. Thirty-six well trained junior basketball players (n = 36; 17.58 ± 0.50 years) were recruited and randomly allocated into: Flywheel group (FST; n = 12), traditional strength training group (TST; n = 12) and control group (CON; n = 12). All groups attended 5 basketball practices and one official match a week during the study period. Experimental groups additionally participated in the eight-week, 1–2 d/w equivolume intervention conducted using a flywheel device (inertia = 0.075 kg·m−2) for FST or free weights (80%1 RM) for TST. Pre-to post changes in lower limb isometric strength (ISOMET), 5 and 20 m sprint time (SPR5m and SPR20m), countermovement jump height (CMJ) and change of direction ability (t-test) were assessed with analyses of variance (3 × 2 ANOVA). Significant group-by-time interaction was found for ISOMET (F = 6.40; p = 0.000), CMJ (F = 7.45; p = 0.001), SPR5m (F = 7.45; p = 0.010) and T test (F = 10.46; p = 0.000). The results showed a significantly higher improvement in CMJ (p = 0.006; 11.7% vs. 6.8%), SPR5m (p = 0.001; 10.3% vs. 5.9%) and t-test (p = 0.045; 2.4% vs. 1.5%) for FST compared to the TST group. Simultaneously, th FST group had higher improvement in ISOMET (p = 0.014; 18.7% vs. 2.9%), CMJ (p = 0.000; 11.7% vs. 0.3%), SPR5m (p = 0.000; 10.3% vs. 3.4%) and t-test (p = 0.000; 2.4% vs. 0.6%) compared to the CON group. Players from the TST group showed better results in CMJ (p = 0.006; 6.8% vs. 0.3%) and t-test (p = 0.018; 1.5% vs. 0.6%) compared to players from the CON group. No significant group-by-time interaction was found for sprint 20 m (F = 2.52; p = 0.088). Eight weeks of flywheel training (1–2 sessions per week) performed at maximum concentric intensity induces superior improvements in CMJ, 5 m sprint time and change of direction ability than equivolumed traditional weight training in well trained junior basketball players. Accordingly, coaches and trainers could be advised to use flywheel training for developing power related performance attributes in young basketball players.

Strength Training Induces Greater Increase in Handgrip Strength than Wrestling Training per se

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (08) ◽  
pp. 533-538
Author(s):  
Konstantina Karatrantou ◽  
Christina Katsoula ◽  
Nikos Tsiakaras ◽  
Panagiotis Ioakimidis ◽  
Vassilis Gerodimos
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Hand Preference ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Training Adaptations ◽  
Per Se ◽  
And Control

AbstractThis study investigated the effectiveness of a specialized strength training program on maximal handgrip strength in young wrestlers. 72 young wrestlers (36 children: 8–10 years-old and 36 adolescents:13–15 years-old) participated in the present study. Both age-categories were assigned into a training group (18 children and 18 adolescents) and a control group (18 children and 18 adolescents). The training groups, in conjunction with the wrestling training performed a 4-month (2 sessions/week) specialized handgrip training program. Maximal handgrip strength was evaluated pre, at the intermediate (2 months) and at the completion of the program (4 months). Maximal handgrip strength values increased during the intermediate and post-training measurements compared to pre-training measurement in training and control groups (p<0.001). No significant differences were observed on pre-training and intermediate measurements between groups, while significant differences were observed during the post-training measurement. Training group exhibited significantly (p<0.01) greater maximal handgrip strength values than the control group irrespective of age-category and hand-preference. A 4-month handgrip strength training program, incorporated into the conventional wrestling training, provokes greater adaptations in maximal handgrip strength than the wrestling training per se. For greater handgrip training adaptations are required more than 14 specialized handgrip training-sessions.

Effect of contrasting physical exercise interventions on rapid force capacity of chronically painful muscles

2009 ◽  
Vol 107 (5) ◽  
pp. 1413-1419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars L. Andersen ◽  
Jesper L. Andersen ◽  
Charlotte Suetta ◽  
Michael Kjær ◽  
Karen Søgaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Strength Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Neck Muscle ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Specific Strength

Rapid force capacity of chronically painful muscles is inhibited markedly more than maximal force capacity and is therefore relevant to assess in rehabilitation settings. Our objective was to investigate the effect of two contrasting types of physical exercise on rapid force capacity, as well as neural and muscular adaptations in women with chronic neck muscle pain. A group of employed women ( n = 42) with a clinical diagnosis of trapezius myalgia participated in a 10-wk randomized controlled trial; specific strength training of the neck/shoulder muscles, general fitness training performed as leg-bicycling; or a reference intervention without physical activity. Maximal voluntary shoulder abductions were performed at static angles of 35° and 115° with simultaneous recording of electromyography (EMG) in the trapezius and deltoid. Maximal muscle strength and activation (peak torque and peak EMG) as well as rapid muscle strength and activation [rate of torque development (RTD) and rate of EMG rise] were subsequently determined. Trapezius muscle fiber characteristics were determined with ATPase histochemistry. Significant changes were observed only in the specific strength training group. Whereas peak torque increased 18–29% ( P < 0.01), RTD increased 61–115% ( P < 0.001). Peak EMG and rate of EMG rise increased correspondingly ( P < 0.05–0.001), and trapezius type II muscle fibers hypertrophied 20% ( P < 0.001). In conclusion, rapid force capacity of chronically painful muscles is highly responsive to rehabilitation with specific strength training. The underlying mechanisms were related to both pain reduction and general neuromuscular adaptations to strength training. Potentially, the present method can be a useful clinical screening tool of muscle function in rehabilitation settings.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a strength training program for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: feasibility study

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-176
Author(s):  
Alexandro Andrade ◽  
Guilherme Torres Vilarino ◽  
Carla Maria de Liz ◽  
Ricardo De Azevedo Klumb Steffens
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Fibromyalgia Syndrome ◽  
Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Post Test ◽  
And Control ◽  
General Community

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a disease characterized by chronic pain; it is a syndrome with an unknown cause and has no cure. Objective: Examine the feasibility of a strength training program in patients with FM. Methods: Fortyseven patients from general community were allocated into two groups: strength training group and control group. The patients underwent strength training performed three times per week for eight weeks. We used the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale to obtain data. Results: After eight weeks of strength training, there was a significant reduction in pain (p = 0.00) and stress (p = 0.02). No changes were found in the variables analyzed in the control group pre- and post-test. Conclusions: The practice of strength training is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of fibromyalgia patients.

scholarly journals Effects of motor imagery training of gait in Parkinson´s disease: a protocol for a randomized clinical trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaíra Almeida Pereira da Silva Nascimento ◽  
Lorenna Santiago ◽  
Aline Alves De Souza ◽  
Camila De Lima Pegado ◽  
Tatiana Ribeiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Mental Image ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Imagery Training ◽  
Motor Control System ◽  
And Control ◽  
Electroencephalographic Activity

Abstract Background Gait disorders in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) may be associated with alterations in the motor control system and aggravated by psychoemotional and cognitive issues. Therapeutic strategies aimed at self-perception and motor regulation seem to be promising. Motor imagery (MI) has been shown to be one of these strategies, but there is still no clear evidence of its applicability in this population. The aim of this trial is to determine the effects of motor imagery training on the gait and electroencephalographic activity of individuals with PD. Methods/Design The sample consisted of 40 individuals, aged between 45 and 75 years, in the mild and moderate phase of the disease, with the ability to generate voluntary mental images. They will be assessed for cognitive level, degree of physical disability, mental image clarity, kinematic gait variables, electroencephalographic activity and mobility. Next, subjects will be randomly assigned to an experimental (EG) and control group (CG). The EG will perform motor imagery and gait, while the CG will only engage in gait exercises. Twelve training sessions will be conducted lasting up to 90 minutes each, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks. They will be reassessed on the kinematic variables of gait, electroencephalographic activity and mobility, one, seven and thirty days after the final training session. Discussion The results may provide an important advance in neurological rehabilitation. An easy-access and low-cost intervention may help improve gait, electroencephalographic activity and mobility in individuals with PD.

scholarly journals Patellofemoral Joint Loads during Running Immediately Changed by Shoes with Different Minimalist Indices: A Cross-sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (19) ◽  
pp. 4176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenhao Yang ◽  
Songlin Xiao ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Xini Zhang ◽  
Junqing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contact Force ◽  
Contact Area ◽  
Patellofemoral Joint ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Quadriceps Strength ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Joint Stress ◽  
Peak Knee ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: Given the high incidence of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) in runners, this study aimed to investigate the immediate effect of shoes with different minimalist indices (MI) on the mechanical loads of the patellofemoral joint. Methods: Fifteen healthy male rearfoot strike runners were recruited to complete overground running trials at 3.33 m/s (±5%) in two running shoe conditions (MI = 26% versus MI = 86%). The amount of ten Vicon infrared cameras (100 Hz) and two Kistler force plates (1000 Hz) were used to collect kinematic and ground reaction force (GRF) data simultaneously. Quadriceps strength, patellofemoral contact force, patellofemoral contact area, and patellofemoral contact stress were calculated. Results: No significant differences were observed in the impact force and the second peak of the vertical GRF between the two shoe conditions. Compared to wearing low-MI shoes, wearing high-MI shoes showed that the maximum flexion angle of the knee, the contact area of patellofemoral joint and the peak knee extension moment reduced significantly (p < 0.01), and the peak patellofemoral contact force and stress decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that wearing high-MI shoes significantly decreases the patellofemoral contact force and patellofemoral joint stress by reducing the moment of knee extension, thus effectively reducing the load of the patellofemoral joint during the stance phase of running and potentially lowering the risk of PFPS.

The Effect of Cycle Ergometer Strength Training in Prepubertal Untrained Males

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 368-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athanasios Zakas
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Strength Training ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Angular Velocities ◽  
Cycle Training ◽  
Study Participants

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether cycle training offers an effective and safe means for improving muscle strength in young people. Eighteen 10-year-old boys formed the training group and 17 age-matched boys participated as controls in the study. Participants took part in a strength-training program that included cycle training 3 times per week for a period of 12 weeks, whereas controls participated only in the school’s physical activities. Maximum knee extension and flexion was evaluated at various angular velocities using an isokinetic dynamometer. Significant increases (p < .001) were observed for both extensors and flexors in all angular velocities of the training group and only in the middle and high angular velocities of the control group (p < .05 to p < .001). The findings suggest that cycle training appears to be an effective means for improving muscle strength in prepubertal untrained males.

scholarly journals Short-Term Performance Effects of Three Different Low-Volume Strength-Training Programmes in College Male Soccer Players

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Brito ◽  
Fabrício Vasconcellos ◽  
José Oliveira ◽  
Peter Krustrup ◽  
António Rebelo
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Plyometric Training ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Performance Effects ◽  
Low Volume ◽  
Training Programmes

Abstract This study aimed to analyse the short-term performance effects of three in-season low-volume strength-training programmes in college male soccer players. Fifty-seven male college soccer players (age: 20.31.6 years) were randomly assigned to a resistance-training group (n=12), plyometric training group (n=12), complex training group (n=12), or a control group (n=21). In the mid-season, players underwent a 9-week strength-training programme, with two 20 min training sessions per week. Short-term effects on strength, sprint, agility, and vertical jump abilities were measured. All training groups increased 1-RM squat (range, 17.2-24.2%), plantar flexion (29.1-39.6%), and knee extension (0.5- 22.2%) strength compared with the control group (p<0.05). The resistance-training group increased concentric peak torque of the knee extensor muscles by 9.9-13.7%, and changes were greater compared with the control group (p<0.05). The complex training group presented major increments (11.7%) in eccentric peak torque of the knee flexor muscles on the non-dominant limb compared with the control group and plyometric training group (p<0.05). All training groups improved 20-m sprint performance by 4.6-6.2% (p<0.001) compared with the control group. No differences were observed in 5-m sprint and agility performances (p>0.05). Overall, the results suggest that in-season low-volume strength training is adequate for developing strength and speed in soccer players.

scholarly journals BCI-Based Control for Ankle Exoskeleton T-FLEX: Comparison of Visual and Haptic Stimuli with Stroke Survivors

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 6431
Author(s):  
Patricio Barria ◽  
Angie Pino ◽  
Nicolás Tovar ◽  
Daniel Gomez-Vargas ◽  
Karim Baleta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Visual Stimulation ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Mental Practice ◽  
Power Spectral ◽  
Haptic Stimulus ◽  
Ankle Exoskeleton ◽  
Patient’S Perception ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Brain–computer interface (BCI) remains an emerging tool that seeks to improve the patient interaction with the therapeutic mechanisms and to generate neuroplasticity progressively through neuromotor abilities. Motor imagery (MI) analysis is the most used paradigm based on the motor cortex’s electrical activity to detect movement intention. It has been shown that motor imagery mental practice with movement-associated stimuli may offer an effective strategy to facilitate motor recovery in brain injury patients. In this sense, this study aims to present the BCI associated with visual and haptic stimuli to facilitate MI generation and control the T-FLEX ankle exoskeleton. To achieve this, five post-stroke patients (55–63 years) were subjected to three different strategies using T-FLEX: stationary therapy (ST) without motor imagination, motor imagination with visual stimulation (MIV), and motor imagination with visual-haptic inducement (MIVH). The quantitative characterization of both BCI stimuli strategies was made through the motor imagery accuracy rate, the electroencephalographic (EEG) analysis during the MI active periods, the statistical analysis, and a subjective patient’s perception. The preliminary results demonstrated the viability of the BCI-controlled ankle exoskeleton system with the beta rebound, in terms of patient’s performance during MI active periods and satisfaction outcomes. Accuracy differences employing haptic stimulus were detected with an average of 68% compared with the 50.7% over only visual stimulus. However, the power spectral density (PSD) did not present changes in prominent activation of the MI band but presented significant variations in terms of laterality. In this way, visual and haptic stimuli improved the subject’s MI accuracy but did not generate differential brain activity over the affected hemisphere. Hence, long-term sessions with a more extensive sample and a more robust algorithm should be carried out to evaluate the impact of the proposed system on neuronal and motor evolution after stroke.

scholarly journals Short term functional training improves completion quality of body difficulty of juvenile rhythmic gymnasts

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-ke Qin ◽  
Jie Zeng ◽  
Li Peng
Keyword(s):  
Training Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Movement ◽  
Functional Training ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rhythmic Gymnasts

ABSTRACT To explore the impact of functional training on completion quality of body difficulty, 24 rhythmic gymnasts aged 10-11 years old were randomly and averagely divided into functional training and control group and trained 2h/day for 1 month. Body difficulty – including balance, rotation, and leap difficulties – was measured before and after training. The results showed that the total score, the score of 360° passé pivot and the score of split leap for the functional training group was respectively 1.87, 0.77, and 0.42 points higher than those for the control group (P<0.05) after 1 month of training. Therefore, it can be concluded that functional training based on Functional Movement Screen (FMS) can clearly improve completion quality of body difficulty in juvenile rhythmic gymnastics within a short period of time.

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