The Effects Induced by a Specific Program on the Development of Segmental Flexibility in Athletes Aged 7–14 in Synchronized Swimming

This research aims to expand the knowledge on the level of development of segmental flexibility, to girls aged 7–14 years, who practice synchronized swimming. The study includes 112 girls aged between 7 and 14 years, divided into groups on age, every two years, and on the period of synchronized swimming between 6 months and 42 months. The study focused on three body segments, namely: torso, hip, and shoulder. Segmental flexibility was assessed using 5 tests: standing trunk flexion, shoulder flexibility, Hip-split legs sideways, Hip-split antero-posterior with the right foot forward, and Hip-split antero-posterior with the left foot forward, performed in the gym. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS-24 software aiming at the following parameters: arithmetic means (X), standard deviation (SD), minimum (Min), maximum (Max), CI–95% Confidence Interval for Mean with the two lower and upper marks, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for testing the normality of data distribution and a multifactor ANOVA analysis, using the F test. The most significant improvements highlighted by the differences between initial and final were for: the shoulder flexibility test in the 13–14 years’ groups; flexibility of the spine registered the biggest difference between the 9–10 years’ group; for hip-split legs sideways the biggest difference was between 9–10 years’ group and 13–14 years and 9–10 years, too. The hip-split antero-posterior tests with the left and also, for right foot forward, showed the biggest differences between tests for 13–14 age groups. The development of joint flexibility has an upward evolution, being conditioned by the age of the practitioners and by the operating methodology specific to synchronized swimming. The longer the training period, the greater the premises for the development of segmental flexibility.

The Influence of Practical Curricular Courses on the Upper Body Flexibility in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Students

The range and quality of sports technique is conditioned by flexibility. This study analyzes the effects of practical activities that are specific to the first year FPES Galati courses on the upper body flexibility. Over the course of the academic year 2017-2018, the investigated group (composed of 27 girls and 46 boys) has constantly participated for 28 weeks in the 6 practical courses (gymnastics, track and field, swimming, football, volleyball, ice skating), divided in a balanced way throughout the two semesters. The analysis and comparison of the results for the two sexes, during the initial and final tests, applied at the beginning and the end of the academic year, show a superiority of the girls' flexibility in almost all events. The Wilcoxon test for paired samples has identified significant progress between the initial and final assessments in the female group, in 4 of the tests (Right lateral trunk flexibility Combined spine-hip flexibility, Shoulder flexibility, Vertical arm flexibility), recording Z values corresponding to thresholds of P<0.05; however, in the male group, no significant progress was recorded not even in one of the tests, all Z values corresponding to thresholds of P>0.05. The investigation of the differences recorded between independent samples, using the Mann Whitney U test, has identified significant increases in the girls' values in only 3 events, during the initial tests, and in 4 during the final ones, even if the girls' average values are higher than the boys' values for most tests. In conclusion, the boys did not record significant improvements in their performances, only a slight increase or the same values over the course of the investigated period; the girls however, recorded results that show a potential of optimizing their flexibility at this age. The authors recommend that an increased attention should be given during practical courses to develop the students' flexibility as a favoring factor of motion fluidity and improvement of the students' motor potential.

Wii or Kinect? A Pilot Study of the Exergame Effects on Older Adults’ Physical Fitness and Psychological Perception

Exergames are now often implemented among older adults for health purposes. This study aimed to investigate whether playing Kinect and Wii exergames has effects on older adults’ physical fitness and psychological perceptions towards exergames. A total of 23 older participants aged above 60 years were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups, in which they played either Kinect or Wii Bowling exergames for three sessions in one week. Physiological and psychological measures were collected including heart rate, blood pressure, shoulder flexibility, as well as perceived benefits and intentions for future use. Findings indicated that exergames are equivalent to light-intensity exercises, and hence pose no or minimal risk to older adults. Older adults had a positive attitude towards exergames and have a strong willingness to engage in exergaming on a regular basis. Although no significant platform difference was identified, observation and qualitative findings suggested that Wii might provide a more intense physical activity than Kinect, while Kinect might obtain a higher perception among older adults than Wii. The study has several practical implications for both health professionals and exergame designers targeting the ageing population.

Anthropometric Characterization and Physical Performance by Age and Biological Maturation in Young Tennis Players

The objective was to analyze anthropometric and physical performance variables as a function of chronological age and biological maturity in young Chilean tennis players. The study was observational, cross-sectional, with descriptive and analytical characteristics. Eighty-seven tennis players were evaluated (58 men 15.1 ± 0.8 years and 29 women, 15.3 ± 0.8 years). The measured anthropometric variables were a sprint test of 20m; a modified agility test; a sit-and-reach test and shoulder flexibility; manual grip strength; horizontal jump in feet; a medicine ball throw; a countermovement vertical jump; an abalakov vertical jump and a 20-m shuttle-run test. The growth velocity acceleration peak (APHV), skeletal muscle mass and fat mass were calculated, R2 and standard error of estimate (SEE) were examined. The results show that chronological age explained the anthropometric variables between 1 and 23% in men and 1 and 29% in women; by biological age, variables were explained between 3 and 53% in men and 2 and 42% in women. Of the physical performance variables, chronological age described between 2 and 24% of them in men and 1 and 29% in women; the same were explained by biological age between 1 and 19% in men and 1 and 26% in women. We conclude that anthropometric variables showed a better relationship with biological age, except for volume of fat tissue, while physical performance variables showed low association with both biological and chronological age.

Shoulder External Rotational Properties During Physical Examination Are Associated With Injury That Requires Surgery and Shoulder Joint Loading During Baseball Pitching

Background: Throwing arm injuries are common because of the demand on the shoulder. The shoulder is qualitatively checked regularly by team physicians. Excessive instability and joint loading in baseball pitching are risk factors for throwing arm injuries. Knowledge of shoulder flexibility, range of motion, and joint loading may provide new insights for treatments to reduce the likelihood of injury incidence. Purpose: To investigate the relationship among injuries, shoulder external rotational properties, and shoulder joint loading in baseball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Pitching kinetics, shoulder rotational tests, and self-reported injury questionnaires were used to study 177 collegiate baseball pitchers. Pitching motion data were collected at 240 Hz using a motion capture system. A custom program calculated the shoulder joint loading. The shoulder rotational test quantitatively records shoulder range of motion and flexibility using a custom-made wireless device. Self-reported injury questionnaires were filled out during tests and yearly follow-ups. The total length of the study was 5 years. Analysis of variance, chi-square, and regression tests were performed to compare differences among groups and detect correlations with surgery and shoulder joint loadings. Results: There were significant differences in shoulder flexibility among surgery groups. Shoulder external rotational properties during physical examination were significantly associated with shoulder joint loading in baseball pitching. High shoulder external rotation was associated with 14% to 36% lower shoulder posterior force and adduction, internal rotation, and horizontal adduction torque ( P < .05). High shoulder flexibility was associated with 13% higher anterior force ( P < .05). High shoulder external rotation before external rotation torque was applied was associated with 13% to 33% lower shoulder inferior force and adduction, internal rotation, and horizontal adduction torque ( P < .05). There were no significant differences in shoulder joint loading among the surgery groups. Conclusion: Shoulder injuries that require surgery were associated with shoulder external rotation flexibility. High shoulder external rotation may be advantageous because it lowers the force and torque on the shoulder joint. Clinical Relevance: The ability to understand shoulder external rotational properties, joint loading, and injury during baseball pitching helps further our understanding of injury mechanisms. The shoulder rotational test should be used as a screening tool to identify players at risk.

The Effect of Combined Treatment of Chiropractic and Shoulder Flexibility Exercises on the Balance Ability of the Deformed Cervical Alignment Subjects

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of changes in cervical alignment on balance ability, to correct cervical alignment, and to present effective interventional variables that can improve balance ability.METHODS Group 1 (Deformed cervical alignment group, n = 16) and Group 2 (Normal cervical alignment group, n = 16). The subjects measured their balance ability before and after treatment with chiropractic and shoulder flexibility exercises. Balance ability was measured by static balance and dynamic balance. For Group 1, chiropractic was treated once a week for 15 minutes, and shoulder flexibility exercise was treated three times a week for one hour. The pre- and post-measurement results of Group 1 were compared with Group 2, and differences among groups and groups were analyzed. The test method was tested with the Independent t-test and Paired t-test.RESULTS Group 1 showed a significant reduction (p<0.04) in the distance between the 7th cervical spine and gravity line, showing an improvement in cervical alignment. In the static equilibrium, the significant difference that was measured beforehand disappeared and the sum of deflection decreased. The dynamic balance did not disappear significantly but the balance ability improved as the sum of deflection decreased.CONCLUSIONS The cervical alignment deformation affects the balance ability. A combination of cervical alignment correction and exercise to increase the flexibility of the shoulder and neck muscles were performed. As a result, it was a factor in improving the static balance and dynamic balance ability of the left and right sides of the cervical spine.

CONTRIBUTION OF ARM STRENGTH, SHOULDER FLEXIBILITY AND EYE COORDINATION AGAINST THE LOB BACKHAND BADMINTON

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui kontribusi kekuatan otot lengan, fleksibiliti bahu dan pergelangan tangan dan koordinasi mata dan tangan terhadap pukulan lob backhand. Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik kuasalitas dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Populasi penelitian ini adalah atlet putra PB. Hiqua Wijaya Kediri berjumlah 14 atlet dan teknik pengambilan sampel sampling jenuh. Instrumen yang digunakan tes pengukuran. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah regresi linier berganda. Hasilnya adalah ada kontribusi kekuatan otot lengan terhadap pukulan lob backhand sebesar, ada kontribusi fleksibiliti bahu dan pergelangan tangan terhadap pukulan lob backhand sebesar, ada kontribusi koordinasi mata dan tangan terhadap pukulan lob backhand sebesar, ada kontribusi kekuatan otot lengan, fleksibiliti bahu dan pergelangan tangan dan koordinasi mata dan tangan terhadap pukulan lob backhand pada atlet putra PB. Hiqua Wijaya Kediri.

Functional fitness in older people: A population-based cross-sectional study in Borba, Amazonas, Brazil (Aptitud funcional en personas mayores: Un estudio transversal de base poblacional en de Borba, Amazonas, Brasil)

Introduction: Aging has been associated with loss of physical capacity caused by the deterioration of most physiological systems. Objective: To analyze the differences in functional Fitness (FF) associated with gender, age and physical activity (PA), and to compare the FF scores of Borbenses with other populations. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out, comprising 233 elderly (71,2±8,9 yrs old; range between 60,0 to 95,7 yrs old). The FF was evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test battery and PA was estimated by questionnaire. Result: After controlling for age and PA, sex-related differences in FF were only found in shoulder flexibility (favoring women) and in aerobic endurance (AE, favoring men). There were age-related differences in lower body strength (LBS) and AE in both genders and in agility/dynamic balance in men, and upper body strength in women, only, (favoring the younger age group). PA-related differences in FF were only found in trunk flexibility (favoring the active group). Borba population had higher scores in the trunk flexibility than both samples studied and higher scores in shoulder flexibility than Madeiran, only. Conclusion: Except for flexibility and AE, our results indicated FF homogeneity between men and women. The oldest men and women underperformed in LBS and AE. The rest of the FF components may be more dependent on other related factors such as sex, lifestyles, and the environment. Taking into consideration the reference population from the US and Portugal, Borba population underperformed on the majority of FF components, with the exception of flexibility. Resumo. Introdução: O envelhecimento tem sido associado à perda de capacidade física causada pela deterioração da maioria dos sistemas fisiológicos. Objetivo: Analisar as diferenças na aptidão funcional (AptF) associada ao sexo, idade e atividade física (AF), e comparar os Borbenses com outras populações. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, em 233 idosos (71,2±8,9 anos; entre os 60,0 e os 95,7 anos). A AptF foi avaliada usando a bateria Senior Fitness Test e a AF foi estimada por questionário. Resultados: Após controlo da idade e a AF, as diferenças relacionadas ao sexo na AptF foram encontradas apenas na flexibilidade do ombro (favorecendo as mulheres) e na resistência aeróbica (RA, favorecendo os homens). Houve diferenças relacionadas à idade na força corporal inferior (FCI) e RA em ambos os sexos, na agilidade/equilíbrio dinâmico nos homens, e força na parte superior do corpo nas mulheres (favorecendo os mais jovens). As diferenças relacionadas à AF na AptF foram encontradas apenas na flexibilidade do tronco (favorecendo o grupo ativo). A população de Borba apresentou resultados mais altos na flexibilidade do tronco comparativamente às duas amostras estudadas. Conclusões: Com exceção da flexibilidade e RA, os nossos resultados indicaram homogeneidade entre homens e mulheres na AptF. Homens e mulheres mais velhos tiveram um desempenho inferior em FCI e RA. As restantes componentes parecem depender mais de outros fatores (i.e., sexo, estilos de vida e meio ambiente). Levando em consideração a população dos EUA e Portugal, Borba teve um desempenho inferior na maioria dos componentes de AptF, expeto na flexibilidade. Resumen. Antecedentes: El envejecimiento se ha asociado con la pérdida de capacidad física causada por deterioración biológica, funcional en la mayoría de los sistemas fisiológicos y eventual muerte. Objetivo: analizar las diferencias en la aptitud funcional (AptF) asociadas con el sexo, la edad y el nivel de actividad física (PA), y comparar las puntuaciones de AptF de los Borbenses con otras poblaciones. Métodos: el estudio transversal se llevó a cabo en 233 personas mayores (71,2±8,9 años; entre 60,0 y 95,7 años). Se realizaron evaluaciones de AptF según los procedimientos de la prueba de aptitud física Senior y se estimó la PA mediante un cuestionario. Resultados: Independiente de la edad y los níveles de AFla mujeres presentaron mejores niveles de flexibilidad en los hombros y los hombres mejor capacidad aerobia (CA). Se presentaron diferencias relacionadas con la edad en la fuerza de en los miembros inferiores (FMI) y CA en ambos sexos, y en la agilidad / equilibrio dinámico en los hombres y en la fuerza en los miembros superiores de las mujeres (con evidencia en personas más jóvenes). Las diferencias relacionadas con PA en AptF se encontraron solo en la flexibilidad del tronco (favoreciendo al grupo activo). La población de Borba presentó resultados más altos en la flexibilidad del tronco en comparación con las dos muestras estudiadas. Conclusión: Con la excepción de la flexibilidad y la CA, nuestros resultados indicaron homogeneidad entre hombres y mujeres en AptF. Los hombres y mujeres mayores tuvieron un rendimiento inferior al de FCI y CA. Los componentes restantes parecen depender más de otros factores (es decir, sexo, estilos de vida y medio ambiente). Teniendo en cuenta la población de EE. UU. Y Portugal, Borba tuvo un rendimiento inferior en la mayoría de las componentes de AptF, a excepción de la flexibilidad.

Effects of a Traditional versus an Alternative Strengthening Exercise Program on Shoulder Pain, Function and Physical Performance in Individuals with Subacromial Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A manual shoulder-training device may represent an alternative training device to improve symptoms and function in patients with subacromial shoulder pain by strengthening the external rotators. Thus, we examined the effects of a traditional versus an alternative strengthening exercise program on shoulder pain/function and physical performance in individuals with subacromial shoulder pain. Fifty-six adults with subacromial shoulder pain were randomly assigned to a passive control group (CON; n = 20), a traditional training group (TRA; n = 19), or an alternative training group (ALT; n = 17). Both training groups conducted a progressive home-based strengthening exercise program for the external rotators for eight weeks using elastic bands only (TRA group) or in combination with the shoulder-training device (Schulterhilfe®) (ALT group). Pre- and post-training assessment included measures of shoulder pain/function (i.e., shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI)) and physical performance (i.e., shoulder flexibility, maximal isometric strength, and strength endurance). We found significant test × group interactions in most of the investigated variables. Post hoc analyses showed significant training-related improvements for proxies of shoulder pain/function, shoulder flexibility, maximal isometric strength, and strength endurance in favor of the ALT and TRA group in comparison to the CON group. Further, larger and more frequent effects were found for the ALT compared to the TRA group. Measures of shoulder pain/function and physical performance can be significantly improved by both training regimens in individuals with subacromial shoulder pain. However, strength training using elastic bands with the manual shoulder device (ALT group) as compared to elastic bands (TRA group) only was more effective and may thus be a recommendable alternative in order to mitigate subacromial shoulder pain.

A Comparative Study of Fitness Levels among Norwegian Youth in 1988 and 2001

We compared the fitness levels of cohorts of 15-year-old youth in 1988 and 2001 to ascertain whether there was a negative trend in fitness. The subjects were 15-year-old boys and girls from the same geographical area, n = 192 in 1988 and n = 191 in 2001. They participated voluntarily and could leave the project whenever they wished. The following variables were used to assess fitness: Maximal oxygen uptake, jump height, shoulder flexibility, and hamstring flexibility. Maximal oxygen uptake was estimated with submaximal ergometer cycling, jump height by the Sargent jump-and-reach test, shoulder flexibility as the distance between thumbs when doing straight-arm backwards circling while holding a broomstick, and hamstring flexibility by an active straight-leg-raise test. Differences between groups and quartiles were analyzed by Gosset’s (Student’s) t-test, using a significance level of 0.05. The two cohorts did show different levels of physical fitness. The 1988 group was 3.9 cm better on jump height and 4.2 cm better on shoulder flexibility, while the 2001 group had 3.3° better hamstring flexibility. The lowest performing quartile did less well in 2001 on oxygen uptake and jump height. We recommend an increased focus on improving fitness in low-performing adolescents.