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1.
Energy expenditure associated with posture transitions in preschool children.
Downing, KL, Janssen, X, Cliff, DP, Okely, AD, Reilly, JJ
PloS one. 2019;(4):e0215169
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing scientific interest in the benefits of breaking up sedentary time with intermittent standing or walking, few studies have investigated the energy cost of posture transitions. This study aimed to determine whether posture transitions are associated with increased energy expenditure in preschool children. METHODS Forty children (mean age 5.3 ± 1.0y) completed a ~150-min room calorimeter protocol involving sedentary, light, and moderate- to vigorous-intensity activities. This study utilised data from ~65-min of the protocol, during which children were undertaking sedentary behaviours (TV viewing, drawing/colouring in, and playing with toys on the floor). Posture was coded as sit/lie, stand, walk, or other using direct observation; posture transitions were classified as sit/lie to stand/walk, sit/lie to other, stand/walk to other, or vice versa. Energy expenditure was calculated using the Weir equation and used to calculate individualised MET and activity energy expenditure (AEE) values. Spearman's rank correlations were used to compare the number of posture transitions, in the individual activities separately and combined, with corresponding MET and AEE values. Participants were divided into tertiles based on the number of posture transitions; MET and AEE values of children in the lowest and highest tertiles of posture transitions were compared using unpaired t-tests. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated. RESULTS There was a positive correlation between the total number of posture transitions and average METs (rs = 0.42, p = 0.02) and AEE (rs = 0.43, p = 0.02). MET differences between the lowest and highest tertiles of posture transitions resulted in a small effect size for playing with toys (d = 0.27), and moderate effect sizes for TV viewing, drawing and all three activities combined (d = 0.61, 0.50 and 0.64 respectively). Similar results were found for AEE. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study showed that variation in posture transitions may be associated with variation in energy expenditure in preschool children. The findings suggest that the concept that variation in posture transitions may have meaningful biological or health effects in early childhood is worth investigating further.
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A single session of trip-specific training modifies trunk control following treadmill induced balance perturbations in stroke survivors.
Nevisipour, M, Grabiner, MD, Honeycutt, CF
Gait & posture. 2019;:222-228
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with stroke are at significant risk of falling. Trip-specific training is a targeted training approach that has been shown to reduce falls in older adults and amputees by enhancing the compensatory stepping response required to prevent a fall. Still, individuals with stroke have unique deficits (e.g. spasticity) which draws into question if this type of training will be effective for this population. OBJECTIVE Evaluate if a single session of trip-specific training can modify the compensatory stepping response (trunk movement, step length/duration, reaction time) of individuals with chronic stroke. METHODS Sixteen individuals with unilateral chronic stroke participated in a single session of trip-specific training consisting of 15 treadmill perturbations. A falls assessment consisting of 3 perturbations was completed before and after training. Recovery step kinematics measured during the pre- and post-test were compared using a repeated measures design. Furthermore, Fallers (those who experienced at least one fall during the pre- or post-test) were compared to Non-fallers. RESULTS Trip-specific training decreased trunk movement post perturbation. Specifically following training, Trunk flexion was 48 and 19 percent smaller on the small and medium perturbations at the end of the first compensatory step. Fallers (9 out of 16 subjects) post-training resembled Non-Fallers pre-training. Specifically, Trunk flexion at the completion of the first step during small and medium perturbations was not different between Fallers post-training and Non-Fallers pre-training. Still enthusiasm was tempered because Trunk flexion at the largest perturbation (where most falls occurred) was not changed and therefore total falls were not reduced as a result of this training. SIGNIFICANCE Our results indicate that trip-specific training modifies the dynamic falls response immediately following trip-like treadmill perturbations. However, the incidence of falls was not reduced with a single training session. Further study of the implications and length of the observed intervention effect are warranted.
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Effects of a Short-Term Recreational Team Handball-Based Programme on Physical Fitness and Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health of 33-55-Year-Old Men: A Pilot Study.
Póvoas, SCA, Castagna, C, Resende, C, Coelho, EF, Silva, P, Santos, R, Pereira, R, Krustrup, P
BioMed research international. 2018;:4109796
Abstract
Recreational team handball is an intermittent high-intensity exercise mode with physiological demands in the range of those found to enhance health and physical fitness of sedentary adults. We examined the effects of a short-term team handball-based training programme on physical fitness and metabolic and cardiovascular health of sedentary 33-55-year-old former male team handball players. Twenty-four participants were divided into team handball (THG; n=15) and control groups (CG; n=9) and evaluated at baseline and postintervention. During 12 weeks, THG performed 2-3 60-min recreational team handball matches weekly (average: 2.2 ± 0.7), and CG maintained an inactive lifestyle. Average heart rate (HR) during matches was 80 ± 7%HRmax, with peak values of 91 ± 6%HRmax. A time-by-group interaction was shown in aerobic performance (p=0.016), postural balance (p=0.019), maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) (p=0.023), resting HR (p<0.001), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p=0.048), and fasting blood glucose (p=0.052) in favor of THG. THG improved aerobic performance (80%, p<0.001), VO2max (14%, p<0.001), and postural balance (27%, p=0.018). Decreases in resting HR (16%, p<0.001) and fasting blood glucose (7%, p=0.015) and increases in HDL cholesterol (11%, p=0.002) were found in THG. Recreational team handball practice shows positive physical fitness and health-related adaptations, with high attendance, which may contribute to the reduction of the risk of developing lifestyle diseases.
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Golf styles and centre of pressure patterns when using different golf clubs.
Ball, KA, Best, R
Journal of sports sciences. 2011;(6):587-90
Abstract
When using a driver, the centre of pressure of a golfer shows a pattern that is characteristic of one of two distinct swing styles: the "front foot" style or the "reverse" style. The aim of this study was to establish whether these two swing styles are also evident when using other clubs, and if so, to determine whether golfers use the same swing style when using different clubs. Forty-six professional, amateur, and recreational golfers performed swings to hit a ball into a net placed 3 m away. Ten swings were performed for each of the driver, 3-iron, and 7-iron while standing on two force plates. The position of the golfer's centre of pressure parallel with the line of shot and relative to the feet was quantified at eight swing events that were identified from 200-Hz video. Cluster analysis confirmed that the front foot and reverse styles were evident in all three clubs, and most of the golfers (96%) used the same swing style for all three clubs. Golfers that used the reverse swing positioned their centre of pressure nearer to their toes at ball contact compared with golfers that used the front foot swing.
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Effects of Swiss-ball core strength training on strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance in sedentary women.
Sekendiz, B, Cuğ, M, Korkusuz, F
Journal of strength and conditioning research. 2010;(11):3032-40
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Swiss-ball core strength training on trunk extensor (abdominal)/flexor (lower back) and lower limb extensor (quadriceps)/flexor (hamstring) muscular strength, abdominal, lower back and leg endurance, flexibility and dynamic balance in sedentary women (n = 21; age = 34 ± 8.09; height = 1.63 ± 6.91 cm; weight = 64 ± 8.69 kg) trained for 45 minutes, 3 d·wk-1 for 12 weeks. Results of multivariate analysis revealed significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between pre and postmeasures of 60 and 90° s trunk flexion/extension, 60 and 240° s-1 lower limb flexion/extension (Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer), abdominal endurance (curl-up test), lower back muscular endurance (modified Sorensen test), lower limb endurance (repetitive squat test), lower back flexibility (sit and reach test), and dynamic balance (functional reach test). The results support the fact that Swiss-ball core strength training exercises can be used to provide improvement in the aforementioned measures in sedentary women. In conclusion, this study provides practical implications for sedentary individuals, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists who can benefit from core strength training with Swiss balls.
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Contribution of feedback and feedforward strategies to locomotor adaptations.
Lam, T, Anderschitz, M, Dietz, V
Journal of neurophysiology. 2006;(2):766-73
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the strategies used by human subjects to adapt their walking pattern to a velocity-dependent resistance applied against hip and knee movements. Subjects first walked on a treadmill with their lower limbs strapped to an exoskeletal robotic gait orthosis with no resistance against leg motions (null condition). Afterward, a velocity-dependent resistance was applied against left hip and knee movements (force condition). Catch trials were interspersed throughout the experiment to track the development of adaptive changes in the walking pattern. After 188 steps in the force condition, subjects continued to step in the null condition for another 100 steps (washout period). Leg muscle activity and joint kinematics were recorded and analyzed. The adaptive modifications in the locomotor pattern suggest the involvement of both feedback and feedforward control strategies. Feedback-driven adaptations were reflected in increases in rectus femoris and tibialis anterior activity during swing, which occurred immediately, only in the presence of resistance, and not during the catch trials. Locomotor adaptations involving feedforward strategies were reflected in enhanced pre-swing activity in the biceps femoris and medial hamstrings muscles, which required experience and persisted in the catch trials. During washout subjects showed a gradual deadaptation of locomotor activity to control levels. In summary, adaptive changes in the walking pattern were driven by both feedback and feedforward adjustments in the walking pattern appropriate for overcoming the effects of resistance.
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Physical training in institutionalized elderly people with multiple diagnoses--a controlled pilot study.
Rydwik, E, Frändin, K, Akner, G
Archives of gerontology and geriatrics. 2005;(1):29-44
Abstract
Reduction in muscle mass and physical function depends on a variety of interacting factors: age, physical activity level, nutritional state and the type and impact of disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an individualized moderate intensity physical training program on muscle strength, balance, mobility, ambulation and activities of daily living (ADL) in institutionalized elderly people aged 65 and over with multiple diagnoses. Baseline assessments consisted of strength, balance, mobility/ambulation, and ADL. Twenty-one subjects were included in the intervention program. A control group (21 subjects) was first matched in pairs according to gender, age, ADL and mobility, and then by balance, ambulation and strength. The intervention program was individualized and included strength, mobility, balance and endurance training. Follow-up measures were conducted directly after the intervention and 10 weeks later. After drop-out, 20 subjects in the intervention group and 15 subjects in the control group remained for analyses. Balance and mobility improved significantly in the intervention group while declining in the control group. This pilot study indicates that a physical training program may improve functional capacity for institutionalized elderly persons with multiple diagnoses.
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Postural instability of extremely obese individuals improves after a body weight reduction program entailing specific balance training.
Maffiuletti, NA, Agosti, F, Proietti, M, Riva, D, Resnik, M, Lafortuna, CL, Sartorio, A
Journal of endocrinological investigation. 2005;(1):2-7
Abstract
The purposes of this study were to compare postural stability between obese and lean subjects and to investigate the effect of a 3-week body weight reduction (BWR) program entailing specific balance training on postural stability of extremely obese patients. Time of balance maintenance and mean error on the medial-lateral direction at the trunk and lower limb level were assessed during a single limb stance on a movable platform in 19 non-obese and in 20 extremely obese individuals (age range: 20-40 yr). Time of balance maintenance was shorter (obese: 21.1+/-7.7 vs lean: 27.3+/-3.1 sec) and medial-lateral sway of the trunk was larger in obese (5.4+/-3.2 degrees) than in lean (3.2+/-1.1 degrees) subjects (p<0.05). Two subgroups of obese subjects were also tested after a BWR program (energy-restricted diet, moderate physical exercise, nutritional education and psychological counselling) combined with or without 6 sessions of specific balance training on a movable platform. BWR plus specific balance training enhanced time of balance maintenance (pre: 23.8+/-7.2 vs post: 30.0+/-0.0 sec) and reduced the trunk sway (5.2+/-2.8 degrees vs 2.6+/-0.9 degrees ) more than BWR alone (p<0.05). The present findings indicate that extremely obese individuals have inadequate postural stability (compared to their lean counterparts) that could however be improved by few sessions of specific balance training incorporated into a multidisciplinary BWR program. It was concluded that balance improvement is an important goal of rehabilitation, that would probably reduce the propensity of overweight individuals to fall while performing everyday activities.
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The effect of 6 months training on leg power, balance, and functional mobility of independently living adults over 70 years old.
Ramsbottom, R, Ambler, A, Potter, J, Jordan, B, Nevill, A, Williams, C
Journal of aging and physical activity. 2004;(4):497-510
Abstract
Where strength training has been used in conjunction with functional-task training in older people, not only have there been improvements in leg strength but also improved function has been measured (e.g., Skelton & McLaughlin, 1996). Many studies use participants from care homes rather than community dwellers. We investigated changes in leg power, balance, and functional mobility in community-dwelling sedentary men and women over 70 years of age (n = 6 for training group [TR]; n = 10 for control group [CN]). Progressive training took place over 24 weeks using seated and nonseated exercise. For TR, leg power increased 40%, from 108 +/- 40 to 141 +/- 53 W (p < .01); dynamic balance increased 48%, from 22.3 +/- 7.9 to 33.1 +/- 6.1 cm (p < .01; functional reach); and functional mobility increased 12%, from 7.46 +/- 1.32 to 6.54 +/- 1.41 s (p < .05; timed walk). CN showed no significant change. In conclusion, a community-based exercise program led to large improvements in leg-extensor power, dynamic balance, and functional mobility.
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10.
Repeated spinal flexion modulates the flexion-relaxation phenomenon.
Dickey, JP, McNorton, S, Potvin, JR
Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon). 2003;(9):783-9
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if repeated spinal flexion and loading modulate the deactivation of lumbar muscles near full flexion (flexion-relaxation). DESIGN Repeated measures experimental study of the effect of repetitive trunk flexion and added mass on the flexion-relaxation phenomenon. BACKGROUND Repeated flexion causes muscular fatigue, creep of passive tissues and diminished protective reflexes. However, flexion-relaxation has not been studied in repeated trunk flexion, and could be related to the increased risk of low-back disorders. METHODS Thirty healthy young subjects performed 100 trunk flexion movements between standing and full flexion. Erector spinae electromyography and lumbar spine flexion were measured during cycles 1-10 (no load), 11-20 (performed holding a mass in the hands), 81-90 (mass in the hands) and 91-100 (no load). The spinal flexion angle at myoelectric silence and full flexion were extracted from each movement cycle. RESULTS Twenty-three of the 30 subjects showed flexion-relaxation throughout the repeated trunk flexion. The flexion-relaxation and maximum flexion angles increased at the end of the experiment; the flexion-relaxation angle relative to the maximum flexion angle also increased. This effect depended on the load condition; the flexion-relaxation and maximum flexion angles showed a greater increase in the unloaded than loaded condition. CONCLUSIONS The flexion-relaxation phenomenon was changed due to repeated trunk flexion. The increases in flexion-relaxation angle likely involve changes to the neuromuscular control system. RELEVANCE The deactivation of the erector muscles near full flexion occurs at a greater spinal flexion angle and a greater proportion of maximum spinal flexion following repeated spinal flexion. This may be related to the increased risk of injury associated with repeated flexion.