Foot loading characteristics during three fencing-specific movements

Abstract

Plantar pressure characteristics during fencing movements may provide more specific information about the influence of foot loading on overload injury patterns. Twenty-nine experienced fencers participated in the study. Three fencing-specific movements (lunge, advance, retreat) and normal running were performed with three different shoe models: Ballestra (Nike, USA), Adistar Fencing Lo (Adidas, Germany), and the fencers' own shoes. The Pedar system (Novel, Munich, Germany) was used to collect plantar pressures at 50 Hz. Peak pressures, force–time integrals and contact times for five foot regions were compared between four athletic tasks in the lunge leg and supporting leg. Plantar pressure analysis revealed characteristic pressure distribution patterns for the fencing movements. For the lunge leg, during the lunge and advance movements the heel is predominantly loaded; during retreat, it is the hallux. For the supporting leg, during the lunge and advance movements the forefoot is predominantly loaded; during retreat, it is the hallux. Fencing-specific movements load the plantar surface in a distinct way compared with running. An effective cushioning in the heel and hallux region would help to minimize foot loading during fencing-specific movements.     

Foot and ankle joint movements of dancers and non-dancers: a comparative study

Ballerinas use their ankle joints more extremely and sustain injuries on the ankle joint more frequently than non-dancers. Therefore, the ankle movement of dancers is important and should be studied to prevent injuries. Measuring ankle joint range of motion (ROM) using radiographs could demonstrate the contribution to motion of each joint. The aim of this study was to analyse and compare ankle joint movements and the ratio of each joint’s contribution during movement between dancers and non-dancers, using radiographic images. Dancers have lower dorsiflexion (26.7 ± 6.2°), higher plantarflexion (74.3 ± 7.1°) and higher total (101.1 ± 10.8°) ROMs than non-dancers (33.9 ± 7.0°, 57.2 ± 6.8° and 91.1 ± 9.3°, respectively) (p < 0.05). Although the ROMs were different between the two groups, the ratios of each joint movement were similar between these two groups, in all movements. Regarding total movement, the movement ratio of the talocrural joint was almost 70% and other joints accounted for almost 30% of the movement role in both dancers and non-dancers. Therefore, the differences in ROM between dancers and non-dancers were not a result of a specific joint movement but of all the relevant joints’ collaborative movement.     

The muscle activity paradox during circular rhythmic leg movements

A cyclist's legs make a simple 360 degrees circular and rhythmic movement, activated by a simple flexion-extension function in a sagittal plane. However, because of the simultaneous combination of leg rotation in the hip, knee and ankle joint with translation of the upper body, the general motion becomes quite complex. This complexity is increased by the anatomical interpretations of EMG readings taken during the pedalling cycle, indicating a high activity of 'flexor' muscles during the downward 'extension' of the leg (0-90 degrees propulsion phase of the pedalling cycle). This calls for an anatomical paradox. In order to verify these interpretations, the activity of six lower limb muscles was measured under field circumstances on nine elite cyclists using a portable EMG data acquisition system and active surface electrodes allowing remote (non-telemetric) monitoring of the cyclists' muscle activity patterns. Measurements were made during a 1000 m submaximal but constant effort and during a 200 m sprint. Confirmation of the anatomical paradox was found in both test circumstances. Analyses of the normalized EMG in combination with torque values of both hip and knee during the pedalling cycle indicate a zero torque at 135 degrees for the knee, while at this same angle the overall extensor activity ends in one leg and starts simultaneously in the other leg (at 315 degrees). Since the propulsion does not continue until 180 degrees, the flexor muscles have to be activated before the extension activity ends in order to generate the continuation of the circular motion until (and beyond) the bottom dead centre (180 degrees).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Foot strike patterns and ground contact times during high-calibre middle-distance races

Abstract The aims of this study were to examine ground contact characteristics, their relationship with race performance, and the time course of any changes in ground contact time during competitive 800?m and 1500?m races. Twenty-two seeded, single-sex middle-distance races totalling 181 runners were filmed at a competitive athletics meeting. Races were filmed at 100?Hz. Ground contact time was recorded one step for each athlete, on each lap of their race. Forefoot and midfoot strikers had significantly shorter ground contact times than heel strikers. Forefoot and midfoot strikers had significantly faster average race speed than heel strikers. There were strong large correlations between ground contact time and average race speed for the women's events and men's 1500?m (r?=?-0.521 to -0.623; P?相似文献   

Foot strike patterns and ground contact times during high-calibre middle-distance races

Abstract

The aims of this study were to examine ground contact characteristics, their relationship with race performance, and the time course of any changes in ground contact time during competitive 800 m and 1500 m races. Twenty-two seeded, single-sex middle-distance races totalling 181 runners were filmed at a competitive athletics meeting. Races were filmed at 100 Hz. Ground contact time was recorded one step for each athlete, on each lap of their race. Forefoot and midfoot strikers had significantly shorter ground contact times than heel strikers. Forefoot and midfoot strikers had significantly faster average race speed than heel strikers. There were strong large correlations between ground contact time and average race speed for the women's events and men’s 1500 m (r = ?0.521 to ?0.623; P < 0.05), whereas the men's 800 m displayed only a moderate relationship (r = ?0.361; P = 0.002). For each event, ground contact time for the first lap was significantly shorter than for the last lap, which might reflect runners becoming fatigued.     

Indirect estimation of cable tension during gymnastic movements on rings

Knowledge of external forces acting on an athlete is often required to study performance and injury mechanisms, but direct measurements are difficult to obtain. While transducers in the rings cables typically measure external forces experienced by gymnasts performing static balances and swinging movements on rings, this solution is not always acceptable and an accurate technique that does not hinder the gymnasts’ performances is desirable. This study evaluates a video-based technique for estimating cable tension on the rings apparatus. Static loading of a rings frame coupled with a planar video analysis of the mandatory damped elastic devices (DEDs) provided a tension-deflection calibration curve. Three-dimensional video and cable tension data were obtained for two male gymnasts performing static balances and dynamic swinging movements. Cable tension was measured using a force link while a planar video analysis determined time histories of the DED deflections. Combined cable tension time histories were estimated fromrelative DED deflections coupled with the tension-deflection calibration curve and the orientation of the rings cables, and were compared to measured values to evaluate the proposed technique. For static balances the RMS difference between measured and estimated combined cable tension was 83 N. For dynamic swinging movements the maximum RMS difference was 189 N, equivalent to a 4% difference when expressed as a percentage of the peak value. The indirect video-based technique developed in this study accurately estimates combined cable tension throughout movements on rings and may be considered for studies where a remote measurement is required. There is potential for the technique to be extended to other sporting situations, where indirect accurate estimates of external forces acting on an athlete are needed.     

我国冬季两项优秀运动员站立和行走足平衡能力研究

通过Footscan足底压力步态分析系统测试我国冬季两项优秀运动员站立和行走时足底压力分布并进行分析讨论。结果表明，运动员赤足站立的平衡能力高于穿鞋，双脚站立时闭眼稳定能力高于睁眼，单脚站立时左脚好于右脚；赤足行走支撑足足底压力时间曲线具有双峰特征、压力中心在横向摆动幅度较小；大部分运动员在足中部支撑阶段出现足内、外翻现象，建议教练指导队员加以注意并选用适合的鞋或添加鞋垫，增加足背屈时对应肌腱、韧带专向力量的练习，减少行走时足内外翻情况的出现，避免身体损伤出现。     

Foot strike patterns and hind limb joint angles during running in Hadza hunter-gatherers

BackgroundInvestigations of running gait among barefoot and populations have revealed a diversity of foot strike behaviors, with some preferentially employing a rearfoot strike (RFS) as the foot touches down while others employ a midfoot strike (MFS) or forefoot strike (FFS). Here, we report foot strike behavior and joint angles among traditional Hadza hunter-gatherers living in Northern Tanzania.MethodsHadza adults (n = 26) and juveniles (n = 14) ran at a range of speeds (adults: mean 3.4 ± 0.7 m/s, juveniles: mean 3.2 ± 0.5 m/s) over an outdoor trackway while being recorded via high-speed digital video. Foot strike type (RFS, MFS, or FFS) and hind limb segment angles at foot strike were recorded.ResultsHadza men preferentially employed MFS (86.7% of men), while Hadza women and juveniles preferentially employed RFS (90.9% and 85.7% of women and juveniles, respectively). No FFS was recorded. Speed, the presence of footwear (sandals vs. barefoot), and trial duration had no effect on foot strike type.ConclusionUnlike other habitually barefoot populations which prefer FFS while running, Hadza men preferred MFS, and Hadza women and juveniles preferred RFS. Sex and age differences in foot strike behavior among Hadza adults may reflect differences in running experience, with men learning to prefer MFS as they accumulate more running experience.     

Speed and surface steepness affect internal tibial loading during running

Background:Internal tibial loading is influenced by modifiable factors with implications for the risk of stress injury.Runners encounter varied surface steepness(gradients) when running outdoors and may adapt their speed according to the gradient.This study aimed to quantify tibial bending moments and stress at the anterior and posterior peripheries when running at different speeds on surfaces of different gradients.Methods:Twenty recreational runners ran on a treadmill at 3 different speeds(2.5...     

Middle finger and ball movements around ball release during baseball fastball pitching

The objectives of this study were to investigate middle finger movements and dynamics of ball movements around the instant of ball release during baseball pitching. Baseball pitching from an indoor mound among 14 semi-professional pitchers was captured using a motion capture system with 16 high-speed cameras (1,000 Hz). Kinematics of middle finger joints, ball rotation, and force applied to the ball were calculated. The proximal and distal interphalangeal joints continued to extend until the instant of ball release, then abruptly flexed. The abrupt flexion lasted for only several milliseconds, followed by a short extension phase. The finger made a quick double cycle of extension-flexion movement, suggesting that it attained high stiffness resulting from co-contraction. The ball began to roll up to the tip of the finger 8 ± 1 ms before ball release owing to the start of extension or the increased angular velocity of extension for the proximal interphalangeal joint. A mean force of 195 ± 27 N was applied in the proximal direction of the hand at the same time as the beginning of ball rolling, and a mean force of 109 ± 22 N was applied to the throwing direction just before ball release.     

排球不同扣球起跳动作下肢运动学特征比较分析

运用文献资料法、实验法和数理统计法,以10名辽宁省排球队女运动员为研究对象,获取受试者3步助跑后衔接跳跃扣球的起跳期在三维空间坐标中的轨迹和与地面的反作用力参数,以及髋关节、膝关节、踝关节的最大伸肌力矩和最大伸肌功率,研究排球不同扣球起跳下肢运动学的特征,为提高排球扣球起跳时的动作质量提供参考。结果表明:(1)后排先行脚、跟随脚的动作时间、动作总时间短于后排,后排起跳动作距离长于前排(P<0.01);(2)先行脚和跟随脚的髋关节、膝关节伸肌力矩后排大于前排(P>0.05);在踝关节伸肌力矩中,后排的先行脚大于前排(P>0.05),后排的跟随脚大于前排(P<0.05);(3)除先行脚的膝关节向心功率后排均小于前排外,先行脚和跟随脚的髋关节、膝关节、踝关节伸肌向心功率后排均大于前排。先行脚和跟随脚的髋关节、膝关节肌坏踝关节离心功率后排大于前排。     

Biomechanical loading of the hip during side jumps by soccer goalkeepers

Abstract

There is a risk of hip injury in dives to the side by soccer goalkeepers. In this study, we assessed hip loading in goalkeepers when performing such dives. The experiments were conducted in a laboratory setting using an in-ground force plate as well as on a grass surface when the athletes were equipped with force sensors. The forces acting on the hip were measured and high-speed video analysis was performed, allowing the investigation of the dive characteristics and techniques. The peak force values recorded in the laboratory setting ranged from 3 to 8 kN, which corresponded to 4.2–8.6 times body weight. The vertical impact velocities reached 3.25 m · s^?1. In the field experiments, a hip loading of 87–183 N · cm^?2 was determined. We found that goalkeepers who perform a rolling motion reduce their hip loading. The data provided by this study add to the biomechanics database and contribute to the establishment of injury criteria. Such information is necessary to develop and implement strategies to help prevent hip injuries.     

Concurrent augmented feedback and isometric force generation during familiar and unfamiliar muscle movements

To evaluate the effect of concurrent augmented feedback on isometric force output during familiar and unfamiliar muscle movements, 18 men and 21 women, 18 to 23 years of age, completed two isometric exercises: flexion of the thumb (a familiar muscle movement) and abduction of the fifth digit (an unfamiliar movement). The exercises consisted of 10 maximum voluntary isometric contractions lasting 10 s each and separated by 10-s intertrial rest intervals. Concurrent visual feedback was provided during alternate contractions. The order of exercises and trials for feedback was randomly assigned and balanced over subjects. Peak force output during abduction of the fifth digit was significantly (p less than or equal to .01) greater with (4.4 +/- 0.29 kg) than without feedback (4.1 +/- 0.26 kg). Feedback did not influence (p greater than .05) peak force output during thumb flexion (23.2 +/- 1.09 kg vs 22.5 +/- 1.05 kg). Muscular fatigue was more pronounced during thumb flexion without feedback (18.4 +/- 1.17%) than when feedback was provided (11.8 +/- 1.36%). These data suggest that fatigue may increase the effect of feedback on force generation during familiar muscular movements. To obtain maximal isometric force measures during strength testing, augmented feedback should be provided.     

三人板鞋运动的运动学特征

通过二维定点摄像,从运动生物力学角度对广东省大学生板鞋男女代表队进行动作技术分析,结果显示：1）大多数板鞋代表队采用腰式搭配是合理的,因为腰式搭配有利于“三人合一,步调一致”;2）男子板鞋代表队的起跑技术效果好,正式起动前身体处于微动状态,女子代表队的起跑动作不利于成绩的提高,需要改善;3）男女100m的全程跑速度分配规律均较合理,经济高效,但女子60m的速度分配不合理,建议女子运动员改变60m跑加速策略;4）女子在跑动过程中,身体重心高,蹬地角度大,造成人板系统重心上下起伏幅度较大,影响跑进速度。     

Effect of gender on trunk and pelvis control during lateral movements with perturbed landing

In lateral reactive movements, core stability may influence knee and hip joint kinematics and kinetics. Insufficient core stabilisation is discussed as a major risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Due to the higher probability of ACL injuries in women, this study concentrates on how gender influences trunk, pelvis and leg kinematics during lateral reactive jumps (LRJs). Perturbations were investigated in 12 men and 12 women performing LRJs under three different landing conditions: a movable landing platform was programmed to slide, resist or counteract upon landing. Potential group effects on three-dimensional trunk, pelvic, hip and knee kinematics were analysed for initial contact (IC) and the time of peak pelvic medial tilt (PPT). Regardless of landing conditions, the joint excursions in the entire lower limb joints were gender-specific. Women exhibited higher trunk left axial rotation at PPT (women: 4.0 ± 7.5°, men: ?3.1 ± 8.2°; p = 0.011) and higher hip external rotation at both IC and PPT (p < 0.01). But women demonstrated higher knee abduction compared to men. Men demonstrated more medial pelvic tilt at IC and especially PPT (men: –5.8 ± 4.9°, women: 0.3 ± 6.3°; p = 0.015). Strategies for maintaining trunk, pelvis and lower limb alignment during lateral reactive movements were gender-specific; the trunk and hip rotations displayed by the women were associated with the higher knee abduction amplitudes and therefore might reflect a movement strategy which is associated with higher injury risk. However, training interventions are needed to fully understand how gender-specific core stability strategies are related to performance and knee injury.     

Preparation time influences ankle and knee joint control during dynamic change of direction movements

The influence of preparation time on ankle joint biomechanics during highly dynamic movements is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of limited preparation time on ankle joint loading during highly dynamic run-and-cut movements. Thirteen male basketball players performed 45°-sidestep-cutting and 180°-turning manoeuvres in reaction to light signals which appeared during the approach run. Both movements were executed under (1) an easy condition, in which the light signal appeared very early, (2) a medium condition and (3) a hard condition with very little time to prepare the movements. Maximum ankle inversion angles, moments and velocities during ground contact, as well as EMG signals of three lower extremity muscles, were analysed. In 180°-turning movements, reduced preparation time led to significantly increased maximum ankle inversion velocities. Muscular activation levels, however, did not change. Increased inversion velocities, without accompanying changes in muscular activation, may have the potential to destabilise the ankle joint when less preparation time is available. This may result in a higher injury risk during turning movements and should therefore be considered in ankle injury research and the aetiology of ankle sprains.     

基于足底压力的优秀竞走运动员支撑足力学特征研究

通过Fcotscan足底压力步态分析系统测试优秀竞走运动员竞走支撑相足底压力分布.结果表明,竞走支撑足足底压力时间曲线具有双峰特征,足中部发力控制能力较强;压力中心轨迹在横向摆动幅度较小,纵向移动速度均匀,在足中部支撑时移动速度较快;支撑时所受冲量分布全足底,在鞋后跟着地阶段大多出现足跟内翻,在足中部支撑和蹬伸阶段左足偶有内翻现象出现,具有项目特有的动力定型.建议在训练中应增加侧重左足外侧副韧带和足底肌腱韧带的专项力量练习,以提高竞走运动员的足平衡控制能力.     

Patterns of Lower Limb Muscle Activity in Young Boys during a One Foot Static Balance Task

Abstract

Activity patterns of four major muscles were studied in the support leg during a standard one foot balance test. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL), gluteus medius (GM), and adductor magnus (AM) was recorded from 10 boys (aged 7-9 yr) during 30 s balance trials. Rectified, low-pass filtered EMG data, converted to percentages of maximum contractions, were used to establish muscle activation patterns. The results showed that lateral shifts in balance were primarily mediated by the ankle musculature, while the hip muscles appeared to stabilize the pelvis. Immediately prior to lateral shifts of the center of pressure (COP), the activity of each ankle muscle was similar to the activity of the following pose. The hip muscles, however, were not consistently linked to ankle activity. Thus, the control of one-legged lateral balance does not rely on fixed hip-ankle synergies.     

不同步行和跑步速度对后足角度和足偏角的影响

通过进行zebris步态测试和后足角度拍摄,采集和分析速度变化对步行和跑步时后足角度和足偏角的影响,从而科学指导广大健身爱好者进行合理的步行和跑步运动,预防运动损伤。实验结果显示：（1）相较于自身步行偏好速度,采用实验步行设定速度时左右足后足角度均显著增大,左右足足偏角均显著减小（1.33 m/s例外）;（2）实验步行设定速度之间,相较于1.33 m/s速度步行,以1.56 m/s和1.78 m/s步行时左足后足角度显著增大,以1.56 m/s步行时右足足偏角显著减小;（3）相较于自身跑步偏好速度,当以慢于自身跑步偏好速度跑步时,左右足后足角度和足偏角均无显著性差异,而当以快于自身跑步偏好速度跑步时,左右足的足偏角显著减小,后足角度无显著性差异;（4）快于自身跑步偏好速度时比慢于自身跑步速度时左右足的足偏角显著减小（以3.61 m/s跑步时比1.78 m/s跑步时左足后足角度增大）;（5）快于自身跑步偏好速度时,以3.61 m/s跑步时比2.78 m/s跑步时左右足足偏角显著减小。实验结果表明：（1）相较于其他实验设定速度,以自身偏好速度步行时,后足角度较小,足偏角较大,可以有效预防运动损伤;（2）从后足角度和足偏角考虑,当步行速度较快时,保持步长,适当减小足偏角可以减少踝关节损伤。