THE EFFECTS OF COMPRESSION GARMENTS ON SPORTS PERFORMANCE AND FATIQUE

This study is to explore the effects of compression garments on sports performance and fatigue. Testees performed 20-meter sprints in normal shorts and compression garments. Following the sprints, the testees performed vertical jumps before and after the fatigue test. Fatigue test is based on the Opto Jump 60-s CMJ test. Fatigue indices were then calculated. Biomechanics data were collected through two AMTl force plates and an eightcamera motion analysis system. Our research findings indicate that the average sprint times for normal shorts and compression garments are not statistically different, that the fatigue indices for compression garments are significantly lower than those for normal shorts, and, finally, that the jump performance pre- and post- fatigue test for compression garments did not differ statistically. This implies that compression garments can ease fatigue and, consequently, lead to better performance

LOWER EXTREMITY JOINT MOMENTS IN ATHLETICS CURVE SPRINTING

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of curve sprinting on the three dimensional joint kinetics and to specify the leg specific loading and functionality in the curve. Six male sprinters performed three submaximal curved and linear sprints. The findings point up different functionalities of the inner and outer leg. Peak knee and hip adduction moments were about twice as high at the inner leg compared to the outer leg during curve sprinting and compared to linear sprinting. Furthermore significantly higher peak external rotation moments in the knee and hip joints could be found during curve sprinting. In maximal sprinting these additional tasks may compromise propulsive force generation. These findings help to quantify the side specific load and provide information about involved muscles, which is helpful for the training process and injury prevention

KINEMATIC COMPARISONS BETWEEN FORWARD AND BACKWARD SKATING IN ICE HOCKEY

The purpose of this study was to examine the kinematics of lower body and trunk between forward and backward skating. Seven male collegiate ice hockey players skated both forward and backward (C-cut) four times each. A standard two-dimensional kinematic analysis was conducted to examine the lower body extremity and trunk at the instants of weight acceptance and propulsion. No significant differences in the joint angles were found at the weight acceptance. At the propulsion, significant differences were found in the joint angles of hip, knee, ankle and trunk between forward and backward skating. Hence, these findings indicate the importance of strengthing lower body joints and trunk, particularly for forward skating. Future studies are warranted to examine the mechanics of forward and backward skating using a 3D analysis

SIMULATION SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING TENNIS STROKE MOTION

The purpose of this study was to construct a system that can simulate tennis stroke motion for competition level enhancement of players. To do so, 10 female tennis club players (1 9- 23 years old) of University of Tsukuba were selected for a biomechanics study using three-dimensional stroke motion analysis method, in a total of 10 trials. Using obtained results on joint angles of the whole body, the best results of university tournament and racket head speed at impact, a database was constructed. Principal component analysis was used to classify the motion patterns into the principal component scores. Based on the principal component score and optimization theory, we generated a simulation system to predict competition level and racket head speed, and thus a new stroke motion, which can be expressed using 30 animations

THE EFFECT OF COUNTER MOVEMENT JUMP PERFORMANCE IN MIDDLEAGED ELDERLY PRACTICING TAI-CHI EXERCISE

The purpose of this study was to investigate biomechanical effects of Tal-Chi exercise on the lower-extremity in middle-aged elders during counter-movement jump. Twelve middle-aged elders with regular Tai Chi exercise experience and twelve healthy middle-aged elders participated in this study. Ten Vicon Motion System cameras, two Kistler force plates were used simultaneously to capture the kinematic and dynamlc parameters of standing vertical jumps. Independent samples &test was performed for statistical analysis ( u = .05 ). Since the jump height of Tai Chi group was significantly higher ( p c .05 ). It showed that practicing Tai Chi exercise could effectively slow down the degeneration of the moment and power at the hip Joint. Therefore, middle-aged elders were recommended to engage in long-term Tai Chi exercise

THE EFFECT OF THE PLANTAR PLATE ON PLANTAR APONEUROSIS STRAIN: 3D FlNlTE ELEMENT MODELING OF FOOT AND ANKLE

Experimental measurements of stresses and strains for the Lower Extremity Injuries (LEI) are invasive, and therefore, predictions require physiologically accurate 3D Finite Element (FE) models of the foot and ankle. Previous FE models of foot and ankle in the literature neglect the function of the plantar plate, and therefore, these models underestimate the Plantar Aponeurosis (PA) strain. In this study the effect and function of the plantar plate on PA strain and other biomechanical parameters of foot and ankle are studied. The Soft Tissue (ST) and PA are analysed as hyperelastic materials supplemented by material sensitivity analysis. The plantar plate Is contributlng towards more accurate prediction of PA strain (1-1.4% at full body weight during balanced standing). Material properties of ST also highly affect the PA strain, and it is a primary feature in validating FE models

THE EFFECTS OF QUADRICEPS TAPING AND NOWTAPING APPROCHES ON COUNTERMOVEMENT JUMP PERFORMANCE

Kinesio is one of the most common adhesive therapeutic tapes. Expect for clinical applications, kinesio claims to be able to enhance muscle activity performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of kinesio taping on quadriceps during a maximal counter-movement jump. Six healthy men was recruited in this study (Height: 173.8 k 4.2 em; Weight: 68.8 k 7.3 kg; Age: 22.9 k 2.3 yrs ). The kistler force plate was used to measure the jump height, takeoff force and landing force. No significant differences between two groups. The results showed that kinesio tape did not affect muscle activity and ground recreation force, jumping height and landing force

EFFECT OF ARCH SUPPORT FOOT ORTHOSIS ON LOWER WTREMIN LOADING AND KINEMATICS DURING THE REBOUND

The purpose of this study was to determine whether arch support foot orthosis was capable of altering lower extremity loading and kinematics during the rebound. Nineteen female Division I basketball players participated in this study. Utilizing a repeated measures design, participants completed two rebound tasks with and without the arch support foot orthosis. Results showed that the selected arch support foot orthosis significantly decreased the peak impact force, knee internal rotation and foot inversion angle at the initial contact of the ground compared to those of the flat insole. It suggested that the use of the arch support foot orthosis can decrease the lower extremity loading and further decrease the risk of ACL injury in female basketball players

USE OF THE KINEMATIC CHAIN IN THE FENCING ATTACKING LUNGE

Proximal to distal sequencing has been demonstrated in a variety of movements as an optimal solution to generating maximal propulsion. This study aimed to identify whether the kinematic chain is used in the fencing attacking lunge. Six novice and four expert fencers completed attacking lunge movements. Kinematic data were captured, and joint angular velocities compared. The expert group demonstrated a proximal to distal sequence in the rear leg which was not as evident in the novices, resulting in a significantly greater ankle extension velocity (564 ± 132 °.s-1 expert versus 273 ± 184 °.s-1 novice;

KINEMATIC COMPARISON BETWEEN ATHLETES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL AND THE WORLD TAEKWONDO FEDERATIONS IN THE ROUNDHOUSE KICK

Taekwondo (TKD) is a combat sport organized by two main federations: International TKD (ITF) and the World TKD (WTF). The present study analyzed the kinematic differences in roundhouse kick performed by ITF and WTF athletes. Seventeen athletes participated in the study (8 ITF; 9 WTF). DVideo system was used to reconstruct the 3D coordinates of sixteen markers. Pelvis and hips angles and angular velocities were used to compare the groups. The results highlight two kick strategies to hit the target. WTF athletes performed the kick with increased pelvis left rotation while ITF used increased pelvis anteversion, hip flexion and abduction on supporting leg. These differences should be considered for adaptation of rules and training