THE KINEMATICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES DURING TAl CHI CHUAN EXERCISE

There is broad consensus that Tai Chi Chuan exercise can improve the balance control and muscle strength of the lower extremities. However, the mechanism used to promote that balance control and muscle strength is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to provide evidence of the kinematical characteristics of the lower extremities during Tai Chi Chuan exercise and explain the way in which they benefit balance control and muscle strength A female elite Tai Chi Chuan master was recruited to participate in the study. Five typical movements were selected: Brush Knee and Twist Steps, Step Back to Repulse Monkey, Wave Hand in Cloud, Kick Heel to Right, and Grasping the Bird's Tail. For each typical movement, three trials were recorded and digitized with a video motion analysis system. Kinematical parameters including the step length, the base of gait, angle of gait, mean ankle complex flexion, range of motion, range of motion rotation, and mean knee flexion, range of motion were calculated and analyzed. The results showed that compared to the normal gait, Tai Chi Chuan movements had a longer step length, a wider base of gait, and a larger angle of gait. The small angles and large range of motion existed in both the ankle complex and the knee joint. These kinematical characteristics may help to maintain stable posture and improve the muscle strength of the lower extremities during the performance of Tai Chi Chuan exercise

Cerium Oxide Nanostructures and their Applications

Due to excellent physical and chemical properties, cerium oxide (ceria, CeO2) has attracted much attention in recent years. This chapter aimed at providing some basic and fundamental properties of ceria, the importance of oxygen vacancies in this material, nano‐size effects and various synthesis strategies to form diverse structural morphologies. Finally, some key applications of ceria‐based nanostructures are reviewed. We conclude this chapter by expressing personal perspective on the probable challenges and developments of the controllable synthesis of CeO2 nanomaterials for various applications

BIOMECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SQUATTING WEIGHT LIFT: A CASE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to provide biomechanical data analysis of the squatting lift skill of an elite weight lifter. The performance of the athlete (X. Z.) was studied by means of 3-D fixed video testing and data analysis. Some key parameters of the body and barbell in every important phase were provided in this article. The objective was to profile a sample of biomechanics pattern of this technique with these parameters. The results of the study showed that the subject (X. Z.) performed the squatting and propping skill too long to complete catching barbell movement after the barbell reached the maximum speed. However the attempt was surprisingly successful. This proved that the strength of the lower limbs was sufficiently strong enough to complete the move

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PLANTAR PRESSURE CENTER DURING TAl CHI EXERCICE

The purpose of this study was to describe and quantify the plantar pressure distribution characteristics during Tai Chi (TC) exercise. Sixteen elite TC masters participated in this study. The Pedar-X insole system was used to record the plantar forces during practicing the five typical TC movements and during normal walking respectively. Results showed that in TC movements, the locations of the centre of pressure (COP) were more medial and posterior at initial contact (p < 0.05), while more medial and anterior at end contact with the ground (p < 0.05). The range of motions (ROMs) of COP were significantly wider (P < 0.05) in mediolateral direction in forward, backward, and sideways TC movements. The ROM was significantly larger (p < 0.05) in anterposterior direction in forward TC movement when compared with normal walking