Kinematic variables of table vault on artistic gymnastics

Resumo O salto sobre a mesa é uma prova da ginástica artística, tanto no setor masculino quanto no setor feminino. Embora existam inúmeras combinações para a realização de um salto, podemos separá-los em três grupos: reversões, Yurchenko e Tsukahara. Acredita-se que as variáveis cinemáticas do salto podem variar de acordo com o tipo de abordagem ou posição corporal do ginasta, porem pouco se têm estudado acerca das reais diferenças entre os três grupos de saltos, comparando-os e descrevendo os comportamentos em diferentes fases. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi organizar de maneira crítica, objetiva e sistemática as variáveis cinemáticas mais relevantes para o performance no salto sobre a mesa. Foi realizada uma meta-análise nas bases de dados Pubmed, Sport Discus and Web of Science sobre o assunto. A partir das referências bibliográficas resultantes, foi descrita e analisada a cinemática do salto sobre a mesa. O salto foi caracterizado em sete fases de análise. A maior parte dos estudos é descritiva, e alguns não abordam todas as fases. As diferenças entre as variáveis dos saltos de acordo com os grupos de saltos, nível técnico e gênero foram analisadas somente em estudos mais recentes. Ainda há lacunas na pesquisa sobre as variáveis cinemáticas do salto sobre a mesa, para fornecer informação abrangente sobre as possibilidades de saltos neste aparelho da ginástica artística. Concluiu-se que as variáveis cinemáticas do salto sobre a mesa dependem do tipo de salto e devem ser consideradas para a melhora da performance técnica. Mais pesquisas são necessárias para que uma interface entre o conhecimento da biomecânica e a aplicação prática seja abrangente ao técnico de ginástica.Abstract The table vault is an event of male and female Artistics Gymnastics. Although it can be performed in a variety of rotations and body positions in different phases, it can be separated in three groups: handspring, Yurchenko and Tsukahara. It is believed that kinematic variables of vault may vary according to group of vault or gymnast body position, but few studies compares the real differences among the three groups of vaults, comparing and describing the variables in different phases. Vault kinematic variables could be diversifying according to the approach or position of the vaulting, but little has been studied about the biomechanical differences, comparing and describing behaviours at different stages. The aim of this study was to organize critical, objective and to systematize the most relevant kinematic variables to performance on vaulting. A Meta analysis over the basis Pubmed, Sport Discus and Web of Science were performed about this issue. From the selected references, we described and analyzed the kinematics of the table vault. Vault can be characterized in seven phases of analysis. Most of the studies are descriptive, and some do not descript all phases. Differences among vault variables according to group vaults, technical level and gender were analysed only in recent studies. There still gaps of knowledge about kinematic variables of table vault, in order to provide comprehensive information about all possibilities of vaults in this gymnastic event. It is concluded that kinematic variables of table vault depends upon vault group and may be considered to the improvement of technical performance. More researches are needed to approach the coaching interface with biomechanics applicable knowledge

Molecular epidemiology of livestock rabies viruses isolated in the northeastern Brazilian states of Paraíba and Pernambuco from 2003 - 2009

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Limited or no epidemiological information has been reported for rabies viruses (RABVs) isolated from livestock in the northeastern Brazilian states of Paraíba (PB) and Pernambuco (PE). The aim of this study was to clarify the molecular epidemiology of RABVs circulating in livestock, especially cattle, in these areas between 2003 and 2009.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Phylogenetic analysis based on 890 nt of the nucleoprotein (N) gene revealed that the 52 livestock-derived RABV isolates characterized here belonged to a single lineage. These isolates clustered with a vampire bat-related RABV lineage previously identified in other states in Brazil; within PB and PE, this lineage was divided between the previously characterized main lineage and a novel sub-lineage.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The occurrences of livestock rabies in PB and PE originated from vampire bat RABVs, and the causative RABV lineage has been circulating in this area of northeastern Brazil for at least 7 years. This distribution pattern may correlate to that of a vampire bat population isolated by geographic barriers.</p

The influence of anthropometric factors on postural balance: the relationship between body composition and posturographic measurements in young adults

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of anthropometric characteristics and gender on postural balance in adults. One hundred individuals were examined (50 males, 50 females; age range 20-40 years). METHODS: The following body composition measurements were collected (using bone densitometry measurements): fat percentage (% fat), tissue (g), fat (g), lean mass (g), bone mineral content (g), and bone mineral density (g/cm2). In addition, the following anthropometric measurements were collected: body mass (kg), height (cm), length of the trunk-cephalic region (cm), length of the lower limbs (cm) and length of the upper limbs (cm). The following indices were calculated: body mass index (kg/m²), waist-hip ratio and the support base (cm²). Also, a postural balance test was performed using posturography variables with open and closed eyes. RESULTS: The analysis revealed poor correlations between postural balance and the anthropometric variables. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the whole group (female and male) height explained 12% of the medial-lateral displacement, 10% of the speed of oscillation, and 11% of the displacement area. The length of the trunk-cephalic length explained 6% of the displacement in the anteroposterior direction. With eyes closed, the support base and height explained 18% of the medial displacement, and the lateral height explained 10% of the displacement speed and 5% of the scroll area. CONCLUSION: Measured using posturography, the postural balance was only slightly influenced by the anthropometric variables, both with open and closed eyes. Height was the anthropometric variable that most influenced postural balance, both in the whole group and separately for each gender. Postural balance was more influenced by anthropometric factors in males than females

Isokinetic analysis of ankle and ground reaction forces in runners and triathletes

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the vertical component of ground reaction forces and isokinetic muscle parameters for plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle between long-distance runners, triathletes, and nonathletes. METHODS: Seventy-five males with a mean age of 30.26 (±6.5) years were divided into three groups: a triathlete group (n=26), a long-distance runner group (n = 23), and a non-athlete control group. The kinetic parameters were measured during running using a force platform, and the isokinetic parameters were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: The non-athlete control group and the triathlete group exhibited smaller vertical forces, a greater ground contact time, and a greater application of force during maximum vertical acceleration than the long-distance runner group. The total work (180º/s) was greater in eccentric dorsiflexion and concentric plantar flexion for the non-athlete control group and the triathlete group than the long-distance runner group. The peak torque (60º/s) was greater in eccentric plantar flexion and concentric dorsiflexion for the control group than the athlete groups. CONCLUSIONS: The athlete groups exhibited less muscle strength and resistance than the control group, and the triathletes exhibited less impact and better endurance performance than the runners

Isokinetic analysis of ankle and ground reaction forces in runners and triathletes

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the vertical component of ground reaction forces and isokinetic muscle parameters for plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle between long-distance runners, triathletes, and nonathletes. METHODS: Seventy-five males with a mean age of 30.26 (±6.5) years were divided into three groups: a triathlete group (n=26), a long-distance runner group (n = 23), and a non-athlete control group. The kinetic parameters were measured during running using a force platform, and the isokinetic parameters were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: The non-athlete control group and the triathlete group exhibited smaller vertical forces, a greater ground contact time, and a greater application of force during maximum vertical acceleration than the long-distance runner group. The total work (180º/s) was greater in eccentric dorsiflexion and concentric plantar flexion for the non-athlete control group and the triathlete group than the long-distance runner group. The peak torque (60º/s) was greater in eccentric plantar flexion and concentric dorsiflexion for the control group than the athlete groups. CONCLUSIONS: The athlete groups exhibited less muscle strength and resistance than the control group, and the triathletes exhibited less impact and better endurance performance than the runners

The variability of isokinetic ankle strength is different in healthy older men and women

Context: In the elderly, weak lower limb muscles impair functional tasks' performance. Objective: To evaluate the healthy elderly's ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion maximum torque and its variability in two sets of&nbsp;5&nbsp;RM isokinetics evaluation. Method: 50&nbsp;women (68.0&nbsp;±&nbsp;4.6&nbsp;years old) and 50&nbsp;men (72.7&nbsp;±&nbsp;8.5&nbsp;years old) did two sets of ankle plantar flexor and dorsiflexor isokinetic tests at&nbsp;30°/s. Peak torque, total work, and coefficient of variation were analyzed. Results: Men did the strongest plantarflexion torque (p&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05) and dorsiflexion torque (p&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05); their highest peak torque occurred at set 2 (p&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05), while the largest plantarflexion torque variability (p&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05), dorsiflexion torque variability (p&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05), and the largest plantarflexion torque variability occurred at set&nbsp;1 (p&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05). Men did the highest plantarflexion and dorsiflexion total work (p&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05) at set&nbsp;2 (p&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05). Conclusion: Older men are stronger than older women. The torque variability, in men, was higher during the first set, suggesting an adaptation to the isokinetics evaluation. Clinicians and researchers should consider that different muscles might need different numbers of sets and trials to measure their maximal muscle strength

Biomechanical evaluation in runners with Achilles tendinopathy

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, ground reaction force (GRF), and function of the plantar muscles and dorsiflexors of the ankle in runners with and without Achilles tendinopathy (AT) and in nonrunners. METHODS: Seventy-two participants (42 men, 30 women; mean age: 37.3±9.9 years) were enrolled in this crosssectional study and divided into three groups: AT group (ATG, n=24), healthy runners’ group (HRG, n=24), and non-runners’ group (NRG, n=24). Both ankles were evaluated in each group. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale was used for clinical and functional evaluation. GRF was evaluated using force plates and muscle strength was evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: The AOFAS scores were lower in the ATG. The strike impulse was higher in the ATG than in the HRG and NRG. However, GRF was similar among the groups. The ATG exhibited lower total work at 120o /s speed than the HRG. The peak torque in concentric dorsiflexion was lower in the NRG than in the ATG and HRG. The peak torque and total work in concentric plantar flexion were lower in the NRG than in the ATG. The peak torque and total work in eccentric plantar flexion were lower in the NRG than in the ATG and HRG. CONCLUSION: Runners with AT showed higher strike impulse, lower muscle strength of the plantar flexors, and higher clinical and functional damage

ZONEAMENTO AMBIENTAL ACÚSTICO COMO ESTRATÉGIA DE GESTÃO E CONTROLE DA POLUIÇÃO SONORA URBANA

Os impactos da poluição sonora a tornaram uma das mais graves formas de degradação ambiental. Entretanto, considerando o constante crescimento urbano e demográfico, com respectivo aumento e adensamento das fontes de ruído, as ações de controle tornam-se tão complexas, quanto urgentes. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do estudo foi desenvolver uma metodologia para o zoneamento acústico como estratégia de controle, integrada ao ordenamento territorial, aplicado como estudo de caso em Rio Claro/SP. Para isso, diretrizes normativas e referências da literatura sobre a cartografia estratégica do ruído, constituíram os principais materiais utilizados. Dessa forma, foram propostos padrões e zonas acústicas associadas à tipologia de uso do solo, proteção de estabelecimentos sensíveis e prevenção de conflitos de vizinhança. Como resultado da aplicação na área de estudo, obteve-se zonas de sensibilidade ao ruído, destinadas à: proteção da biodiversidade urbana (21,0 km²); manutenção de condições salubres em áreas residências, escolas e hospitais (8,3 km²); instalação de estabelecimentos comerciais, de serviços e industriais não incômodos (10,3 km²); prevenção contra a exposição de moradores, trabalhadores e consumidores em áreas de uso diversificado (11,2 km²); condições e extensões territoriais necessárias ao desenvolvimento de atividades ruidosas (9,9 km²). Assim, conclui-se que o procedimento proposto para o zoneamento ambiental acústico pode contribuir com o avanço em soluções aplicáveis ao controle da poluição sonora, colaborando para o alcance de cidades saudáveis e sustentáveis

Changes in postural balance associated with a woman's aging process

Context: Aging causes a progressive worsening in postural balance, affecting functional independence and increasing the risk of falls. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of aging on the static balance in women from&nbsp;50-years to&nbsp;89-years of age. Design: This was a cross-sectional study, with&nbsp;400&nbsp;irregularly active women were evaluated and grouped by age: Group&nbsp;6th&nbsp;decade (age&nbsp;50&nbsp;to&nbsp;59) ‒ 58&nbsp;participants; Group&nbsp;7th&nbsp;decade (age&nbsp;60&nbsp;to&nbsp;69) ‒ 214&nbsp;participants; Group&nbsp;8th&nbsp;decade (age&nbsp;70&nbsp;to&nbsp;79) ‒ 92&nbsp;participants; Group&nbsp;9th&nbsp;decade (age&nbsp;80&nbsp;to&nbsp;89) ‒ 36&nbsp;participants. Postural balance was evaluated using a portable force platform in a standard standing position, with Eyes Open (EO) and Eyes Closed (EC). Results: In the two measurement conditions, the elderly women in Group&nbsp;9th&nbsp;decade presented mediolateral displacement and range, and mean velocity greater than the women's values in Groups&nbsp;6th&nbsp;and&nbsp;7th&nbsp;decade. In the EO e EC situation, the displacement was higher in the elderly Group&nbsp;9th&nbsp;decade compared to younger groups. Group&nbsp;8th&nbsp;has a mean velocity greater than Group&nbsp;6th&nbsp;decade in the EO situation. Conclusions: Posturography showed a decline in postural balance with advancing age, suggesting that the&nbsp;9th&nbsp;decade of life is a borderline age to this detriment due to an increase in postural instability