Assessment Of COP Characteristics And Force-Time Changes During Walking In The Third Trimester Of Pregnancy

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to analyse the COP characteristics and force-time changes during walking between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. The secondary objective was to verify the influence of the specific orthopaedic shoes that were given to the experimental group. This study represents the second part of a research project that processed the same group of pregnant women in order to acquire extended information about gait during pregnancy.Methods: Seventy-three pregnant women participated in this study. This group was random divided into the experimental group (35 pregnant women) wearing specific orthopaedic shoes and the control group (38 pregnant women). The motor task consisted of five gait trials where two foot prints for each leg were always recorded. The participants started barefoot walking 3 m ahead of the pressure platform and finished the trial 1 m after the end of the platform in order to preserve acceleration and deceleration in gait. Participants walked at their own preferred velocity. All pedobarometric parameters were registered by Emed walkway - trademark of novel gmbh in Munich, Germany.Results: The first script processed data to these variables (COP characteristics): Centre of pressure index (COPI), centre of pressure excursion index (COPEI), distance (D) of COP, maximum velocity (MaV) and mean velocity (MeV) of COP. The second script processed data for ten pre-defined areas of the foot: hindfoot, midfoot, MH1-5 – metatarsal heads, big toe, second toe, toes 3, 4 and 5 with these applied variables (force-time characteristics): Force-time integral (FTI) and contact time (CT). For the experimental group, in comparison between 27th week and the 36th week of gestation, we can find lower COPI for both feet, significantly only for the left foot (p=0.04). Also, significant difference in COPEI (p=0.03, p=0.03) for both feet was found. In comparison pre and post measurement we found higher values of parameters COPI and COPEI and that indicates more lateral weight shifting during the last trimester. We can distinctly register extension of D, especially for the left foot (p=0.04). Changes in velocity of COP indicate that MaV was increased for both feet (p=0.00, p=0.00) and MeV was significantly increased only for the right foot (p=0.00) in the 36 week of pregnancy. For the control group, we found no significant changes in COPI, COPEI or COP. MaV and MeV of COP were significantly increased for both feet in the 36 week of pregnancy (p=0.02, p=0.00, p=0.01, p=0.00). Higher values of MaV and MeV indicate that pregnant women accelerated their walking in the 36 week of pregnancy.Further, force-time characteristics in most cases did not reveal statistically significant changes in the last trimester.Conclusion: Over the last three months of pregnancy, significant observable changes can be found, especially through COP parameters of both groups. We found out that the specific orthopaedic shoes given to the experimental group influenced the trajectory of COP, which could have positive health aspects. Further, certain conflicting results of our study in comparison with other similar studies only confirm that individual biomechanic and physiological developments in pregnancy affect the kinematic and kinetic aspects of walking differently.Key Words: Center of pressure, pregnancy, gait, feetPurpose: The primary aim of this study was to analyse the COP characteristics and force-time changes during walking between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. The secondary objective was to verify the influence of the specific orthopaedic shoes that were given to the experimental group. The experimental group wore patented J Hanák R biomechanical footwear and insoles, which are designed to help with redistribution of forces acting the feet, to support both longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot and to strengthen the foot muscles during movement.Methods: Seventy-three pregnant women participated in this study. This group was random divided into the experimental group (35 pregnant women) wearing specific orthopaedic shoes and the control group (38 pregnant women). The motor tasks consisted of five gait trials where two foot impacts for each leg were always recorded. The participants started barefoot walking 3m ahead of the pressure platform and finished the trial 1m after the end of the platform in order to preserve acceleration and deceleration in gait. Participants walked at their own preferred velocity. All pedobarometric parameters were registered by Emed walkway - trademark of novel gmbh in Munich, Germany. Data processing was divided to two scripts. The first script processed data of the variables (COP characteristics): Centre of pressure index (COPI), centre of pressure excursion index (COPEI), distance (D) of COP, maximum velocity (MaV) and mean velocity (MeV) of COP. The second script processed data for ten pre-defined areas of the foot: hindfoot, midfoot, MH1-5 – metatarsal heads, big toe, second toe, toes 3, 4 and 5 with these applied variables (force-time characteristics): Force-time integral (FTI) and contact time (CT).Results: For the experimental group, in comparison between 27th week and the 36th week of gestation, we found lower COPI for both feet, significantly only for the left foot (p=0.04). Also, significant difference in COPEI (p=0.03, p=0.03) for both feet was found. In comparison pre and post measurement we found higher values of parameters COPI and COPEI and that indicates more lateral weight shifting during the last trimester. We can distinctly register extension of D, especially for the left foot (p=0.04). Changes in velocity of COP indicated that MaV was increased for both feet (p=0.00, p=0.00) and MeV was significantly increased only for the right foot (p=0.00) in the 36 week of pregnancy. For the control group, we found no significant changes in COPI, COPEI or COP. MaV and MeV of COP were significantly increased for both feet in the 36th week of pregnancy (p=0.02, p=0.00, p=0.01, p=0.00). Higher values of MaV and MeV indicate that pregnant women accelerated their walking in the 36th week of pregnancy. Further, force-time characteristics in most cases did not reveal statistically significant changes in the last trimester.Conclusion: Over the last three months of pregnancy, significant observable changes can be found, especially through COP parameters of the experimental and the control group. We found out that the specific orthopaedic shoes given to the experimental group influenced the trajectory of COP, which could have positive health aspects. Further, certain conflicting results of our study in comparison with other similar studies only confirm that individual biomechanic and physiological developments in pregnancy affect the kinematic and kinetic aspects of walking differently

Effect of 6-Month Fascia-Oriented Training on the Dynamics of Changes and the Height of Vertical Jump in Well-Trained Junior Female Volleyball Players

Based on the research review, fascia-oriented training may positively influence sports performance.  Its component focused on the “catapult” mechanism can increase the capability of the connective tissue to store and release kinetic energy, which is involved in various movement actions, activities and skills including the jumping skills in volleyball. The study was conducted to assess the effect of the 6-month fascia-oriented training on the height of the vertical jump in well-trained junior female volleyball players. 16 players (age 17.31 ± 0.98; height 173 ± 5.26; weight 65.25 ± 6.75), members of one team competing in the national league, were randomly assigned for the training group (TG) and control group (CG). TG participated in a supervised 25-minute fascia-oriented training twice a week for six months. To measure the height of the jump, the force plate Bertec FP6012-15-4000 was used. Three testing measures were executed: pre-test, mid-test and post-test with three trials of the standing vertical countermovement jump with all arm movement. The study presupposed that after three months, the height of jump may rise slightly more in TG than in CG. After six months, a statistically significant increase was expected in TG compared to CG. Based on the results of the study, we conclude that the 6-month fascia-oriented training focused on the development of the height of vertical jump in well-trained junior volleyball players neither complied with the assumed dynamics in changes nor was statistically significantly beneficial. However, the dynamics of the changes indicate that fascia-oriented training may positively influence the stability and efficiency of the jumping performance during the game season

Maternal Pre-Pregnancy Nutritional Status and Physical Activity Levels and a Sports Injury Reported in Children: A Seven-Year Follow-Up Study

Objective: Our aim was to analyze dose-response associations between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and physical activity levels with childhood sports injury rates. Methods: Participants included pre-pregnant mothers (n = 4811) and their children at the age of 7 years (n = 3311). Maternal anthropometry (height, weight, and body mass index), time spent in physical activity, and education level were recorded. All sports injuries were defined as injuries reported in the past year by the children at the age of 7 years. Results: Children whose mothers were overweight/obese in the pre-pregnancy period were 2.04 (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.12-3.71) times more likely to report a sports injury at the age of 7 years. Underweight mothers exhibited a 74% decrease in the odds of their children reporting a sports injury at follow-up (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.10-0.68). Finally, an increase in maternal physical activity across the last three quartiles was associated with a lower odds of sports injuries. Conclusions: The risk of reporting a sports injury was greater for children whose mothers were overweight/obese in the pre-pregnancy period. However, there was a lower risk with both maternal underweight status and increasing minutes of physical activity.Objective: Our aim was to analyze dose-response associations between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and physical activity levels with childhood sports injury rates. Methods: Participants included pre-pregnant mothers (n = 4811) and their children at the age of 7 years (n = 3311). Maternal anthropometry (height, weight, and body mass index), time spent in physical activity, and education level were recorded. All sports injuries were defined as injuries reported in the past year by the children at the age of 7 years. Results: Children whose mothers were overweight/obese in the pre-pregnancy period were 2.04 (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.12-3.71) times more likely to report a sports injury at the age of 7 years. Underweight mothers exhibited a 74% decrease in the odds of their children reporting a sports injury at follow-up (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.10-0.68). Finally, an increase in maternal physical activity across the last three quartiles was associated with a lower odds of sports injuries. Conclusions: The risk of reporting a sports injury was greater for children whose mothers were overweight/obese in the pre-pregnancy period. However, there was a lower risk with both maternal underweight status and increasing minutes of physical activity

Ability Of Reproduction Rhythm And Sustain It In Dancers

The aim of the study was with using peer review to determine how the active dancers can reproduce the rhythm and also to maintain this rhythm. The average age of tested people is 21,53 years ± 6,8. As motion – dance act of reproduction rhythm we chose simple locomototion, which is an essential element in dance and walk. Group of 102 dancers was tested on 4 different rates of the rhythm, so in order to determine their ability to reproduce the rhythm from slow to fast rhythms. We chose the rates 80 BPM, 100 BPM, 120 BPM and 140 BPM (Beat Per Minute). The evaluation was carried out by the method of expert assessment on the basis of scale. Testing was carried out by a qualified person with more than 20 years of experiences in the dance field. From the obtained data we found that the slower rate is for the person to be tested more difficult to reproduce it and keep up the rate. On the contrary, the faster rate is for the person being tested easier to reproduce and maintain the rate – Spearmann´s correlation coefficient of sequence is statistically significant, p-value < 2.2e–16. For evaluation of the faster rate of the rhythm we can explain this result, that reproduced rate is so fast that it may goes to some error in expert assessment. We demonstrated that this testing can be performed in any sport that puts high requirements on rhythm and rhythmic skills.The aim of the study was a peer review to determine how the active dancers can reproduce and maintain rhythm. The average age of tested people was 21,53 years ± 6,8. To reproduce dance and therefore rhythm, we chose simple locomotion, which is an essential element in dance and walking. A group of 102 dancers were tested on 4 different levels of the rhythm in order to determine their ability to reproduce rhythm from slow to fast. We chose the frequencies of 80 BPM, 100 BPM, 120 BPM and 140 BPM (Beats Per Minute). Evaluation was carried out by the method of expert assessment on the basis of scale. Testing was carried out by a qualified person with more than 20 years of experience in the field of dance. The data obtained revealed that the slower rate was more difficult to reproduce and maintain. On the contrary, showed that it was easier to reproduce and maintain the rate. The Spearmann´s correlation coefficient of sequence is statistically significant, p-value < 2.2e–16. For evaluation of the faster rate of rhythm, the result suggests that the reproduced rate is so fast that it may have caused some error in the assessment. We demonstrated that this testing can be performed in any sport that puts high requirements on rhythm and rhythmic skills

Plantar Pressure Analysis by Walking

Článek je zaměřen na problematiku hodnot plantárního tlaku a jeho distribuce v průběhu kroku. Obsahuje informace o vlastnostech a funkcích lidské nohy, zejména přibližuje metodu měření na pedografické plošině emed-at, demonstrovanou na případové studii – analytickém porovnání plantárních tlaků obézní ženy a studentky s normální hmotností.The article focused on issues of plantar pressure values and its distribution during walking. It contains information on the characteristics and functions of human feet and especially on the method of measurement with emed-at pedography platforms. Demonstrated on a case study. The article looked at analytical comparison of plantar pressures in obese woman and students with normal body weight

Physical Activity Of Masaryk University Students

Výzkum pohybové aktivity studentů Masarykovy univerzity byl proveden prostřednictvím dotazníkového šetření na souboru 1327 respondentů. Výzkum probíhal v letech 2008 až 2009 a přinesl celou řadu významných zjištění jak z hlediska plnění zdravotních doporučení, tak z hlediska sídla respondentů. Za nejvýznamnější zjištění lze považovat, že muži jsou celkově aktivnější než ženy, že 65,3 % studentů plní alespoň jedno z doporučení pro pohybovou aktivitu a že s růstem velikosti lokality klesá intenzivní pohybová aktivita mužů, u žen je naopak nejvyšší intenzivní pohybová aktivita ve velkých městech.Physical activity research on Masaryk University students was gathered through a questionnaire examination of 1327 respondents. Research proceeded in years 2008 and 2009 and brought a considerable number of significant results both in respect of health recommendations, adherence and in respondent’s residency. The summary of significant results is as followings. Men as a whole are more active than women. 65,3 % of students fulfilled at least one of recommendations for locomotion activity. As the area of locality grew the intensity of locomotion activity of men decreased. Highest intensity of locomotion activity of women was in big cities

Effect of 6-Month Fascia-Oriented Training on Jump Performance in Elite Female Volleyball Players

Fascia-oriented training is supposed to enhance physical performance potential. Specifically, the employment of the catapult mechanism, the refinement of the elastic energy storage, remodelling, rehydration and release in fascia tissue is supposed to enable faster and more powerful jump performance. The authors of this study confirmed that little applied research has been conducted to bring scientific evidence verifying these findings into sports practice. The study was conducted to assess the effect of a 6-month, fascia-oriented training programme, designed in accordance with the principles of the fascia-oriented exercise, on the height of vertical countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in well-trained volleyball players. Sixteen female players (age 17.31 ± 0.98; height 173 ± 5.26; weight 65.25 ± 6.75) competing in the national league were randomly assigned for the training (TG) and control group (CG). TG performed a supervised 25-minute fascia-oriented training program twice a week for six months. Measurements were conducted before and after the training intervention. The subjects performed 3 trials of CMJ. The study hypothesized that after the application, the height of CMJ would increase more in TG than in CG. The results show that the height of CMJ in TG increased compared to CMJ height in CG, though the difference is not statistically significant. The results of the effect size manifests the increase of the medium level, by 2.2cm in TG. Therefore, we conclude that the results of the study indicate that the application of the 6-month, fascia-oriented training program aimed to develop the vertical jump performance potential in elite volleyball players is not statistically significantly beneficial

Plantar Pressure Distribution During and after Pregnancy and the Effect of Biomechanical Shoes

Úvod: Náš výzkum byl zaměřen na objektivní data týkající se změn plantárního tlaku v průběhu těhotenství a po porodu, jakož i na možnost ovlivnit tyto změny pomocí speciální biomechanické obuvi, vyvinuté ve spolupráci Masarykovy univerzity s firmou J Hanák R, s.r.o.; Výzkumné metody: Výzkumu se zúčastnilo 38 těhotných žen, kterým byl na plantografické desce Emed®-at měřen plantární tlak v prvním a třetím trimestru těhotenství a po porodu. Dvacet jedna z těchto žen (experimentální skupina) nosilo v daném období speciální biomechanickou obuv. Při měření byly zjišťovány hodnoty plantárního tlaku a jeho časového integrálu v 10 oblastech pravé a levé nohy. Data byla poté zpracována pomocí ANOVA a Tukeyho post-hoc testů; Výsledky: Hlavními zjištěními byly statisticky významné nárůsty plantárního tlaku pod podélnou nožní klenbou a mediálním přednožím v průběhu těhotenství v obou výzkumných skupinách a následný pokles většiny hodnot po porodu. Statisticky významné rozdíly mezi hodnotami v experimentální a kontrolní skupině nebyly zjištěny; Závěr: Zatížení nohy se v průběhu těhotenství přesouvá dopředu a mediálně, což představuje větší zátěž především pro podélnou nožní klenbu, mediální metatarzální hlavy a palec. Po porodu se vzorec distribuce plantárního tlaku převážně vrací do stavu pozorovaného na začátku těhotenství. Vliv biomechanické obuvi na nohu se v tomto výzkumu nepodařilo prokázat.Background: The study is focused on objective data about plantar pressure changes during pregnancy and after birth, as well as the possibility to affect change in plantar pressure by wearing special biomechanical shoes developed in cooperation between Masaryk university and Hanak Company; Methods: Plantar pressure data of 38 pregnant women were measured in the first and third trimesters, and after birth with Emed-at plantographic platform. 21 of the subjects (experimental group) wore special biomechanical shoes during this period. Peak plantar pressure and pressure time integral values in 10 masks of the right and left foot were measured separately and processed through ANOVA and Tukey post – hoc tests; Results: The main findings were significant increases in plantar pressure values under the longitudinal arch and medial forfoot region during the pregnancy in both groups, and a decrease in most of the values after birth. There were no statistically significant differences in measured values between the groups; Conclusions: The load of the foot shifts during the pregnancy in a forward medial direction, which puts more loads on the longitudinal arch, medial metatarsal head areas and the big toe. After birth, the plantar pressure distribution patterns mostly return to the original state observed at the beginning of pregnancy. The effect of the biomechanical shoes on the foot was not proved

SOMATOTYPE PROFILES OF SLOVAK AND SAUDI ARABIAN MALE SOCCER PLAYERS ACCORDING TO PLAYING POSITIONS

Somatotype of the human body is influenced by many factors. In addition to genetic, there are also environmental factors and cultural differences. The aim of this study was to compare the morphological configuration of men’s body of Slovak and Saudi Arabian soccer players and find out the differences between soccer players in different playing positions. The study sample consisted of 50 Slovak soccer players aged 19-26 years (21.28±1.46), including 18 defenders, 13 forwards, six goalkeepers, and 13 midfielders, and 50 Saudi Arabian soccer players aged 18-25 years (20.12±1.77), including 16 defenders, 20 forwards, four goalkeepers, and 10 midfielders. The used Heath-Carter method categorizes people into 13 groups according to the predominant physical component. The results indicated that soccer players differed among themselves according to playing positions. Slovak defenders and forwards were balanced mesomorphs, Slovak goalkeepers were endomorphic mesomorphs and central type was the predominant in Slovak midfielders. Almost all Saudi Arabian soccer players were predominantly mesomorph-endomorphs, with the exception of the defenders who were endomorphic mesomorphs. On average, the predominant somatotype of Slovak soccer players was balanced mesomorph (2-8,4-1,2-4), and of Saudi Arabian soccer players mesomorph-endomorph (3-8,4- 3,1-4). It seems that the somatotype of soccer players varies depending on the country as well as the playing position. Therefore, it is necessary to examine anthropometry also with regard to geographical and cultural differences. In addition, regular evaluation of soccer players’ somatotype can help coaches implement exercise elements that would probably increase players’ sports performance

Diagnostics Of The Level Of Female Tennis Players’ Performance Preconditions (Longitudinal Study)

Příspěvek se zabývá problematikou posouzení úrovně a vývojových trendů somatických a motorických výkonnostních předpokladů v tenisu. V současném světovém tenisu je zřejmý příklon ke kondičně náročnému způsobu hry, diagnostika úrovně výkonnostních předpokladů je proto důležitou součástí tréninkového procesu. Výzkumným záměrem bylo provést u dvou tenistek, které dosáhly v dospělosti vysoké mezinárodní úrovně výkonnosti, longitudinální sledování úrovně somatických a motorických předpokladů, posoudit vývojové trendy a komparovat zjištěné údaje se souborem tenistek. Výzkum má charakter longitudinální studie, k získání výzkumných dat byla použita testová baterie TENDIAG1 obsahující tři somatické a šest motorických položek. Z výsledků obou sledovaných hráček je zřejmé, že celkové bodové skóre v testové baterii se po celé sledované období pohybovalo nad hranicí průměrné úrovně souboru tenistek. Výsledky prokázaly, že úroveň somatických i motorických předpokladů obou hráček byla majoritně nadprůměrná. Výsledky potvrzují význam somatických, kondičních a koordinačních předpokladů pro tenis.This contribution deals with the issues of judging the level and developmental trends of somatic and motor performance preconditions in tennis. In contemporary world tennis, there is an obvious tendency to the physically demanding game and that is why the diagnostics of the level of performance preconditions is an important part of the training process. The research aim was to perform a longitudinal observation of the level of somatic and motor preconditions in two female tennis players, who had reached a high international level of performance in their adult age. The study evaluated developmental trends and to compare the obtained data with a population of female tennis players. The research had the character of a longitudinal study and the data was gathered using the test battery TENDIAG1 which contained three somatic and six motor items. The results of both observed female players clearly showed that the total points score in the test battery was above the boundary of the average level of the general female tennis player population. The results proved that the level of somatic and motor preconditions of both female players was mostly above average. The results confirmed the importance of somatic, conditioning, and coordination preconditions for tennis