Objectives. Cut-off points (COPs) for appendicular lean mass (ALM) index, essential to define low muscle mass (LMM) in the elderly, have never been officially defined for Poland. The aim of the study was to establish them. Additionally, the significance of body mass index (BMI) for correctly defining the COPs in a young, healthy reference group was assessed. Methods. The study was composed of reference group (n = 1113) and the elderly group (n = 200). In all subjects, body composition was assessed by bioimpedance analysis, and ALM index was calculated. Next, COPs (kg/m2) were set up for the whole reference group and for particular subgroups with different BMIs separately. They were used to diagnose sarcopenia in the elderly. Results. COP for all young females was 5.37 (COP-F), while it was equal to 5.52 (COP-F2) when only those with a recommended BMI (18.50–24.99 kg/m2) were taken into consideration. For males, it was 7.32 and 7.29, respectively. Only 7% of elderly females had LMM based on COP-F and 15% had LMM based on COP-F2 (P < 0.05); for males, the percentages were 18% and 16%, respectively. Conclusions. COPs for LMM for Poland are 5.52 kg/m2 (females) and 7.29 kg/m2 (males). The reference group BMI is an important factor in establishing COPs for low muscle mass.
Purpose. Tests such as the counter movement jump (cMJ) and squat jump (sJ) allow for determining the ratio of maximal power output generated during sJ to cMJ (s/c). The isokinetic peak torque ratio of the hamstrings contracting eccentrically to the quadriceps contracting concentrically (H/Q) is defined as functional H/Q. The purpose of this study was to compare the s/c and functional H/Q between female basketball and volleyball players. Methods. The total of 14 female basketball players (age, 19.8 ± 1.4 years) and 12 female volleyball players (age, 22.3 ± 4.2 years) participated in the study. A piezoelectric force platform was used for the cMJ and sJ. Moreover, isokinetic tests of the hamstrings and quadriceps muscle torque during eccentric and concentric contraction were performed. Results. The results of the s/c and functional H/Q at 90 deg · s -1 /60 deg · s -1 velocities were higher in basketball players (87.3 ± 9.1% and 91.4 ± 9.3%, respectively) than in volleyball players (83.1 ± 9.8% and 83.6 ± 16.5%, respectively). No significant differences in s/c or functional H/Q values between the two groups were found (p > 0.05). Conclusions. Decreasing the s/c may result from an improvement in the power output during cMJ and a better utilization of the stretch-shortening cycle effect. Balancing the functional H/Q through increasing the eccentric hamstrings strength can provide dynamic knee joint stabilization.
The turnout of the lower extremities is the major component of the classical ballet positions (CPs) and correctly is initiated in the hips. The aim of this research was to determine the differences in the electromyographic and kinematic variables in the five CPs in ballet students with greater and lesser amount of passive hip external rotation (HER). A group of 14 female pre-professional ballet dancers 11-16 years of age participated in the study. Based on the amount of passive HER, participants with higher values made up greater rotation group (n = 7) whereas those with lesser values formed lesser rotation group (n = 7). Electromyographic activity of 14 muscles from right side of the trunk and right lower extremity was recorded with the surface electrodes while subjects were standing in all five CPs (CP1-CP5). The external rotation of the hips, knees and feet were recorded with the motion capture system. The kinematic differences between the groups were revealed in asymmetric positions CP4 and CP5 where foot progression angle was significantly lesser in forward than backward setting only in lesser rotation group. In lesser rotation group the ankle and back muscles were more engaged in CPs while abdominal and hip muscles less when compared with greater rotation group. This finding suggests that in the group with lesser passive HER the mechanism of forced turnout was employed. The most remarkable finding in our work was that various electromyographic patterns can be observed between groups in all CPs, while kinematic differences may be marked only in asymmetric positions.
Background Differences in the muscular activity between the high-bar back squat (HBBS) and the low-bar back squat (LBBS) on the same representative group of experienced powerlifters are still scarcely investigated. The main purpose of the study was to compare the normalized bioelectrical activity and maximal angles within single homogeneous group between the HBBS and LBBS for 60% one repetition maximum (1RM), 65% 1RM and 70% 1RM. Methods Twelve healthy men (age 24.3 ± 2.8 years, height 178.8 ± 5.6 cm, body mass 88.3 ± 11.5 kg), experienced in powerlifting performed HBBS and LBBS with comparable external loads equal 60% 1RM, 65% 1RM, and 70% 1RM. Electromyography (EMG) signals of muscle groups were synchronously recorded alongside kinematic data (joints angle) by means of a motion capture system. Results EMG activity during eccentric phase of squat motion were significantly higher during LBBS than in HBBS for all selected muscles (60% 1RM and 65% 1RM) (p < 0.05). All examined muscles were more activated during concentric phase of the squat cycle (p < 0.05). In the concentric phase, significant differences between the loads were generally not observed between just 5% 1RM change in load level for LBBS. Conclusions Our results confirmed significant differences in muscles activation between both squat techniques. Muscle activity during eccentric phase of squat motion were significantly higher during LBBS than HBBS. The differences are crucial for posterior muscle chain during eccentric phase of squat cycle.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate objective results of short-term treatment with the use of electromyography and to determine changes in muscle recruitment during the prone hip extension test in individuals with chronic low back pain who underwent the McKenzie treatment. Methods: The studied group consisted of 17 male office workers aged 33–55 who underwent two experimental sessions comprising of 3 measurements and the McKenzie method of mechanical diagnosis and therapy. Electromyographic examination of selected muscles was performed during the test in order to assess changes in their activity before and after the McKenzie method and the Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess the level of pain. Results: There was a tendency towards significance at the beginning of activation between the first and second test for the left erector spinae muscle (p = 0.0684). In 18% of patients, the onset activation time decreased, which is indicative of correct direction of changes. No statistically significant changes were observed in the remaining muscles. Statistical significance (p = 0.0131) was observed between the first and third test for the left erector spinae muscle. A decrease in the onset activation time was observed in 75% of the subjects. Effectiveness increased by as much as 57%. The level of pain decreased in the third test compared to the first one (p = 0.0240). However, the change in pain sensations between the first and second test was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The study showed objective changes in the activation sequence of selected muscles and subjective changes in pain following short term McKenzie therapy.
Purpose: The study aimed to determine which of the five classical ballet positions is the most demanding regarding muscular activity, values of external rotation in the hip joints, angular values of foot progression as well as the inclination (tilt) of the pelvis in the sagittal plane. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 14 female pre-professional ballet dancers (aged 11–16) participated. Participants were tasked with the sequential adoption of five classical ballet positions (CP1–CP5). The electromyographic activity of the muscles of the trunk and the lower limb was recorded with surface electrodes. Kinematic data including hip and knee external rotation, foot progression angle and pelvic tilt were collected using a motion capture system. Results: Symmetric positions CP1 and CP2 were not as demanding as asymmetric CP3–CP5. Higher values of hip and foot external rotation without greater muscular effort in CP2 than CP1 was noticed. Considering asymmetric positions, CP3 did not trigger a greater activity of hip or foot muscular groups than CP4 and CP5. CP4 was characterised by the greatest pelvic anterior tilt and the lowest activity of GM in the forward lower limb. In CP5, forward lower limb entailed a higher activity of muscles supporting the foot than in the remaining positions. Conclusion: In terms of biomechanics, the most demanding classical ballet position in pre-professional dancers is CP4, followed by CP5, CP3, CP1 and CP2. This finding can be applied in educational methodology of dancers, figure skaters, synchronized swimmers, acrobatic gymnasts, rhythmic gymnasts or cheerleaders.
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