No abstract

In previous reports we have shown that in long distance running the impact acceleration on the shank increases with progressing fatigue. The aim of the present study was to test whether, in parallel to this increase, an imbalance in the activities between the ankle plantar and dorsi flexor muscles develops. The tests were made on fourteen subjects during 30 min treadmill running above their anaerobic thresholds. Respiratory data were collected to determine the anaerobic threshold speed and to indicate the progressively developing metabolic fatigue. Surface electromyogram (EMG) was monitored to indicate the changing activity of the shank muscles. In the tibialis anterior the average integrated EMG (iEMG) and the mean power frequency (MPF) significantly decreased from the beginning to the end of running. In the gastrocnemius iEMG did not change, while MPF increased during the course of running. The impact acceleration, measured by means of an accelerometer attached to the tibial tuberosity, significantly increased during the course of running. It was concluded that, with developing fatigue, an imbalance in the contraction of the shank muscles develops in parallel to an increase in shank shock acceleration. The combination of these two changes may hamper the loading balance on the tibia since the bone becomes exposed to excessive bending stresses and to higher risk of stress injury.

No abstract

Gait analysis of trans-tibial (TT) amputees discloses asymmetries in gait parameters between the amputated and sound legs. The present study aimed at outlining differences between both legs with regard to kinematic parameters and activity of the muscles controlling the knees. The gait of 14 traumatic TT amputees, walking at a mean speed of 74.96 m/min, was analysed by means of an electronic walkway, video camera, and portable electromyography system. Results showed differences in kinematic parameters.Step length, step time and swing time were significantly longer, while stance time and single support time were significantly shorter on the amputated side. A significant difference was also found between knee angle in both legs at heel strike.

Physical fitness programme executed on a daily basis is capable of improving functional ability of children with RS. Nonprofessional personnel can execute such a programme under supervision of a qualified physical therapist.

The response of the peroneal muscles to sudden inversion of the ankle during standing was investigated. The variation of the inversion angle with time was measured by means of a potentiometer attached to a specially designed test apparatus. During the tests, volunteers were subjected to sudden and unexpected inversion of their ankle, during which the surface EMG of the peroneal muscles was also recorded. Two groups were tested, one of normal subjects and one consisting of subjects with recurrent ankle sprains. There were 8 females and 3 males in each group. The subjects in the second group, who suffered from recurrent ankle sprains, had been asymptomatic during the last 2 months prior to the tests. For each subject in the two groups, both ankles were tested. The results indicated a latency time ranging from 60 to 80 ms for both groups. It was concluded that the reflex contraction of the peroneal muscles due to a sudden stretch inversion motion has no role in protecting the ankle joint during sprain and that this protection is mainly provided by the passive tissues.

No abstract

The goal of this research was to analyze the effects of fatigue on the shock waves generated by foot strike. Twenty-two subjects were instrumented with an externally attached, lightweight accelerometer placed over the tibial tuberosity. The subjects ran on a treadmill for 30 min at a speed near their anaerobic threshold. Fatigue was established when the end-tidal CO pressure decreased. The results indicated that approximately half of the subjects reached the fatigue state toward the end of the test. Whenever fatigue occurred, the peak acceleration was found to increase. It was thus concluded that there is a clear association between fatigue and increased heel strike-induced shock waves. These results have a significant implication for the etiology of running injuries, since shock wave attenuation has been previously reported to play an important role in preventing such injuries.