Applied Sciences

Research

14 pages, 1261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal and Mechanical Analysis of Bench Press Phases: Barbell Kinematics and Dynamics Across Different Load Intensities

by Miguel Rodal, Juan Manuel Franco-García, Jorge Carlos-Vivas, Francisco García-Muro San José, Arturo Pérez Gosálvez, Guillermo Charneco Salguero, Kostas Gianikellis and Jorge Pérez-Gómez

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11783; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411783 - 17 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1041

Abstract

This study aimed (1) to explore the spatio-temporal phases of the execution of the bench press (BP) exercise based on barbell acceleration and power; (2) to describe barbell velocity, acceleration, mechanical power, and mechanical work at different load intensities; and (3) to analyse [...] Read more.

This study aimed (1) to explore the spatio-temporal phases of the execution of the bench press (BP) exercise based on barbell acceleration and power; (2) to describe barbell velocity, acceleration, mechanical power, and mechanical work at different load intensities; and (3) to analyse differences in kinematic and mechanical parameters. Twenty-one men (21.4 ± 1.5 years; 175.1 ± 6.7 cm; 75.8 ± 7.7 kg; 1RM: 91.7 ± 13.7 kg) and nine women (21.7 ± 2.3 years; 163.3 ± 10.8 cm; 57.2 ± 6.8 kg; 1RM: 38.9 ± 10.5 kg) were evaluated during the eccentric and concentric phases of the BP at different load intervals: interval 1 (55 to 75% 1RM), interval 2 (>75 to 85% 1RM) and interval 3 (>85 to 100% 1RM). Both temporal (duration) and mechanical variables (velocity, acceleration, mechanical power and mechanical work of the barbell) were determined using the Xsens MVN Link System. Mechanical variables were compared among the three different intervals. Interval 3 displayed greater duration compared to intervals 1 and 2. Barbell acceleration and power showed four different phases of BP movement, corresponding to the second and third phases of the exercise, bar braking (eccentric) and bar acceleration (concentric), respectively; the first and fourth phases are mainly determined by gravity instead of muscle intervention. Velocity and acceleration were different among the three different intervals during both the eccentric and concentric phases (p < 0.05). No differences were found between intervals 2 and 3 in mechanical power or mechanical work during the eccentric phase. In conclusion, the BP exercise has four phases considering barbell acceleration and power. The maximum and mean velocity and acceleration during BP performance decrease as load intensity increases. Maximum and mean mechanical power, and mechanical work, decrease progressively in the second and third intervals for both the eccentric and concentric phases. Thus, kinematics and mechanical parameters vary depending on load intensities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)

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12 pages, 561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Exploratory Study on the Correlation Between Reactive Agility and Downhill Trail Running Performance in Amateur Trail Runners

by Juan Pablo García Muñoz, Francisco García-Muro San José, Ángel Luis Rodríguez Fernández, Ella Jayne Neale and Arturo Pérez Gosálvez

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11128; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311128 - 29 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1305

Abstract

Agility appears to be an important skill in the downhill sections of trail running; however, its actual role in the performance of this sport is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation of reactive agility (RA) and certain biomechanical [...] Read more.

Agility appears to be an important skill in the downhill sections of trail running; however, its actual role in the performance of this sport is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation of reactive agility (RA) and certain biomechanical parameters with the performance of runners when performing trail running descents. Nine amateur trail runners (four women and five men) performed a session of change of direction, RA, and 15 m linear sprint tests. In a second session, they performed a trail running race of 400 m with a negative elevation gain of 40 m. The relationship between the variables obtained in both sessions was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results revealed significant correlations of performance during the trail running descent, with the time of the 15 m linear sprint (r = 0.77, ρ ≤ 0.05.), 5 m linear sprint (r = 0.79, ρ ≤ 0.05.), and with the reaction time in the reactive agility test with a sport-specific stimulus (r = 0.82, ρ ≤ 0.05.). The correlations found in the tests suggest that reactive agility skills and acceleration abilities have a significant relationship with performance on downhill sections in trail running. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)

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13 pages, 2185 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in Daily Wheelchair Mobility Metrics of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury: The Need for Individual Monitoring

by Wiebe de Vries, Inge Eriks-Hoogland, Anneke Hertig-Godeschalk, Sabrina Koch-Borner, Claudio Perret and Ursina Arnet

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11087; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311087 - 28 Nov 2024

Viewed by 747

Abstract

Manual wheelchair users (MWUs) frequently report shoulder problems and have a three-times-higher likelihood of rotator cuff pathology compared to able-bodied individuals. Shoulder health is crucial for MWU independence, their social participation, and quality of life. Daily activities such as wheelchair propulsion potentially lead [...] Read more.

Manual wheelchair users (MWUs) frequently report shoulder problems and have a three-times-higher likelihood of rotator cuff pathology compared to able-bodied individuals. Shoulder health is crucial for MWU independence, their social participation, and quality of life. Daily activities such as wheelchair propulsion potentially lead to fatigue and overload. Since comprehensive data are limited, this study aimed to implement a wheelchair mobility metrics (WCMM) method to examine various aspects of wheelchair use in daily life. Two inertial measurement units (IMUs) were placed on the wheelchair frame and wheel of 19 participants with a spinal cord injury (SCI). WCMMs like distance covered, number of pushes and turns, and incline were derived from real-life measurements and normalized to a period of 8 h. Large variation was observed among participants. The distance covered ranged from 0.5 to 10.7 km, with the number of pushes from 438 to 4820. The number of turns ranged from 269 to 1396, and the average distance per mobility bout from 5 to 59 m. This wide variation over participants emphasizes the importance of data-driven clinical decision making and patient education. Further studies with larger samples and duration are needed to fully understand MWUs’ mobility patterns and their implications for shoulder health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)

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11 pages, 3538 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Muscle Synergy of the Periarticularis Shoulder Muscles during a Wheelchair Propulsion Motion for Wheelchair Basketball

by Yuki Tamura, Noriaki Maeda, Makoto Komiya, Yoshitaka Iwamoto, Tsubasa Tashiro, Satoshi Arima, Shogo Tsutsumi, Rami Mizuta and Yukio Urabe

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9292; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209292 - 12 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1164

Abstract

Wheelchair basketball players often develop shoulder pain due to repetitive wheelchair propulsion motion. Wheelchair propulsion involves two phases, push and recovery, with several different muscles simultaneously active in each phase. Although differences in the coordinated activity of multiple muscles may influence the mechanism [...] Read more.

Wheelchair basketball players often develop shoulder pain due to repetitive wheelchair propulsion motion. Wheelchair propulsion involves two phases, push and recovery, with several different muscles simultaneously active in each phase. Although differences in the coordinated activity of multiple muscles may influence the mechanism of injury occurrence, there have been no studies investigating muscle synergy in wheelchair propulsion motion. Twelve healthy adult males with no previous wheelchair driving experience were included. The surface electromyography data of 10 muscles involved in shoulder joint movements were measured during a 20 m wheelchair propulsion motion. Muscle synergies were extracted using non-negative matrix factorization analysis of the electromyography data. Four muscle synergies were identified during wheelchair propulsion. Synergy 1 reflects propulsion through shoulder flexion and elbow flexion, while Synergy 2 involves shoulder flexion and elbow extension. Synergy 3 describes shoulder extension returning the upper limb, which has moved forward during the push, back to its original position, and Synergy 4 relates to stabilize the shoulder girdle during the recovery phase. This study is the first to explore muscle synergy during wheelchair propulsion, and the data from healthy participants without disabilities or pain will provide a baseline for future comparisons with data from wheelchair basketball players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)

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17 pages, 2813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Simple Tapping: Is Timed Body Movement Influenced When Balance Is Threatened?

by Analina Emmanouil, Konstantinos Boudolos and Elissavet Rousanoglou

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8541; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188541 - 23 Sep 2024

Viewed by 950

Abstract

The tapping paradigm offers valuable insights into movement timing; however, it simplifies mechanics by minimizing force, restricting motion, and relying on a clear contact endpoint. Thus, it may not fully capture the complexity of larger-scale multi-segmental (or single-segment) timed body movements. The aim [...] Read more.

The tapping paradigm offers valuable insights into movement timing; however, it simplifies mechanics by minimizing force, restricting motion, and relying on a clear contact endpoint. Thus, it may not fully capture the complexity of larger-scale multi-segmental (or single-segment) timed body movements. The aim of this study was to extend beyond the tapping paradigm by examining the timing of two large-scale movements commonly performed in physical fitness or rehabilitation modalities, with varying inherent balance threats: two-legged squatting (low balance threat) and standing hip abduction (higher balance threat) paced by a metronome set at the participants’ preferred tempo (N = 39, all physically active). In synchronization with the metronome audio signal, the trunk and shank angular velocities were also recorded to extract the entrainment, synchronization, and pace stability metrics. Paired t-tests indicated similar entrainment in both movements (p > 0.05 for IRI match) but significant differences in timing metrics’ manifestations (p ≤ 0.05, standing hip abduction: 50% greater IRI error, 30% lower synchronization error, 2.6% units lower pace stability). The similar entrainment but different synchronization error and pace stability highlight a complex timing interplay between balance threat/challenges and movement complexity concerning the two large-scale movements employed in physical fitness and rehabilitation modalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)

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10 pages, 628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Erythrocyte Phospholipid Fatty Acid Profile in High-Level Endurance Runners

by Francisco Javier Alves-Vas, Víctor Toro-Román, Ignacio Bartolomé Sánchez, Francisco Javier Grijota Pérez, Marcos Maynar-Mariño and Gema Barrientos Vicho

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 3965; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14103965 - 7 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 927

Abstract

Fatty acids (FAs) are the major structural component of erythrocyte membranes. Diet and physical exercise directly influence their incorporation and function. Endurance runners engage in high volumes of weekly aerobic training, alternating between low-intensity and high-intensity sessions. The aim of the study was [...] Read more.

Fatty acids (FAs) are the major structural component of erythrocyte membranes. Diet and physical exercise directly influence their incorporation and function. Endurance runners engage in high volumes of weekly aerobic training, alternating between low-intensity and high-intensity sessions. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the erythrocyte FA profile in a group of high-level male endurance runners (EG) with a control group of non-athlete subjects (CG). This observational study was conducted on 85 subjects, 63 high-level male endurance runners (23 ± 3 years; height: 1.76 ± 0.05) and 22 subjects who did not engage in regular physical exercise (21 ± 0.5 years; height: 1.68 ± 0.39). Runners had at least five years of training experience, and all of them were participants in national and international tournaments. FAs determination was performed using gas chromatography. Higher percentages of Palmitic Acid (PA), Stearic Acid (SA), Oleic Acid (OA), Calendic Acid (CA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA), and lower percentages of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) were found in the EG compared to the CG. High-level endurance runners exhibit altered erythrocyte FA profiles with low percentages of omega-3 index (ω-3 index) and DHA, which may affect erythrocyte membrane function as well as their performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

10 pages, 748 KiB

Open AccessReview

Assessing Finger Flexor Pulley Injuries in Climbers: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical and Functional Testing Methods

by Rosa Grazia Bellomo, Danilo Bruni, Andrea Pantalone and Claudia Barbato

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 9113; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14199113 - 9 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1505

Abstract

Objectives: This systematic review addressed the following questions: what are the most recommended diagnostic criteria for pulley injuries in finger flexors among climbers? What is the best functional or classification clinical test for these injuries based on the available evidence? Materials and Methods: [...] Read more.

Objectives: This systematic review addressed the following questions: what are the most recommended diagnostic criteria for pulley injuries in finger flexors among climbers? What is the best functional or classification clinical test for these injuries based on the available evidence? Materials and Methods: Following the PRISMA Statement checklist, a systematic literature review was conducted between August and September 2023, using a search on the PubMed database with a string of keywords and MeSH terms. The PEDro scale was used to analyze bias in the individual studies examined. Conclusions: Based on the exclusion criteria and research question, 14 articles with heterogeneous study designs were selected. Studies involving diagnosis through clinical examination or instrumental tests were analyzed. The data obtained provide an overview of different diagnostic and classification criteria for the injury under consideration. Ultrasounds remain the gold standard in diagnosing finger pulley injuries. The distance between the tendon and bone is the most used diagnostic criterion, with a distance greater than 2 mm corresponding to an A2 or A4 pulley injury. The clinical sign of bowstringing coincides with a multiple pulley injury involving A2, A3, and A4. Clinical signs, ultrasounds, and grip strength should be evaluated for a comprehensive diagnosis. A grip deficit of 41.4% corresponds to a pulley injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

14 pages, 613 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Sedentary Lifestyle, Heart Rate Variability, and the Influence on Spine Posture in Adults: A Systematic Review Study

by Deena Fathima, Joss Lobo, Manuela Angioi, Wiesław Błach, Łukasz Rydzik, Tadeusz Ambroży and Nikos Malliaropoulos

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 6985; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14166985 - 9 Aug 2024

Viewed by 4784

Abstract

(1) Background: The rise in sedentary lifestyles has led to more spinal malformations in the population. These malformations are connected to the body’s autonomic function, which can negatively impact long-term health. Heart rate variability can be used as a marker to measure how [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The rise in sedentary lifestyles has led to more spinal malformations in the population. These malformations are connected to the body’s autonomic function, which can negatively impact long-term health. Heart rate variability can be used as a marker to measure how different postures affect autonomic health. This systematic review aims to explore the link between posture and heart rate variability and evaluate potential interventions to address the consequences of sedentary lifestyles. (2) Methods: Data sources: Studies exploring the relationship between posture and heart rate variability were found using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane on 1 July 24. Eligibility criteria: People aged 18 years or above with a sedentary lifestyle were included. Studies involving children or participants with spinal/musculoskeletal conditions impacting their ability to walk or sit were excluded as they would not accurately reflect posture analysis. PRISMA guidelines were followed throughout, and the quality assessment was achieved using the QualSyst tool. (3) Results: Out of the 753 papers identified, only five met the eligibility criteria. These studies exhibited heterogeneity regarding interventions, aims, and participant populations. All five studies were prospective case series, enabling analysis and comparisons. (4) Conclusions: According to this study, the seated position, especially the forward truncal flexion, had the most significant impact on heart rate variability and sympathetic tone. It may be inferred that sedentary behavior encourages this stress on the body, which can affect one’s health, increasing the mortality rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Movement Biomechanics)

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