Daniel Jandacka

A regression model to determine load for maximum power output

The aims of this study were to create a regression model of the relationship between load and muscle power output and to determine an optimal load for maximum power output during a countermovement squat and a bench press. 55 males and 48 females performed power testing at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, 90, and 100% of their individual one-repetition maximum (1-RM) in the countermovement squat and bench press exercises. Values for the maximum dynamic strength and load for each lift were used to develop a regression model in which the ratio of power was predicted from the ratio of the load for each type of lift. By optimizing the regression model, we predicted the optimal load for maximum muscle power. For the bench press and the countermovement squat, the mean optimal loads for maximum muscle output ranged from 50 to 70% of maximum dynamic strength. Optimal load in the acceleration phase of the upward movement of the two exercises appeared to be more important than over the full range of the movement. This model allows for specific determination of the optimal load for a pre-determined power output.

Effect of stance position on kick performance in taekwondo

Abstract In taekwondo, the stance position can potentially affect kick performance. The aim of this study was to analyse mechanical variables in the roundhouse kick in taekwondo according to three stance positions (0°, 45°, 90°). Nine experienced taekwondo athletes performed consecutive kicking trials in a random order according to these three relative positions of the feet on the ground. Measurements for the mechanical analysis were performed using two 3D force plates and an eight-camera motion capture system. The taekwondo athletes’ reaction and execution times were shorter when starting from the 0° and 45° stance positions than from the 90° position (P < 0.05). Moreover, the ground reaction force was negatively correlated with execution time and positively with velocity of thigh and shank. Our results suggest that the stance position affects the execution technique of taekwondo athletes’ kicks. It is suggested that athletes should not adopt the 90° stance position because it will not enable them to achieve the best performance in the roundhouse kick.

Optimal load maximizes the mean mechanical power output during upper extremity exercise in highly trained soccer players.

Jandacka, D and Uchytil, J. Optimal load maximizes the mean mechanical power output during upper extremity exercise in highly trained soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 25(10): 2764–2772, 2011—The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal load for the maximal power output during the acceleration phase of a power movement in bench press (BP) exercises of highly trained soccer players at the beginning of a competition period. Fifteen professional male soccer players with an average age of 26.1 ± 3.9 years, an average height of 183.3 ± 6.7 cm, an average body mass of 78.8 ± 7.2 kg, and an average 1 repetition maximum (1RM) of 83.3 ± 11.2 kg were employed as subjects in this study. Maximal mean power output during a BP at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90% of their 1RM was measured to determine whether an optimal load exists that allows for the attainment of maximal power output. Three-dimensional upper extremity kinematic data were collected. Two force plates embedded in the floor and positioned below the bench were used to measure contact forces between the bench and ground during the lift. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to determine power output differences at different percentages of the 1RM. The results of this study indicated that loads of 50% of the 1RM resulted in greater mean power output during the complete positive power movement. Loads at 30 and 50% of the 1RM resulted in greater mean power output computed from the acceleration phase of the lift than did all loads and were not statistically different from each other. However, individual soccer players did not reach the maximum power output with the same relative load. In conclusion, when soccer players develop muscular power toward the end of when the most important competitions are scheduled, dynamic effort strength training with the range of load from 30 to 50% of 1RM BP should be used. During the competition period, a load of 50% of a 1RM should be used in a BP to maintain muscular power over a wide load range.

Musculoskeletal loading during the round-off in female gymnastics: the effect of hand position

Chronic elbow injuries from tumbling in female gymnastics present a serious problem for performers. This research examined how the biomechanical characteristics of impact loading and elbow kinematics and kinetics change as a function of technique selection. Seven international-level female gymnasts performed 10 trials of the round-off from a hurdle step to flic-flac with ‘parallel’ and ‘T-shape’ hand positions. Synchronized kinematic (3D-automated motion analysis system; 247 Hz) and kinetic (two force plates; 1,235 Hz) data were collected for each trial. Wilcoxon non-parametric test and effect-size statistics determined differences between the hand positions examined in this study. Significant differences (p < 0.05) and large effect sizes (ES>0.8) were observed for peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF), anterior–posterior GRF, resultant GRF, loading rates of these forces and elbow joint angles, and internal moments of force in sagittal, transverse, and frontal planes. In conclusion, the T-shape hand position reduces vertical, anterior–posterior, and resultant contact forces and has a decreased loading rate indicating a safer technique for the round-off. Significant differences observed in joint elbow moments highlighted that the T-shape position may prevent overloading of the joint complex and consequently reduce the potential for elbow injury.

Running biomechanics in a long-term monitored recreational athlete with a history of Achilles tendon rupture

This study represented a unique opportunity to understand changes in the human motion biomechanics during basic locomotion within a time interval of 4 years, when the monitored individual regained his original aerobic fitness, running performance and body mass index as prior to the injury. The participant visited the laboratory a month prior to the injury and during 4 years after the surgery. The surgery, subsequent rehabilitation and a 4-year running training programme in the studied recreational athlete did not completely eliminate the consequences of the Achilles tendon rupture. The function muscle deficit is namely manifested by a lower net plantar flexion moment and a lower net-generated ankle joint power during the take-off in the stance phase. The greater dorsal flexion in the affected ankle joint at the first contact with the ground and consequently higher peaks of ground reaction forces during running are consequences of the longer Achilles tendon in the affected lower extremity and weakened calf muscles.

Elbow joint variability for different hand positions of the round off in gymnastics

The aim of the present study was to conduct within-gymnast analyses of biological movement variability in impact forces, elbow joint kinematics and kinetics of expert gymnasts in the execution of the round-off with different hand positions. Six international level female gymnasts performed 10 trials of the round-off from a hurdle step to a back-handspring using two hand potions: parallel and T-shape. Two force plates were used to determine ground reaction forces. Eight infrared cameras were employed to collect the kinematic data automatically. Within gymnast variability was calculated using biological coefficient of variation (BCV) discretely for ground reaction force, kinematic and kinetic measures. Variability of the continuous data was quantified using coefficient of multiple correlations (CMC). Group BCV and CMC were calculated and T-test with effect size statistics determined differences between the variability of the two techniques examined in this study. The major observation was a higher level of biological variability in the elbow joint abduction angle and adduction moment of force in the T-shaped hand position. This finding may lead to a reduced repetitive abduction stress and thus protect the elbow joint from overload. Knowledge of the differences in biological variability can inform clinicians and practitioners with effective skill selection.

Lower extremity power during the squat jump with various barbell loads

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine the barbell load that maximised the system power as well as the ankle, knee, and hip joint powers during the squat jump, and (2) to compare the system powers computed from two different methods: the centre of mass (COM) method and the barbell method. Seven male throwers were recruited in this study. The system power (COM method) and the ankle, knee, and hip joint powers were determined with the load incrementally set at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% of one repetition maximum. The largest system power was observed at the load of 30% (p < 0.008) while the largest ankle and knee powers were observed at 70% and 0% (p < 0.05). The barbell method overestimated the system power (p < 0.001) when compared to the COM method. It was concluded that the barbell method could influence load optimisation in squat jump. The optimal barbell load which maximised the system power did not maximise the ankle, knee, or hip power simultaneously.

The influence of an additional load on time and force changes in the ground reaction force during the countermovement vertical jump.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine how an additional load influences the force-vs-time relationship of the countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ). The participants that took part in the experiment were 18 male university students who played sport recreationally, including regular games of volleyball. They were asked to perform a CMVJ without involving the arms under four conditions: without and with additional loads of 10%, 20%, and 30% of their body weight (BW). The vertical component of the ground reaction force (GRF) was measured by a force plate. The GRF was used to calculate the durations of the preparatory, braking, and acceleration phases, the total duration of the jump, force impulses during the braking and acceleration phases, average forces during the braking and acceleration phases, and the maximum force of impact at landing. Results were evaluated using repeated-measures ANOVA. Increasing the additional load prolonged both the braking and acceleration phases of the jump, with statistically significant changes in the duration of the acceleration phase found for an additional load of 20% BW. The magnitude of the force systematically and significantly increased with the additional load. The force impulse during the acceleration phase did not differ significantly between jumps performed with loads of 20% and 30% BW. The results suggest that the optimal additional load for developing explosive strength in vertical jumping ranges from 20% to 30% of BW, with this value varying between individual subjects.

Comparison of Lower Limb Segments Kinematics in a Taekwondo Kick. An Approach to the Proximal to Distal Motion

Abstract In taekwondo, there is a lack of consensus about how the kick sequence occurs. The aim of this study was to analyse the peak velocity (resultant and value in each plane) of lower limb segments (thigh, shank and foot), and the time to reach this peak velocity in the kicking lower limb during the execution of the roundhouse kick technique. Ten experienced taekwondo athletes (five males and five females; mean age of 25.3 ±5.1 years; mean experience of 12.9 ±5.3 years) participated voluntarily in this study performing consecutive kicking trials to a target located at their sternum height. Measurements for the kinematic analysis were performed using two 3D force plates and an eight camera motion capture system. The results showed that the proximal segment reached a lower peak velocity (resultant and in each plane) than distal segments (except the peak velocity in the frontal plane where the thigh and shank presented similar values), with the distal segment taking the longest to reach this peak velocity (p < 0.01). Also, at the instant every segment reached the peak velocity, the velocity of the distal segment was higher than the proximal one (p < 0.01). It provides evidence about the sequential movement of the kicking lower limb segments. In conclusion, during the roundhouse kick in taekwondo inter-segment motion seems to be based on a proximo-distal pattern.

Temporal–spatial parameters of gait in transfemoral amputees: Comparison of bionic and mechanically passive knee joints

Background: A symmetrical gait affords the most efficient walking pattern. Bionic prostheses should provide better gait symmetry than mechanically passive prostheses with respect to a nonpathological gait. Objectives: To compare the basic temporal–spatial parameters of gait in transfemoral amputees fitted with bionic or mechanically passive prosthetic knees with those of subjects with a nonpathological gait. Study design: Three-dimensional gait analysis using an optoelectronic device. Methods: Eight transfemoral amputees participated in the study. Subjects walked across two dynamometric platforms a total of 15 times. Movement kinematics were measured using optoelectronic stereophotogrammetry. Results: The swing time of the affected limb in patients fitted with a mechanically passive knee joint was longer than that of the nonaffected limb by 0.055 s (effect size = 1.57). Compared with the control group, the swing time of the prosthetic limb in patients fitted with a mechanically passive knee was longer by 0.042 s (effect size = 2.1). Similarly, the stance time of the nonaffected limb was longer by 0.047 s (effect size = 1.07). Conclusions: Compared with a mechanically passive knee joint, a bionic knee joint evinced gait symmetry. Both the stance time and the swing time for amputees with a bionic knee were similar to those of nonamputees. Clinical relevance Prosthetists aim to design prostheses that achieve a good symmetry between the healthy and affected limbs. The use of bionic technology achieves a level of symmetry approaching that observed in nonamputees.