Lara Elena Gomes

Análise do torque de resistência e da força muscular resultante durante exercício de extensão de quadril no Pilates e suas implicações na prescrição e progressão

BACKGROUND: The understanding of the external mechanics of Pilates exercises and the biomechanics of the joints may guide the prescription of rehabilitation exercises. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the resistance torque (ΓR) during hip extension (HE) exercises performed on the Pilates Cadillac. To perform a biomechanic analysis of the ΓR and the weighted mean moment arm (WMMA) in order to calculate the resultant muscle force (FMR) of the hip extensors and flexors. To present a mechanical criteria for progression of HE exercise on the Pilates Cadillac. METHODS: Fourteen participants performed HE exercises on the Cadillac in four randomly assigned situations - using two springs (blue and red), which were attached in two positions (high and low). Angular positions were measured using an electrogoniometer. In order to calculate ΓR, the muscle torque (ΓM) and FMR, free-body diagrams and movement equations were used. The WMMA of the hip extensors and flexors were estimated from the literature. RESULTS: The ΓR and FMR presented a similar behavior during all situations; however, the maximum ΓR values did not occur at the same joint position as the FMR maximum values. The WMMA of the hip flexors presented an increased- decreased behavior with greatest values around 55o of flexion, while the hip extensors presented a similar behavior with greatest values around 25o of flexion. CONCLUSION: Biomechanic analysis of HE exercises and the evaluation of mechanical features in relation to the hip joint may be used as an objective criteria for the prescription and progression of HE exercise in Pilates.

Effects of unsteady conditions on propulsion generated by the hand’s motion in swimming: a systematic review

Abstract The understanding of swimming propulsion is a key factor in the improvement of performance in this sport. Propulsive forces have been quantified under steady conditions since the 1970s, but actual swimming involves unsteady conditions. Thus, the purpose of the present article was to review the effects of unsteady conditions on swimming propulsion based on studies that have compared steady and unsteady conditions while exploring their methods, their limitations and their results, as well as encouraging new studies based on the findings of this systematic review. A multiple database search was performed, and only those studies that met all eligibility criteria were included. Six studies that compared steady and unsteady conditions using physical experiments or numerical simulations were selected. The selected studies verified the effects of one or more factors that characterise a condition as unsteady on the propulsive forces. Consequently, much research is necessary to understand the effect of each individual variable that characterises a condition as unsteady on swimming propulsion, as well as the effects of these variables as a whole on swimming propulsion.

Effects of added elastic tubes on open-chain knee extensor strength training

Attaching elastic tubes (ETs) to resistance training machines can affect the exercise load profile. The purpose of this study was to assess the training effects of added ETs, which were strategically attached to provide additional loads only during the deceleration phase of the knee extension exercise. Twenty-two healthy participants, assigned to either an experimental group (with ETs) or a control group (without ETs), participated in a 12-week strength-training program using a knee extension exercise machine. The acceleration effects were quantified and a method of attaching the ETs to the knee extension machine was developed. The effects of the added ETs were analysed by testing dynamic and isometric maximum contractions at four knee flexion angles (10°, 30°, 50°, and 80°). Analyses of covariance with the initial values as the covariate were used to examine the ET effects. A greater increase in isometric maximum strength was found in the experimental group than in the control group at knee flexion angles of 10° [effect size (ES) = 2.25] and 30° (ES = 1.18). No significant difference in the dynamic maximum strength was found between the groups. The use of ETs increased strength at smaller knee flexion angles with quadriceps that were relatively short.

Position of arm and forearm, and elbow flexion during performance of the sculling technique: Technical recommendation versus actual performance

Sculling motion is a swimming technique executed in a vertical position with the head above the waters surface and, based on the technical recommendation, should be performed maintaining an elbow flexion angle of 90°, arms kept stationary while the forearms move. In order to verify if this recommendation is indeed realistic, the aim of this study was to describe the elbow flexion angle ant its angular velocity, linear speed and range of motion of the shoulder, elbow and wrist during the sculling motion. Data were calculated using three-dimensional kinematic process from underwater video images of ten athletes of synchronized swimming. The results indicate that the arm is relatively stationary and the forearm moves, which agrees with the technical recommendation. However, the elbow flexes and extends, which contradicts the technical recommendation. These findings should be considered when this action is practiced, especially in synchronized swimming, in which sculling motion is a fundamental technique.

Biomechanical analyses of synchronised swimming standard and contra-standard sculling

Abstract Synchronised swimming involves a variety of sculling movements essential for body support and propulsion but its study is scarce. We aimed to biomechanically compare standard and contra-standard sculling techniques, and to observe the relationship between measures. Six synchronised swimmers performed two, 30 s maximal intensity, fully tethered standard and contra-standard sculling motions. Kinetic and kinematic data were obtained using a load-cell and underwater cameras, respectively. Force decreased along both techniques’ bouts, but no differences in-between techniques were noted for any kinetic variables. Standard sculling presented a higher cycle rate and a lower elbow mean angle than the contra-standard sculling (2.4 ± 0.3 vs. 2.0 ± 0.2 cycles/s and 134.1 ± 5.8 and 141.5 ± 4.7°, p < 0.05). In the standard sculling, by removing and maintaining the variation between participants (r w and r, respectively), the absolute mean force was directly related with cycle rate (r w = 0.60) and wrist angular velocity during flexion (r = 0.82), while in the contra-standard condition the force was inversely associated with wrist mean angle (r = −0.95) and directly with hand speed (r w = 0.76), and elbow angular velocity (r w ≈ 0.60). Therefore, technique learning and training require different attention by coaches and swimmers.

The suitability of Sanders’ model for calculation of the propulsive force generated by the hands during sculling motion

ABSTRACT This study examined whether Sanders’ model is suitable for estimating accurately the propulsive force generated by the hands’ motion in swimming comparing the calculated force obtained using the model and the measured force during an actual propulsive action. The measured and calculated forces were obtained from 13 swimmers who, while tethered, performed a sculling motion in a prone position for the purpose of displacing the body by moving it forward. Kinematic analyses were conducted to obtain the calculated force, while the measured force was obtained via the use of a load cell. The calculated force was lower than the measured force and accounted for only a small part of the variation in the measured force. The forces could not be used interchangeably, and there were fixed and proportional differences between them. Consequently, this study indicates that Sanders’ model is not suitable for estimating accurately the propulsive force generated by the swimmer’s hands during sculling motion. However, research that integrates analyses from different approaches could result in improvements to the model that would render it applicable for estimating the propulsive forces during movements that are characterised by directional changes of the hands.

Posición del brazo y el antebrazo y la flexión del codo durante la ejecución de técnica Sculling: Recomendación técnica frente al que es hecho en la práctica

Sculling motion is a swimming technique executed in a vertical position with the head above the waters surface and, based on the technical recommendation, should be performed maintaining an elbow flexion angle of 90°, arms kept stationary while the forearms move. In order to verify if this recommendation is indeed realistic, the aim of this study was to describe the elbow flexion angle ant its angular velocity, linear speed and range of motion of the shoulder, elbow and wrist during the sculling motion. Data were calculated using three-dimensional kinematic process from underwater video images of ten athletes of synchronized swimming. The results indicate that the arm is relatively stationary and the forearm moves, which agrees with the technical recommendation. However, the elbow flexes and extends, which contradicts the technical recommendation. These findings should be considered when this action is practiced, especially in synchronized swimming, in which sculling motion is a fundamental technique.

Posição do braço e antebraço e flexão do cotovelo durante a execução da técnica do palmateio: Recomendação técnica versus o que é realizado na prática

Sculling motion is a swimming technique executed in a vertical position with the head above the waters surface and, based on the technical recommendation, should be performed maintaining an elbow flexion angle of 90°, arms kept stationary while the forearms move. In order to verify if this recommendation is indeed realistic, the aim of this study was to describe the elbow flexion angle ant its angular velocity, linear speed and range of motion of the shoulder, elbow and wrist during the sculling motion. Data were calculated using three-dimensional kinematic process from underwater video images of ten athletes of synchronized swimming. The results indicate that the arm is relatively stationary and the forearm moves, which agrees with the technical recommendation. However, the elbow flexes and extends, which contradicts the technical recommendation. These findings should be considered when this action is practiced, especially in synchronized swimming, in which sculling motion is a fundamental technique.

Descrição do comportamento da força do kite em relação ao seu posicionamento e ao deslocamento da barra de controle

ABSTRACT: Introduction. During kitesurfing, the sailors propel themselves changing the kite´s attack angle in two ways: moving the kite in the wind window and moving the control bar. Objective. To describe the behavior of the kite’s forces in relation to its position in the wind window and the distance traveled by the control bar. Methods. Videogrammetry and dyna-mometry were used. Two tests were performed: moving the control bar and moving the kite in the wind window. Results. The force increased while the bar was moved down. Moving the kite, the power zone was defined as the combination of vertical angles smaller than 60° with horizontal angles smaller than 20°. Conclusion. The force increases when the bar goes down. The vertical angle seems to be more important to the force values. KEYWORDS: Extreme sports; nautical sports; wind window; attack angle. Descripcion del comportamiento de la fuerza del kite en relacion a su posicion y a el desplazamiento de la barra de control RESUMEN: Introduccion. Nel kitesurfing, lo deportista navega cambiando el angulo de ataque del kite de dos formas: moviendo el kite en la ventana de viento y moviendo la barra de control. Objetivo. Describir el comportamiento de la fuerza del kite en relacion a su posicionamiento en la ventana de viento y al desplazamiento de la barra de control. Metodos. Fueron utilizados sistemas de videogrametria y dinamometria, en dos situaciones: moviendo el kite y moviendo la barra. Resultados. La fuerza aumento cuando la barra fue bajada. Moviendo el kite, la

Description of the behavior of the kite's force in relation to its position and the displacement of the control bar

ABSTRACT: Introduction. During kitesurfing, the sailors propel themselves changing the kite´s attack angle in two ways: moving the kite in the wind window and moving the control bar. Objective. To describe the behavior of the kite’s forces in relation to its position in the wind window and the distance traveled by the control bar. Methods. Videogrammetry and dyna-mometry were used. Two tests were performed: moving the control bar and moving the kite in the wind window. Results. The force increased while the bar was moved down. Moving the kite, the power zone was defined as the combination of vertical angles smaller than 60° with horizontal angles smaller than 20°. Conclusion. The force increases when the bar goes down. The vertical angle seems to be more important to the force values. KEYWORDS: Extreme sports; nautical sports; wind window; attack angle. Descripcion del comportamiento de la fuerza del kite en relacion a su posicion y a el desplazamiento de la barra de control RESUMEN: Introduccion. Nel kitesurfing, lo deportista navega cambiando el angulo de ataque del kite de dos formas: moviendo el kite en la ventana de viento y moviendo la barra de control. Objetivo. Describir el comportamiento de la fuerza del kite en relacion a su posicionamiento en la ventana de viento y al desplazamiento de la barra de control. Metodos. Fueron utilizados sistemas de videogrametria y dinamometria, en dos situaciones: moviendo el kite y moviendo la barra. Resultados. La fuerza aumento cuando la barra fue bajada. Moviendo el kite, la