Martina Bernaciková

The influence of breaststroke swimming on the muscle activity of young men in thermographic imaging

PURPOSE Medial longitudinal arch (MLA) strengthening has been considered an important part of successful flatfoot treatment. But, to date, the biomechanical loading behavior of the medial arch in flatfoot has not been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the MLA moment, MLA deformation angle, foot kinematics and ground reaction forces (GRF) in both normal foot and flatfoot groups. METHODS Each participants foot was classified according to arch type using foot prints and radiographs. Twenty-eight non-obese adults (13 flatfeet and 15 normal feet) were involved. The biomechanics data were collected in a 3D motion analysis laboratory. The MLA biomechanics were calculated. Hindfoot and forefoot kinematics were also analyzed. RESULTS The flatfoot group had a significantly greater peak eversion MLA moment (p = 0.005) and a smaller peak MLA deformation angle (p < 0.05) during specific subphases. The peak of hindfoot plantarflexion (p < 0.05) and internal rotation (p < 0.05) and the peak of forefoot abduction ( p < 0.05) in the specific subphases were greater in the flatfoot group. The flatfoot group also had significantly smaller peak vertical GRF ( p < 0.05) during late stance and larger peak medial GRF (p < 0.05) during mid stance. CONCLUSIONS This study found a significantly greater eversion deforming force acting at the MLA structure, greater hindfoot and forefoot motion, less MLA flexibility and abnormal GRF in a flatfoot group during walking, which reflected the deficit of foot function in a flatfoot group.

Anthropometric Characteristics and Body Composition in Aikido Practitioners

Although aikido is a non-competitive martial art, it is recognised by SportAccord as worldwide practiced combat sport. There is a lack of scientific research in aikido and the influence of aikido practice on the human body is not known. This is the first study that presents anthropometric characteristics and body composition data in aikido practitioners. 33 adult male aikido athletes (age 36.5 +/- 9.6 years, height 178 +/- 8 cm, weight 81.2 +/- 10.1 kg) were measured. All subjects were divided from beginner to intermediate and advanced group, and were recruited from the Czech Aikido Federation which is officially recognised by the centre of aikido in Japan. As main methods, bio impedance and skinfold measurements were realized. In aikido, body composition does not play an important role compared to other martial arts. Average values are similar to reference of non-athlete population (BMI 25.6 +/- 2.7 kg/m, BF 17.18 +/- 5.18 %, FFM 65.71 +/- 7.69 kg, BSA 1.98 +/- 0.15 m(2)). Even though, aikido has positive effects on body composition, it does not have a high impact. Thus, aikido players should also gain benefits from other aspects of martial arts.

Biomechanické a kineziologické aspekty techniky bikrosového startu

Přispěvek se zabýva technikou bikrosoveho startu. Na zakladě analýzy limitujicich faktorů výkonu poukazujeme na start, jakožto na jednu z nejdůležitějsich fazi celeho bikrosoveho zavodu. Optimalni provedeni startu je založeno na respektovani kineziologických a biomechanických zakonitosti, jimiž se v přispěvku zabývame. Cilem teto studie je vytvořit teoretický zaklad, na němž bude možno stavět empiricke prace zabývajici se problematikou optimalizace bikrosoveho startu.