Nancy B. Stubbs

Validation of cardiovascular fitness field tests in children with mental retardation

The validity of the 600-yard walk/run, the 20-m shuttle run, and a modified 16-m shuttle run was determined to measure aerobic capacity (VO2peak) in children with mild and moderate mental retardation. Practice sessions for all tests were conducted. All field tests were very reliable, and VO2peak was significantly related to them all. A stepwise multiple regression showed that field test performance, body mass index (BMI), and gender, but not age, were also significant predictors of VO2peak. All field tests were valid and reliable indicators of aerobic capacity, suggesting that these tests can be used to predict VO2max in children with mild and moderate mental retardation.

Normative data on joint ranges of motion of 25- to 54-year-old males

The purpose of this study was to determine age-related changes of joint range of motion (ROM). Twenty-three joint ROM measurements based on descriptions given in the handbook of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (1965) were performed bilaterally (where appropriate) on fifty-five Caucasian males. The group was divided into three age subgroups. The subgroups consisted of twenty-five to thirty-four years, thirty-five to forty-four years, and forty-five years to fifty-years old males. Motion was measured to the nearest one degree. Measurements were repeated until two readings within 4 degrees were obtained. Results indicated a decrease in joint ROM with age, with decreases from 4% to 30%. Right versus left side ROM were different for the wrist and glenohumeral joints. This implies that the aging population with reduced ROM may be at a higher risk of injury for manual material handling and cumulative trauma disorders.

A fine-wire electromyographic investigation of the gluteus minimus and gluteus medius muscles.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the functions of the gluteus minimus and gluteus medius muscles through the use of fine-wire electromyography. Electrical activity of the gluteus minimus and gluteus medius muscles of 13 subjects, six females and seven males, was recorded during a series of basic anatomical movements. Results showed that the gluteus minimus functioned as an abductor, medical rotator, extensor, and in some cases a flexor of the thigh. The gluteus medius functioned as an abductor, extensor, and medical rotator in six of the 13 subjects. It also exhibited some activity during flexion in five of the subjects tested.

Mathematical modeling and testing of the sit and reach test

Abstract A study was conducted to determine if segment lengths influenced the performance on the sit and reach (SR) test and if the SR test was a valid measure of hamstring and low back flexibility. Thirty-one males and forty-eight females were administered two trials of the SR test using a box as suggested by the AAHPERDs Health Related Fitness Test (1980). Each subject had the height of the acromial, trochanterion, tibial, dactylion, and olecranon measured. A mathematical model was developed to calculate the angle between the legs and the torso (θ). When only the SR test was used to predict θ, there was a coefficient of multiple determination (R 2 = 0.539). However, when torso, total arm (TARM) and total leg (TLEG) lengths were included, the coefficient increased (R 2 = 0.953). This suggest that the SR test is not a good measure of hamstring and low back flexibility for a normal population unless torso, TARM and TLEG lengths are considered. Furthermore, results indicate that segment lengths do have an influence on SR test scores.

Lifting Physical Work Capacity as a Function of Frequency

A laboratory experiment using 15 male subjects was conducted to document lifting physical work capacity over the frequency range of 2 to 12 lifts per minute and to compare these values to bicycling physical work capacity. Results indicate that bicycling PWC is significantly higher than lifting PWC at the 0.05 level. A variation in lifting PWC as a function of frequency was observed. This could be attributed to lifting technique. Task design should, therefore, not only consider lifting PWC but also the frequency of lift.

Arm and leg exercise versus rowing for evaluation of performance of male and female collegiate rowers

The cardiorespiratory response of 13 male and 9 female members of their respective male and female college crew teams was measured during maximal exercise on both a Schwinn Air‐Dyne ergometer (SA‐ergometer), which involved both upper and lower body musculature, and on a rowing ergometer. The relationlship between the maximal physiological response of the athletes to each type of exercise and to a standard 2500 meter rowing time on an ergometer was examined. Rowing elicited a higher group mean VO2max, 4.23 ± 1.7 vs 3.44 ± 1.5 1/min−1, from the athletes than the SA‐ergometer (p s 0.05). There was no significant difference in VEmax and HRmax. A negative correlation with the standard 2500 m rowing task time was demonstrated for both the male and female rowers, VO2max (males = ‐0.69; females = ‐0.92) and for the female rowers VEmax (‐0.75). When male and female crew members were grouped the same, a significant negative correlation was established for each of the respective variables, VO2max, VEmax, Rmax, betwe...

A Comparison of Equations and Methods for Determining Percentage Body Fat

An experiment was conducted to assess the differences between various equations and devices for estimating body fat percentage. Valid estimation of body fat is an important variable in determining the individual differences in energy expenditure or physical work capacities of workers performing various tasks. Twenty male volunteers participated in this study. Results indicate that no significant differences exist between device type. However, there were significant differences between derived estimations of body fat content with several widely used equations. These results were also related to estimation of body fat content derived from the bioelectrical impedance procedure. Results from this study indicate the need for comparison between subject population and population of prediction models before determining body fat and possible use of an average of several equations.

An Electromyographic Investigation of the Sartorius and Tensor Fascia Latae Muscles

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the functions of the sartorius and tensor fascia latae muscles through electromyography using fine-wire electrodes. Electrical activity of the sartorius and tensor fascia latae muscles of 10 subjects, 4 males and 6 females, was recorded during a series of basic anatomical movements. Results showed that the sartorius functioned as a flexor and abductor of the femur, as a flexor of the lower leg from 90° to maximum flexion, and as a flexor of the trunk on the femur. The tensor fascia latae functioned during flexion and abduction of the femur, during trunk flexion and abduction of the femur, during trunk flexion, and only slightly during medial rotation of the femur.