Biomedical subjects

J K Loudon

Publications and source records attributed to J K Loudon.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

A submaximal all-extremity exercise test to predict maximal oxygen consumption.

PURPOSE: Submaximal aerobic exercise testing is utilized with a variety of populations to assess fitness level and predict maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) when a maximal test is not possible or preferable. Many submaximal tests have been developed on traditional exercise equipment, such as the treadmill and the cycle ergometer, but are not available for newer equipment such as an all-extremity ergometer. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a submaximal exercise test using the Pro II Power Trainer, an all-extremity ergometer, in women ages 30-60 without disability and with varying fitness levels. A secondary purpose was to compare VO2peak values achieved during the all-extremity maximal test and the treadmill test. METHODS AND RESULTS: A linear regression equation was developed to predict VO2peak from submaximal data using heart rates and power output at the sixth and ninth minutes of the submaximal test. The linear regression derived for the submaximal all-extremity test was VO2peak L.min-1 = -0.01 (age in years) - 0.0029 (HR 1) - 0.0099 (HR2) - 0.0029 (PO1) + 0.0151(PO2) + 3.010. Predicted residual sum of squares of the linear equation revealed an R2 value of 0.722 and standard error of estimate of 0.216 L.min-1. Treadmill VO2 speak values correlated strongly with all-extremity VO2 speak values (r = 0.918) and were not significantly different (P, 0.05). CONCLUSION: A similar submaximal test needs to be developed for field estimates of VO2peak for subpopulations of individuals with physical disabilities such as rheumatoid arthritis, head or spinal cord injury, cerebral vascular accident, multiple sclerosis, amputation, and cerebral palsy.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Genu recurvatum syndrome.

Genu recurvatum is a common entity found in the clinic that my have negative consequence to knee structures. The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical effects associated with genu recurvatum. Genu recurvatum is operationally defined as knee extension greater than 5 degrees. Individuals who exhibit genu recurvatum may experience knee pain, display an extension gait pattern, and have poor proprioceptive control of terminal knee extension. An evaluative process and treatment program are discussed that include muscle imbalance correction, proprioceptive practice, gait, and functional training. Taping or knee bracing may be used initially to facilitate knee control. This article is intended to draw attention to patients with genu recurvatum and presents a suggested treatment progression. Individuals who are involved in athletic endeavors should be aware of knee position during activities to help protect joint structures.

Humans↗

PubMed1997

Ability to reproduce head position after whiplash injury.

STUDY DESIGN: A two-group design with repeated measures. OBJECTIVES: To determine if there is loss of the ability to reproduce target position of the cervical spine individuals who have sustained a whiplash injury. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The ability to sense position is a prerequisite for functional movement. Injury may have a deleterious effect on this ability, resulting in inaccurate positioning of the head and neck with respect to the body coordinates and to the environment. METHODS: Eleven subjects with history of whiplash injury (age, 42 +/- 8.7 years) and 11 age-matched asymptomatic subjects (age, 43 +/- 3.1 years) participated in the study. Effects of whiplash injury on the ability to replicate a target position of the head were assessed. Maximum rotation of the neck and ability to reproduce the target angle were measured using a standard cervical range-of-motion device. Subjects' perception of "neutral" position was also assessed. RESULTS: Analysis of variance indicated the whiplash subjects were less accurate in reproducing the target angle than were control subjects. These whiplash subjects tended to overshoot the target. In addition, the subjects in the whiplash group were often inaccurate in their assessment of neutral position. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects who have experienced a whiplash injury demonstrate a deficit in their ability to reproduce a target position of the neck. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that these subjects possess an inaccurate perception of head position secondary to their injury. This study has implications for the rehabilitation of individuals with whiplash injury.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

The relationship between static posture and ACL injury in female athletes.

Female participation in athletics has increased dramatically over the last decade. Accompanying the increase in participation in sports is the increase incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between static postural faults in female athletes and the prevalence of noncontact ACL injury. Twenty ACL-injured females and 20 age-matched controls were evaluated. Seven variables were measured: standing pelvic position, hip position, standing sagittal knee position, standing frontal knee position, hamstring length, prone subtalar joint position, and navicular drop test. A conditional step-wise logistic regression analysis revealed the factors of knee recurvatum, an excessive navicular drop, and excessive subtalar joint pronation to be significant discriminators between the ACL-injured and noninjured groups. These findings may have implications regarding rehabilitation techniques in physical therapy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

The foot and ankle: an overview of arthrokinematics and selected joint techniques.

Limited range of motion of the ankle is common following a period of immobilization or injury to the lower extremity. If not corrected, this limited range of motion will disturb normal joint arthrokinematics and could affect the athlete's performance. Consequently, the athletic trainer must thoroughly evaluate the various joints of the ankle and foot in order to determine appropriate treatment. A comprehensive evaluation should include assessment of passive accessory motions at the foot and ankle. If accessory movements are restricted at any joint, mobilization techniques can be used to restore normal ankle/foot joint arthrokinematics. This article describes the biomechanics of the tibiofibular, talocrural, subtalar, and midtarsal joints and is a presentation of basic mobilization techniques for the ankle and related joints.

Journal Article↗