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PubMed1987

Exercise endurance time as a function of percent maximal power production.

To develop and validate a mathematical model of the relationship between endurance time (T) and power production, 15 male subjects were first tested for maximal power on an instrumented cycle ergometer at 60 rpm. On subsequent days, they were tested for T at various percentages of maximal power. Curves of T as a function of percent maximal power were curvilinear, and could be made to overlap among subjects by individual abscissa scaling, which resulted in the appearance of horizontal stretching or compression of the curves. The degree of stretching-compression was defined by a statistically obtained scaling factor (F) which served to quantify each subject's endurance ability at fractions of maximal power. F was used to transform percent of maximal power to a scaled power variable (Psc). A curve of the form T = a(Psc)b was developed on 10 of the subjects and validated on the remaining five. Correlation between predicted and actual T was 0.967 for the fitting group and 0.980 for the validation group. A maximal power test and a single endurance test at 40 to 50% of maximal power were found to establish individual endurance-power curves fairly well, with a correlation of 0.828 between actual and predicted T. The combination of F and maximal power for a given physical activity provide a useful profile of an individual's ability to perform at constant exercise intensity.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Does warming up prevent injury in sport? The evidence from randomised controlled trials?

BACKGROUND: The practice of warming up prior to exercise is advocated in injury prevention programs, but this is based on limited clinical evidence. It is hypothesised that warming up will reduce the number of injuries sustained during physical activity. METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken. Relevant studies were identified by searching Medline (1966-April 2005), SPORTDiscus (1966-April 2005) and PubMed (1966-April 2005). This review included randomised controlled trials that investigated the effects of warming up on injury risk. Studies were included only if the subjects were human, and only if they utilised other activities than simply stretching. Studies reported in languages other than English were not included. The quality of included studies was assessed independently by two assessors. RESULTS: Five studies, all of high quality (7-9 (mean=8) out of 11) reported sufficient data (quality score>7) on the effects of warming up on reducing injury risk in humans. Three of the studies found that performing a warm-up prior to performance significantly reduced the injury risk, and the other two studies found that warming up was not effective in significantly reducing the number of injuries. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to endorse or discontinue routine warm-up prior to physical activity to prevent injury among sports participants. However, the weight of evidence is in favour of a decreased risk of injury. Further well-conducted randomised controlled trials are needed to determine the role of warming up prior to exercise in relation to injury prevention.

Athletic Injuries↗

PubMed2002

Water-based exercise improves health-related aspects of fitness in older women.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological responses of elderly women to a well-rounded exercise program performed in water (WEX). METHODS: The participants (60-75 yr of age) were randomly divided into a training (TR) group (N = 15) and a control group (N = 15). The TR group participated in a 12-wk supervised WEX program, 70 min x day(-1), 3 d x wk(-1). The WEX consisted of 20 min of warm-up and stretching exercise, 10 min of resistance exercise, 30 min of endurance-type exercise (walking and dancing), and 10 min of cool-down exercise. RESULTS: The WEX led to an increase (P < 0.05) in peak VO2 (12%) and VO2 at lactate threshold (20%). Muscular strength evaluated by a hydraulic resistance machine increased significantly at resistance dial setting 8 (slow) for knee extension (8%), knee flexion (13%), chest press (7%) and pull (11%), shoulder press (4%) and pull (6%), and back extension (6%). Vertical jump (9%), side-stepping agility (22%), trunk extension (11%), and FEV1.0 (7%) also increased significantly. There was a significant decrease in skin-fold thickness (-8%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (-17%), and total cholesterol (-11%). There were no significant changes in these variables in the control group. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that WEX elicits significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, body fat, and total cholesterol in older adult women. Water-based exercise appears to be a very safe and beneficial mode of exercise that can be performed as part of a well-rounded exercise program.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Acute effects of heavy preloading on vertical and horizontal jump performance.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a heavy dynamic preload, consisting of 1 set of 5 repetition maximum (5RM) back squats, on countermovement vertical jump (VJ) and horizontal jump (HJ) performance. The study also investigated the ability of subjects to learn to apply the effects of the preload over subsequent training sessions. Nineteen (N = 19) resistance-trained men (age = 25.0 +/- 4.8 years; weight = 79.3 +/- 6.6 kg) participated in the study. Each subject took part in 4 practice and 4 testing sessions. The 4 practice sessions were included to allow for any learning effects of VJ and HJ to stabilize and to establish a true 5RM back squat. The 4 testing sessions were included to see if subjects were able to capitalize on the repeat exposure to the protocol. One practice session consisted of a 10-minute warm-up (5 minutes of cycling and 5 minutes of stretching), 2 sets of VJ and HJ (each set of VJ and HJ consisted of 4 jump repetitions) with a 5-minute rest between sets, progressive 5RM back squat evaluation, and 2 final sets of VJ and HJ. Both VJ and HJ increased approximately 2% over the 4 practice sessions, and 5RM back squat strength improved from 164.2 +/- 25.1 kg to 196.9 +/- 23.0 kg (p < or = 0.05). The 4 testing sessions each consisted of the standardized warm-up, 1 set of 4 VJs and HJs, a 5-minute rest, 5RM back squat, a 5-minute rest, and the final set of VJs and HJs. Pre- and post-5RM VJ and HJ order was randomly assigned. The results indicated no significant differences occurred between the mean or maximal values for either VJ or HJ as a consequence of the dynamic preload exercise. In addition, the results reflected an inability of subjects to benefit from the repeated exposure to the heavy dynamic preload exercise protocol.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Hamstring muscle kinematics during treadmill sprinting.

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to characterize hamstring muscle kinematics during sprinting, so as to provide scientific data to better understand injury mechanisms and differences in injury rates between muscles. METHODS: We conducted three-dimensional motion analyses of 14 athletes performing treadmill sprinting at speeds ranging from 80 to 100% of maximum. Scaled musculoskeletal models were used to estimate hamstring muscle-tendon lengths throughout the sprinting gait cycle for each speed. We tested the hypothesis that the biceps femoris (BF) long head would be stretched a greater amount, relative to its length in an upright posture, than the semitendinosus (ST) and semimembranosus (SM). We also tested the hypothesis that increasing from submaximal to maximal sprinting speed would both increase the magnitude and delay the occurrence of peak muscle-tendon length in the gait cycle. RESULTS: Maximum hamstring lengths occurred during the late swing phase of sprinting and were an average of 7.4% (SM), 8.1% (ST), and 9.5% (BF) greater than the respective muscle-tendon lengths in an upright configuration. Peak lengths were significantly larger in the BF than the ST and SM (P < 0.01), occurred significantly later in the gait cycle at the maximal speed (P < 0.01), but did not increase significantly with speed. Differences in the hip extension and knee flexion moment arms between the biarticular hamstrings account for the intermuscle variations in the peak lengths that were estimated. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that intermuscle differences in hamstring moment arms about the hip and knee may be a factor contributing to the greater propensity for hamstring strain injuries to occur in the BF muscle.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Congenital muscular torticollis and sternomastoid tumor: results of nonoperative treatment.

BACKGROUND: Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy remains to be one of the mysteries of pediatric surgery. Its cause is still debated and its management is controversial. METHODS: Fifty-seven infants and children treated consecutively for sternomastoid tumors and CMT over a 5-year period (1992 to 1997) at the Pediatric Surgery Clinic of Social Security Council Ankara Children's Hospital are reviewed. The obstetric history was recorded in 48 patients. A lump in the neck, head tilt, plagiocephaly, and facial asymmetry were reasons for refferal correlating with the age of admission. Under 18 months of age passive and active stretching exercises (PSE and ASE) were initiated in all of the cases. RESULTS: In 28 children under the age of 3 months the outcome was excellent with none needing surgery. Successively 25% of the 3- to 6-month-old infants, 70% of the 6- to 18-month-old children, and 100% of all the older children required surgery. Spontaneous normal vaginal delivery was recorded in 23 of 48 (48%) cases, whereas vaginal vacuum extraction in four cases, vaginal forceps in six, vaginal as breech in two, and caesarean section in 11 was noted. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that PSE and ASE are highly effective for the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis. The success rate of conservative treatment is primarily dependent on the patients' age at the initiation of exercises. The hypothesis of injury through the birth canal and intrauterine malposition are valid only in 12 (25%) and 13 (27%) of cases, respectively. Therefore, it is difficult to attribute as an etiologic factor.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2000

[Torsion deformities in the lower extremities in patients with infantile cerebral palsy: pathogenesis and therapy].

Patients with spastic cerebral palsy often develop torsional deformities at the level of hip, shank or foot. The abnormal muscle activity such as spasticity or the increase of tone are considered as the major cause. The present study shows that the gait pattern is another cause which may lead to deformities. The study is based on gait analysis of 13 patients and 8 normal controls. The major and significant differences in gait kinematics were toe walking, toeing-in and internal rotation at the hip in the patients whereas the unaffected control group had a physiological heel-toe gait. The difference in torsional moments at the hip, knee and ankle were statistically significant. At the knee and the ankle a decrease in the internal rotation moment was found, whereas at the hip a paradoxical curve pattern with a more externally directed rotation moment was seen. These differences in torsional moments can explain the external rotation at the foot and/or shank as well as the increase in femoral anteversion, although they might be primarily caused by the deformity itself. Because a constantly acting force, however, changes the bony form and/or shape, the abnormal moments can be considered as a factor leading to deformities. A heel-toe gait seems to be mandatory for an efficient prophylaxis. Torsional deformities at the shank require a corrective osteotomy which is performed at the supramalleolar site and fixed by an unilateral, external fixator. Malrotations at the hip usually show two components: the functional part can be corrected by lengthening and weakening the tensor fasciae latae and the ventral parts of the glutei, using stretching exercises, botulinum toxin A or operative lengthening and releases. The increased femoral anteversion needs to be corrected by a femoral derotation osteotomy. Patients with cerebral palsy show a reduced control of their legs; therefore, balance internal torsion should not be corrected to neutral and overcorrection must be avoided. A remaining slight internal rotation after correction will help to spontaneously stabilize the leg if it gives way at initial contact, by "falling underneath the centre of gravity". If the leg is in neutral or external rotation, the patient needs to realign the centre of gravity over the dynamically unstable leg, showing a trunk-lean over the leg, the Duchenne limp.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Chronic flexibility gains: effect of isometric contraction duration during proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching techniques.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of to isometic contraction durations during propiceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on gains inflexion at the hip. Forty-three women (M age = 20.0 years, SD = 1.3) were assigned to one of three groups: 5-s isometric contraction (5-IC), 10-IC, and control. Flexibility was assessed at baseline and Weeks 3 and 6. Analysis of covariance, controlling for pretest differences, showed a significant interaction, F(2, 33) = 44.1, p < .001. Flexibility was significant lower in the control group relative to the 5-IC and 10-IC groups and in the 5-IC group relative to the 10-IC group at 3 and 6 weeks (3 weeks = 101.2 +/- 1.4 degrees, 114.3 +/- 1.5 degrees, 120.5 +/- 1.3 degrees; 6 weeks = 103.0 +/- 1.4 degrees, 126.1 +/- 1.6 degrees, 133.3 +/- 1.4 degrees for control, 5-IC and 10-IC groups, respectively). A longer contraction time led to greater increases in flexibility.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Anterior snapping of the hip associated with the ilial psoas].

UNLABELLED: Anterior snapping of the hip was first described in 1951 by Nunziata and Blumenfeld. The aim of this study, based upon a personal series and backed up by literature reports, is a current review of this common clinical condition, usually asymptomatic, but sometimes painful especially in athletes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 12 cases in 11 patients were treated surgically: 4 men and 7 women, mean age 25 years, 7 of them regularly involved in sport. The onset of the snapping was sudden in 6 cases, related to a precise movement, while in 6 cases pain preceded the gradual development of snapping. Pain may coincide with snapping, or may be of a "chronic" nature after exercise. The problem had been present for 2 years on average before treatment. Surgery consisted of posterior psoas aponeurotic fascia division and was sufficient in 11 cases. In one patient, disappearance of snapping was obtained only after division of the ilio-femoral ligaments. Mean postoperative follow-up was 6.5 years (1 to 12 years). Pain disappeared in all patients. A slight, intermittent and asymptomatic snapping persisted in 3 cases. All athletes regained their previous performance level. DISCUSSION: CLINICAL: Symptoms consist of a dull, deep clicking sensation in the groin during active mobilization of the hip. It never occurs with passive mobilization. The entire problem is that of attributing painful symptomatology to snapping. ANATOMICAL STUDY: In almost all cases, snapping is due to a sudden movement of the psoas aponeurotic fascia on the ilio-pectinate eminence. Other causes have been reported: ilio-femoral ligaments on the femoral head, rectus femoris or psoas tendon on bony crests or of psoas on the cotyloid cup of an artificial hip. INVESTIGATIONS: These are primarily designed to rule out any other cause of snapping or inguinal pain (foreign body, acetabular labrum lesion, etc). Bursography and dynamic ultrasonography identify the snapping site, but it is sometimes difficult to confirm that this is responsible for painful symptoms. TREATMENT: If such responsibility is confirmed, and if any psychological component can be ruled out, this should first be "medical" by stretching and local injections in the serous bursa. Surgery should consist in division of the psoas aponeurotic fascia, leaving the muscle fibers intact. The procedure should be performed under sensory epidural anesthetic, the only way of ensuring peroperatively that snapping has disappeared. Division of the psoas distal tendon at the lesser trochanter is not appropriate.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Chronic lateral epicondylitis: comparative effectiveness of a home exercise program including stretching alone versus stretching supplemented with eccentric or concentric strengthening.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of eccentric strengthening. Ninety-four subjects (50 men) with chronic lateral epicondylitis were allocated randomly into three groups: stretching, concentric strengthening with stretching, and eccentric strengthening with stretching. Subjects performed an exercise program for six weeks. All three groups received instruction on icing, stretching, and avoidance of aggravating activities. The strengthening groups received instruction on isolated concentric and eccentric wrist extensor strengthening, respectively. At six weeks, significant gains were made in all three groups as assessed with pain-free grip strength, Patient-rated Forearm Evaluation Questionnaire, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, Short Form 36, and visual analog pain scale. No significant differences in outcome measures were noted among the three groups. Although there were no significant differences in outcome among the groups, eccentric strengthening did not cause subjects to worsen. Further studies are needed to assess the unique effects of a more intense or longer eccentric strengthening program for patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Effect of stretching duration on active and passive range of motion in the lower extremity.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of different durations of stretching (five or 15 seconds) on active and passive range of motion (ROM) in the lower extremity during a five week flexibility training programme. METHOD: Twenty four university sport club members (19 men, five women), with a mean (SD) age of 20.5 (1.35) years, were randomly assigned to one of three groups (two treatment and one control). The two treatment groups participated in a static active stretching programme three times a week for a five week period, holding each stretch for a duration of either five or 15 seconds. The total amount of time spent in a stretched position was controlled. The five second group performed each stretch nine times and the 15 second group three times resulting in a total stretching time of 45 seconds for both groups for each exercise. The control group did not stretch. Active and passive ROM were determined during left hip flexion, left knee flexion, and left knee extension before and after the training programme using an inclinometer. RESULTS: Two factor within subject analysis of variance indicated no significant difference in ROM before and after the training programme for the control group. However, significant improvements in active and passive ROM (p < 0.05) were shown in both treatment groups after the five week training programme. Two factor analysis of variance with repeated measures and post hoc analysis showed significant differences between the treatment groups and the control group for the improvements observed in active (p < 0.05) and passive (p < 0.05) ROM. The five and 15 second treatment groups did not differ from one another when ROM was assessed passively, but significant differences were apparent for active ROM, with the 15 second group showing significantly greater improvements (p < 0.05) than the five second group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that holding stretches for 15 seconds, as opposed to five seconds, may result in greater improvements in active ROM. However, sustaining a stretch may not significantly affect the improvements gained in passive ROM.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Relation between open and closed kinematic chain assessment of knee strength and functional performance.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between concentric isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength values with the single leg hop for distance test, a closed kinematic chain activity. DESIGN: Correlational study. SETTING: Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects for this study consisted of 37 college-aged volunteers (21 men, 16 women: mean age = 22.76 +/- 3.52 years, height = 169.90 +/- 10.60 cm, weight = 69.31 +/- 14.60 kg) with no previous history of injury to the lower extremity. INTERVENTION: Each subject performed three trials of a single leg hop for distance test for the dominant and nondominant limbs followed by isokinetic evaluation. Isokinetic strength was assessed with the Biodex System II Isokinetic Dynamometer (Biodex Medical Inc., Shirley, NY, U.S.A.) for the quadriceps and hamstrings at preset angular velocities of 60 degrees/s (5 repetitions) and 180 degrees/s (30 repetitions). Before testing, each subject completed a dynamic warm-up period that consisted of submaximal cycling at a fixed cadence of 60 revolutions/min followed subsequently by quadriceps and hamstring muscle stretching. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The distance hopped in centimeters was converted to a ratio of the distance hopped to the individual leg length measured from the anterior superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus. Isokinetic values were obtained for peak torque (Nm), peak torque/body weight (%), total work (Nm), and average power (W). MAIN RESULTS: Low to moderate significant relationships were found to exist between the single leg hop for distance test and the isokinetic variables for the quadriceps and hamstrings of both limbs at each test velocity. Significant correlation coefficients ranged from r = 0.33 to r = 0.69 at 60 degrees/s and r = 0.33 and r = 0.67 at 180 degrees/s. Correlation coefficients were found to be statistically greater for the hamstrings than the quadriceps for total work and average power at 60 degrees/s and for peak torque/body weight, total work, and average power at 180 degrees/s (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Concentric quadriceps and hamstring strength seem to demonstrate a significant contribution to the single leg nop for distance test; however, the hamstring muscles may play a more important role during the propulsive phase, thereby enabling subjects to jump further.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Effect of warm up on energy cost and energy sources of a ballet dance exercise.

To evaluate the effect of warm up on energy cost and energy sources of a ballet dance exercise, 12 adolescent talented female dancers performed a ballet exercise (30 s of tours piqués en dedans on pointe) without and following a warm up. Warm up consisted in a light running followed by a period of stretching and two ballet exercises. The overall energy requirement of dance exercise (VO(2eq)) was obtained by adding the amount of VO(2) during exercise above resting (aerobic source or VO(2ex)) to the VO(2) up to the fast component of recovery (anaerobic alactic source or VO(2al)) and to the energy equivalent of peak blood lactate accumulation (anaerobic lactic source or (VO2lA) of recovery. VO(2eq) of exercise preceded by warm up amounted to 37 +/- 3 ml kg(-1). VO(2al) represented the higher fraction (50 +/- 6%) of VO(2eq), the remaining fractions were: 39 +/- 5% for VO(2ex) and 11 +/- 3% for VO2lA . VO(2eq) of exercise without warm up amounted to 38 +/- 3 ml kg(-1). This value was made up of: 26 +/- 6% by VO(2ex), 56 +/- 6% by VO(2al) and 18 +/- 3% by VO2lA. Between exercise conditions, significant differences were found in VO(2ex) (P < 0.01), VO2lA (P < 0.01), and VO(2al) (P < 0.05). The metabolic power requirement, 1.6 times higher than subject's VO2max indicates a very demanding exercise. The anaerobic alactic source was the most utilized. It can be concluded that, when dance exercise was preceded by warm up, the anaerobic sources contribution decreased whereas the aerobic energy source increased.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Physical limitations are not required for chronic pain rehabilitation success.

A high performance, active duty fitness requirement group rehabilitated equally to a low performance needs civilian group, both suffering from disabling chronic pain. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine whether higher physical performance requirements adversely affected outcome in a chronic pain rehabilitation program. Twenty-three active duty, chronic pain patients were treated along with 22 civilian chronic pain sufferers in a behavior modification, including positive, verbal reinforcement for performance, stress management and family counseling, physical reconditioning, including stretching, strengthening and aerobic conditioning in a slowly progressive fashion to required needs, and narcotic and muscle relaxant detoxification program at a major military medical center. Eighteen patients in each group, representing, respectively, 78 and 82% of the military and civilian participants, successfully completed the inpatient program. Success was defined by (1) elimination of all narcotics and minor tranquilizers, (2) elimination of all physical restrictions that precluded any desired work or play, which required much higher levels for the active duty patients that included: (3) elimination of all physical profile restrictions and (4) objectively passing annual aerobics field test requirements before the program's end. Review of military disability separation records, averaging 24 mo posttreatment, showed that no formerly successful active duty patients had later been discharged because of physical impairments. Of individuals responding to mail questionnaires at an average of 19 mo postprogram, 12 of 14 (86%) initially successful military patients reported continued unrestricted maintenance of physical abilities, whereas 10 of 14 (71%) of the initially successful civilians reported no restrictions in desired activities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1999

Management of the stiff shoulder.

Shoulder stiffness occurs as a result of (1) contractures of the intraarticular capsule or muscle-tendon units or (2) adhesions within the extraarticular humeroscapular or scapulothoracic motion interface. These contractures or adhesions may occur independently or in combination. A thorough history and physical examination usually reveal the diagnosis (idiopathic frozen shoulder or posttraumatic stiff shoulder) and the anatomical locations of fibrosis that is causing stiffness, and identifies other treatable conditions associated with shoulder stiffness (such as diabetes). A gentle home program of passive stretching is effective in most patients. When the home program is not effective, a manipulation or surgical release may be indicated. If manipulation is not effective, capsular contractures are best released arthroscopically as this allows circumferential release without damaging the rotator cuff and thus allows rehabilitation without the need to protect the rotator cuff. The humeroscapular motion interface adhesions can be released either open or arthroscopically, but we believe that an open release combined with an arthroscopic capsular release is quicker and does not interfere with rehabilitation. When necessary, operative management coupled with an aggressive rehabilitation program can provide significant relief of pain and restoration of shoulder motion. Approximately 90% of patients can expect a good result with this treatment algorithm.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1992

Influence of stretch-shortening cycle on mechanical behaviour of triceps surae during hopping.

Six subjects performed a first series of vertical plantar flexions and a second series of vertical rebounds, both involving muscle triceps surae exclusively. Vertical displacements, vertical forces and ankle angles were recorded during the entire work period of 60 seconds per series. In addition, expired gases were collected during the test and recovery for determination of the energy expenditure. Triceps surae was mechanically modelled with a contractile component and with an elastic component. Mechanical behaviour and work of the different muscle components were determined in both series. The net muscular efficiency calculated from the work performed by the centre of gravity was 17.5 +/- 3.0% (mean +/- SD) in plantar flexions and 29.9 +/- 4.8% in vertical rebounds. The net muscle efficiency calculated from the work performed by the contractile component was 17.4 +/- 2.9% in plantar flexions and 16.1 +/- 1.4% in vertical rebounds. These results suggest that the muscular efficiency differences do not reflect muscle contractile component efficiency but essentially the storage and recoil of elastic energy. This is supported by the relationship (P less than 0.01) found in vertical rebounds between the extra work and the elastic component work. A detailed observation of the mechanical behaviour of muscle mechanical components showed that the strategy to maximize the elastic work depends also on the force-velocity characteristics of the movement and that the eccentric-concentric work of the contractile component does not always correspond respectively to the ankle extension-flexion.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Ballistic stretching increases flexibility and acute vertical jump height when combined with basketball activity.

Stretching is often included as part of a warm-up procedure for basketball activity. However, the efficacy of stretching with respect to sport performance has come into question. We determined the effects of 4 different warm-up protocols followed by 20 minutes of basketball activity on flexibility and vertical jump height. Subjects participated in 6 weeks (2 times per week) of warm-up and basketball activity. The warm-up groups participated in ballistic stretching, static stretching, sprinting, or basketball shooting (control group). We asked 3 questions. First, what effect does 6 weeks of warm-up exercise and basketball play have on both flexibility and vertical jump height? We measured sit and reach and vertical jump height before (week -1) and after (week 7) the 6 weeks. Flexibility increased for the ballistic, static, and sprint groups compared to the control group (p < 0.0001), while vertical jump height did not change for any of the groups. Our second question was what is the acute effect of each warm-up on vertical jump height? We measured vertical jump immediately after the warm-up on 4 separate occasions during the 6 weeks (at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6). Vertical jump height was not different for any group. Finally, our third question was what is the acute effect of each warm-up on vertical jump height following 20 minutes of basketball play? We measured vertical jump height immediately following 20 minutes of basketball play at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6. Only the ballistic stretching group demonstrated an acute increase in vertical jump 20 minutes after basketball play (p < 0.05). Coaches should consider using ballistic stretching as a warm-up for basketball play, as it is beneficial to vertical jump performance.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Long-term follow up of a physical therapy programme for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in a long-term perspective, the impact of a physical therapy-based educational programme on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The programme includes information about the syndrome, information about pain and muscle physiology, training in warm water, stretching, body awareness therapy and relaxation in groups of 15 patients twice weekly, 2 hours during 10 weeks. A total of 240 patients with FMS participated in the study before and immediately after the programme and at a follow up with a mean of 35 months after the programme. Health status as measured with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was answered by the patients at all three measurement points. Questionnaires concerning self-care, self-motivation and sense of coherence (SOC) were distributed at the follow up. The results showed a significant improvement on several symptoms when comparing before and after the programme, and at the time of follow up the patients' rated well-being was still improved. The results also showed that the patients' pretreatment perception of symptoms, well-being and SOC are predictors to the perception of general health at the follow up of a physical therapy programme. The conclusion is that a physical therapy programme for patients with FMS may have a positive impact on patients' general well-being but not on other symptoms.

Activities of Daily Living↗