<b>Copyright information:</b>Taken from "A school-based physical activity program to improve health and fitness in children aged 6–13 years ("Kinder-Sportstudie KISS"): study design of a randomized controlled... more
<b>Copyright information:</b>Taken from "A school-based physical activity program to improve health and fitness in children aged 6–13 years ("Kinder-Sportstudie KISS"): study design of a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN15360785]"BMC Public Health 2006;6():147-147.Published online 6 Jun 2006PMCID:PMC1513202.
Krafttraining für Kinder wird oft kritisch gesehen. Dabei gibt es viele gute Argumente, warum schon die Kleinen damit beginnen sollten. Ein Plädoyer.
A new running shoe cushioning technology has been developed intending to dampen the landing impulse during running while allowing a powerful and direct push-off. We aimed to compare this newly developed technology to traditional running... more
A new running shoe cushioning technology has been developed intending to dampen the landing impulse during running while allowing a powerful and direct push-off. We aimed to compare this newly developed technology to traditional running shoes in regard to endurance performance, spatiotemporal stride characteristics, ground reaction forces, and muscle activity. In a randomized crossover design, 13 recreational runners (age 24.9±1.2 years, height 1.68±0.07 m, body mass 62.8±6.0 kg, weekly running distance >30 km) were tested twice, once with their own traditional shoes and (with a 2-week run-in and a 6-week wash-out period) with shoes featuring the new technology. The two-day testing procedure consisted of a graded exercise running test to assess lactate threshold (LT) on day one. On the following day, muscle activity, ground reaction forces and spatiotemporal stride characteristics at two velocities (80% and 95% LT velocity) were recorded on an instrumented treadmill. Finally, 4 k...
Research Interests:
In team sports such as football, ice hockey or basketball, athletes benefit from the body’s ability to tolerate high loads during start and stop movements, changes of direction, and tackles during competition. Likewise, in individual... more
In team sports such as football, ice hockey or basketball, athletes benefit from the body’s ability to tolerate high loads during start and stop movements, changes of direction, and tackles during competition. Likewise, in individual sports, such as track-and field or cross-country skiing, maximum performance is only possible with optimally trained and optimally controlled muscles. The strength of the abdominal and back muscles is widely considered crucial, as it is responsible for a high stability of the trunk during movement. The stability of the trunk is not only considered the basis of a high performance in specific sports discipline, but can also contribute to reduced back pain and risk of injuries to the lower extremities and, in general, to fewer overuse injuries. Therefore, a considerable amount of time in training is devoted in order to improve trunk strength in sports. A considerable number of tests, then, is typically applied in order to evaluate trunk muscle strength in ...
Research Interests:
Background. In addition to generally high levels of physical activity, multi-component exercise training is recommended for the maintenance of health and fitness in older adults, including the prevention of falls and frailty. This... more
Background. In addition to generally high levels of physical activity, multi-component exercise training is recommended for the maintenance of health and fitness in older adults, including the prevention of falls and frailty. This training often encompasses serial sequencing of balance, strength, endurance and other types of exercise. Exercise training featuring integrative training of these components (i.e. agility training) has been proposed, as it more likely reflects real life challenges like stop-and-go patterns, cutting manoeuvers, turns and decision-making. In this study, we compared the efficacy of an agility-based training to the traditional strength and balance training approach with regard to selected risk factors for falls and frailty.Methods. We trained twenty-seven community-dwelling healthy seniors (16♂; 11♀; age: 69.5 ± 5.3 y; BMI: 26.4 ± 3.7 kg/m2) for 8 weeks in a group setting with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 50 minutes. Participants were randomized into eit...
Research Interests:
IntroductionChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a prevalent and clinically meaningful side effect of cancer treatment. CIPN is induced by neurotoxic agents, causing severe sensory and/or motor deficits, resulting in... more
IntroductionChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a prevalent and clinically meaningful side effect of cancer treatment. CIPN is induced by neurotoxic agents, causing severe sensory and/or motor deficits, resulting in disability and poor recovery, reducing patients’ quality of life and limiting medical therapy. To date, effective treatment options are lacking. Whole-body vibration (WBV) training can attenuate motor and sensory deficits. We are conducting a two-armed, multicentre, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial, to investigate the effects of WBV on relevant symptoms of CIPN and determine the training characteristics.Methods and analysisIn this ongoing study, 44 patients who have completed therapy in the past 3 months, with a neurologically confirmed CIPN are assessed before and after a 12-week intervention and follow-up. The intervention group receives WBV twice a week. Exercises are individually tailored according to the initially determined optimal neu...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The prevalence of sustaining fall-related injuries is high in the middle-aged workforce. Deficits in postural control/muscle strength represent important fall-risk factors. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of balance... more
The prevalence of sustaining fall-related injuries is high in the middle-aged workforce. Deficits in postural control/muscle strength represent important fall-risk factors. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of balance and strength training followed by detraining on postural control and muscle strength in the workforce. Thirty-two adults with sedentary office work participated in this study and were assigned to an intervention (age 56.0 ± 3.7 yrs) or a control group (age 55.5 ± 3.4 yrs). The intervention group participated in 8 weeks of balance and strength training conducted at the worksite, followed by 8 weeks of detraining. Tests included the measurement of (a) total centre of pressure (COP) displacements during one-legged standing, (b) gait velocity and stride-to-stride variability, (c) peak isometric/isokinetic torque and rate of torque development (RTD) of the plantar flexors, and (d) jumping height. After training, significant improvements in COP displaceme...
Research Interests:
The prevalence of sustaining a sport injury is high in adults. Deficits in postural control/muscle strength represent important injury-risk factors. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a specific type of... more
The prevalence of sustaining a sport injury is high in adults. Deficits in postural control/muscle strength represent important injury-risk factors. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a specific type of balance training, i. e. slackline training, followed by detraining on balance and strength performance. Twenty-seven adults participated in this study and were assigned to an intervention (age 22.8±3.3 yrs) or a control group (age 23.9±4.4 yrs). The intervention group participated in 4 weeks of slackline training on nylon webbings. Detraining lasted 4 weeks. Tests included the measurement of (A) total centre of pressure displacements during one-legged standing on a balance platform and during the compensation of a perturbation impulse, (B) maximal torque and rate of force development (RFD) of the plantar flexors on an isokinetic device, and (C) jumping height on a force platform. After training, no significant interaction effects were observed for variab...
Research Interests: Mechanical Engineering, Sports Medicine, Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, and 15 moreMuscle strength, Humans, Movement, Female, Sport and Exercise Science, Male, Young Adult, Jumping, Adult, Leg, Postural Balance, Torque, Physical Education and training, Balance training, and Athletic injuries
Research Interests: Medicine and Overweight
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
A study was designed to investigate the intra and intersession reliability during 1-leg standing recorded from a computerized balance platform. Thirty-nine healthy young men (n = 17, age range: 20-30 years) and women (n = 22, age range:... more
A study was designed to investigate the intra and intersession reliability during 1-leg standing recorded from a computerized balance platform. Thirty-nine healthy young men (n = 17, age range: 20-30 years) and women (n = 22, age range: 21-28 years) performed 3 testing sessions, with the second session 30 minutes (intrasession comparison) and the third session 1 week (intersession comparison) after the initial testing session. Within each testing session, participants completed 3 trials of 1-leg standing with their dominant leg. Reliability statistics were calculated using the mean of all 3 trials during each session for 6 balance measures (i.e., total displacements of the center of pressure [CoP], the CoP displacements in mediolateral and anterior-posterior directions, and the CoP speed and CoP area and their SD). Test-retest reliability was examined calculating both, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and Bland-Altman plots. In both sexes and irrespective of balance measure, ICC values were ≥0.75 except for 1 parameter in men. This indicates an excellent intra and intersession reliability. Bland-Altman plots confirmed these findings by showing that only 1 or 2 (4.5-11.8%) of the data points were beyond the 95% CI. Practitioners and clinicians are provided with a posturographic test setup that proved to be reliable. Researchers can use these data to identify the range in which the true value of a subject&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s score lies and estimate a priori sample sizes.
Research Interests:
The purpose of this study was to compare static balance performance and muscle activity during one-leg standing on the dominant and nondominant leg under various sensory conditions with increased levels of task difficulty. Thirty healthy... more
The purpose of this study was to compare static balance performance and muscle activity during one-leg standing on the dominant and nondominant leg under various sensory conditions with increased levels of task difficulty. Thirty healthy young adults (age: 23 ± 2 years) performed one-leg standing tests for 30 s under three sensory conditions (ie, eyes open/firm ground; eyes open/foam ground [elastic pad on top of the balance plate]; eyes closed/firm ground). Center of pressure displacements and activity of four lower leg muscles (ie, m. tibialis anterior [TA], m. soleus [SOL], m. gastrocnemius medialis [GAS], m. peroneus longus [PER]) were analyzed. An increase in sensory task difficulty resulted in deteriorated balance performance (P < .001, effect size [ES] = .57−2.54) and increased muscle activity (P < .001, ES = .50−1.11) for all but two muscles (ie, GAS, PER). However, regardless of the sensory condition, one-leg standing on the dominant as compared with the nondominant l...
Research Interests: Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Skeletal muscle biology, Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and 12 moreHumans, Female, Male, Young Adult, Posture, Sensory Feedback, Leg, Muscle contraction, Postural Balance, Task Performance and Analysis, Tissue Mechanics (Applied Biomechanics), and Functional Laterality
Background: Deficits in static and particularly dynamic postural control and force production have frequently been associated with an increased risk of falling in older adults. Objective: The objectives of this study were to investigate... more
Background: Deficits in static and particularly dynamic postural control and force production have frequently been associated with an increased risk of falling in older adults. Objective: The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of salsa dancing on measures of static/dynamic postural control and leg extensor power in seniors. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy older adults were randomly assigned to an intervention group (INT, n = 14, age 71.6 ± 5.3 years) to conduct an 8-week progressive salsa dancing programme or a control group (CON, n = 14, age 68.9 ± 4.7 years). Static postural control was measured during one-legged stance on a balance platform and dynamic postural control was obtained while walking on an instrumented walkway. Leg extensor power was assessed during a countermovement jump on a force plate. Results: Programme compliance was excellent with participants of the INT group completing 92.5% of the dancing sessions. A tendency towards an improvement in the...
Research Interests:
Background: This study analyzed physical, cardiovascular, and psychosocial health in different age groups at the far end of the lifespan. Methods: Sixty-two residential seniors participated in this cross-sectional study and were assigned... more
Background: This study analyzed physical, cardiovascular, and psychosocial health in different age groups at the far end of the lifespan. Methods: Sixty-two residential seniors participated in this cross-sectional study and were assigned according to age to either the older adults (n = 27; age: 74.8 (3.6); f: 23) or the oldest-old group (n = 35; age: 87.2 (5.0); f: 28). Gait speed, functional mobility, handgrip strength, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured. Additionally, questionnaires to assess quality of life were applied. Mean between-group differences (Δ) and Hedge’s g with 95 % confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Oldest-old had moderately lower handgrip strength (Δ = −31.3 N, 95% CI [−66.30; −1.65], Hedge’s g = 0.49 [−0.97; 0.03]) and relevant lower gait speed than the older adults (Δ = −0.11 m/s [−0.28; 0.05], g = 0.34 [−0.89; 0.20]). All other physical parameters showed trivial differences. Very large effects were found in PWV in favor of the older adults (...
Research Interests:
We evaluated the structure (i.e., the different training parts), contents (i.e., the various activities used), intensity and occurrence of contact situations and headers during training sessions in under-13 football in Switzerland. 242... more
We evaluated the structure (i.e., the different training parts), contents (i.e., the various activities used), intensity and occurrence of contact situations and headers during training sessions in under-13 football in Switzerland. 242 players from 20 different teams on average aged 11.4 (SD 0.7) years participated. The participants were filmed during a typical training session while they were equipped with a heart rate sensor. The sessions were systematically recorded to allow for detailed analyses. Furthermore, a preliminary and explorative analysis of the influence of the level of play on these results was conducted. The overall findings indicated that training included 33.4% playing forms, 29.5% training forms, 28.4% inactivity time and 8.7% athletics. The highest heart rates were achieved in the playing forms (166 min-1, 83% HRmax) compared to the other two activities (training forms 154 min-1, 77% HRmax; athletics 150 min-1, 75% HRmax). Each player had 12.8 duels and 0.6 heade...
Research Interests:
Dieser Band beschaftigt sich mit den theoretischen Grundlagen und der praktischen Umsetzung von Krafttraining mit Kindern und Jugendlichen. Ausgehend von der Kennzeichnung der korperlichen Situation und der Kraftentwicklung im Kindes- und... more
Dieser Band beschaftigt sich mit den theoretischen Grundlagen und der praktischen Umsetzung von Krafttraining mit Kindern und Jugendlichen. Ausgehend von der Kennzeichnung der korperlichen Situation und der Kraftentwicklung im Kindes- und Jugendalter werden die Effekte von Krafttraining bei Kindern und Jugendlichen aufgezeigt. Hierzu zahlen neben Verbesserungen der Kraftausdauer, der Maximal- und Schnellkraft, die Forderung elementarer und sportartspezifischer Fertigkeiten sowie die gunstige Beeinflussung gesundheitsrelevanter Faktoren (u.a. Verletzungshaufigkeit, Knochenstatus, kardio-vaskulare und psycho-soziale Kennwerte). Im Anschluss werden neuronale und muskulare Mechanismen zur Erklarung der trainingsbedingten Anpassungen beschrieben. Das Kernstuck des Buches bildet die Darstellung und Beschreibung vielfaltiger Ubungsbeispiele fur ein Krafttraining an Maschinen, mit Freihanteln, Zusatzgeraten, dem eigenen Korpergewicht und ein Sprungkrafttraining. Hierbei wurden insbesondere ...
Research Interests:
Purpose: Hamstring muscle architecture may be associated with sprint performance and the risk of sustaining a muscle injury, both of which increase during puberty. In this study, we investigated the m. biceps femoris long head (BFlh)... more
Purpose: Hamstring muscle architecture may be associated with sprint performance and the risk of sustaining a muscle injury, both of which increase during puberty. In this study, we investigated the m. biceps femoris long head (BFlh) cross-sectional area (ACSA), fascicle length (FL) and pennation angle (PA), and sprint performance as well as their relationship in under 13 to 15 youth soccer players. Methods: We measured 85 players in under-13 (n = 29, age = 12.5 [0.1] y, height = 155.3 [6.2] cm, weight = 43.9 [7.6] kg), under-14 (n = 25, age = 13.5 [0.3] y, height = 160.6 [7.7] cm, weight = 47.0 [6.8] kg), and under-15 (n = 31, age = 14.4 [0.3] y, height = 170.0 [7.7] cm, weight = 58.1 [8.8] kg) teams. We used ultrasound to measure BFlh ACSA, FL and PA, and sprint tests to assess 10- and 30-m sprint time, maximal velocity (vmax), and maximal acceleration (αmax). We calculated Pearson r to assess the relationship between sprint ability and architectural parameters. Results: All musc...
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT Squats are considered a useful basic exercise for trunk muscle activation. To gain knowledge about trunk muscle activity patterns depending on the barbell position in beginners, we examined squats with low weights in the back,... more
ABSTRACT Squats are considered a useful basic exercise for trunk muscle activation. To gain knowledge about trunk muscle activity patterns depending on the barbell position in beginners, we examined squats with low weights in the back, front, and overhead position. Methods: Twelve healthy adults (6 women/6 men, age: 29.1 (SD 8.0) y, height: 173.4 (6.9) cm, body mass: 70.1 (9.1) kg) randomly performed the three barbell squats in normal and in forefoot standing. Surface electromyography from external (EO) and internal oblique, rectus abdominis, and erector spinae (ES) was recorded. The centre of pressure path length (CoP) and the motion of the lumbar spine were captured. Results: The overhead squat revealed the highest percent muscle activity, where EO (p = 0.009) and ES (p = 0.03) showed the greatest activity. Forefoot standing did not change overall trunk muscle activities (.05< Hedges’ g <.29, 0.17 < p < 0.95) although longer CoP path length (.45 < g < 1.3, p < 0.05) was measured. Conclusions: Squat exercises with low weight are useful to activate trunk muscles. Activity increases with the difficulty of the squat by frontal or overhead loading, but not by standing on the forefoot. The low weighted squat can target well core muscle activity in training with beginners or in rehabilitation.
Research Interests:
Wie verläuft der Weg in der Nachbehandlung nach einem akuten Trauma zurück zur vollständigen Alltags- respektive Sportfähigkeit? Welche Belastungsformen sollten zu welchem Zeitpunkt gewählt werden? Der Artikel gibt Anhaltspunkte für die... more
Wie verläuft der Weg in der Nachbehandlung nach einem akuten Trauma zurück zur vollständigen Alltags- respektive Sportfähigkeit? Welche Belastungsformen sollten zu welchem Zeitpunkt gewählt werden? Der Artikel gibt Anhaltspunkte für die Verknüpfung von Wundheilungsphasen und einem progressiven Belastungsaufbau.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Roth, R, Donath, L, Zahner, L, and Faude, O. Acute leg and trunk muscle fatigue differentially affect strength, sprint, agility, and balance in young adults. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-How important leg or trunk muscles are... more
Roth, R, Donath, L, Zahner, L, and Faude, O. Acute leg and trunk muscle fatigue differentially affect strength, sprint, agility, and balance in young adults. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-How important leg or trunk muscles are for balance and sprint performance is still unexplored. Therefore, we separately fatigued the leg and trunk musculature and examined their contribution to strength, balance, sprint, and agility performance. Twenty-four healthy adults (12 women; age 22.9 [SD: 2.6] years; body mass 59 [10] kg; height 1.65 [0.09] m; and 12 men; age 22.7 [3.0] years; body mass 78 [9] kg; height 1.81 [0.06] m; at least 3 training sessions/week for at least 90 minutes) underwent a leg and a trunk fatigue procedure, each of 20-minute duration and a control condition at rest in a randomized order. Each condition was conducted individually on 3 separate days. Isokinetic leg and trunk strength, as well as static and dynamic balance, sprint, agility, and prone plank endurance, were assessed before and after each fatiguing protocol. Before assessment, a familiarization was conducted. Pairwise magnitude-based inference analyses showed likely relevant deterioration in leg (probability >87%; 0.36 < standardized mean differences [SMDs] < 0.92) and trunk (>88%, 0.28 < SMD < 0.74) fatigue procedures for all motor test parameters compared with the control condition, except for the 20-m sprint after the trunk fatigue procedure. Isokinetic strength testing revealed a large loss of strength in leg fatigue (particularly knee extension, 78%, SMD = 0.24) and trunk fatigue (trunk flexion, 100%, SMD = 1.36). Acute fatigue of leg and trunk muscles decreases performance in relevant measures of strength, balance, sprint, and agility. The impact of leg fatigue compared with trunk fatigue was larger in almost all measurements.
Research Interests:
To examine the effects of exercise-induced trunk fatigue on double poling performance, physiological responses and trunk strength in cross-country skiers. Sixteen well-trained male cross-country skiers completed two identical pre- and... more
To examine the effects of exercise-induced trunk fatigue on double poling performance, physiological responses and trunk strength in cross-country skiers. Sixteen well-trained male cross-country skiers completed two identical pre- and post-performance tests, separated by either a 25-min trunk fatiguing exercise sequence or rest period in a randomized, controlled cross-over design. Performance tests consisted of a maximal trunk flexion and extension test, followed by a 3-min double poling (DP) test on a ski ergometer. Peak torque during isometric trunk flexion (- 66%, p < .001) and extension (- 7.4%, p = .03) decreased in the fatigue relative to the control condition. Mean external power output during DP decreased by 14% (p < .001) and could be attributed both to reduced work per cycle (- 9%, p = .019) and a reduced cycle rate (- 6%, p = .06). Coinciding physiological changes in peak oxygen uptake (- 6%, p < .001) and peak ventilation (- 7%, p < .001) could be observed. S...
Research Interests:
Neuromuscular injury prevention programs (IPP) can reduce injury rate by about 40% in youth sport. Multimodal IPP include, for instance, balance, strength, power, and agility exercises. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to... more
Neuromuscular injury prevention programs (IPP) can reduce injury rate by about 40% in youth sport. Multimodal IPP include, for instance, balance, strength, power, and agility exercises. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of multimodal IPP on neuromuscular performance in youth sports. We conducted a systematic literature search including selected search terms related to youth sports, injury prevention, and neuromuscular performance. Inclusion criteria were: (i) the study was a (cluster-)randomized controlled trial (RCT), and (ii) investigated healthy participants, up to 20 years of age and involved in organized sport, (iii) an intervention arm performing a multimodal IPP was compared to a control arm following a common training regime, and (iv) neuromuscular performance parameters (e.g., balance, power, strength, sprint) were assessed. Furthermore, we evaluated IPP effects on sport-specific skills. Fourteen RCTs (comprising 704 participants) were an...
Research Interests:
Incomplete maturation and aging-induced declines of the neuromuscular system affect postural control both in children and older adults and lead to high fall rates. Age-specific comparisons of the modulation of ankle muscle activation and... more
Incomplete maturation and aging-induced declines of the neuromuscular system affect postural control both in children and older adults and lead to high fall rates. Age-specific comparisons of the modulation of ankle muscle activation and behavioral center of pressure (COP) indices during upright stance have been rarely conducted. The objective of the present study was to quantify aging effects on a neuromuscular level. Thus, surface electromyography (SEMG) modulation and co-activity of ankle muscles during single-leg standing was compared in healthy children, young adults and seniors. Postural steadiness (velocity and mean sway frequency of COP), relative muscle activation (SEMG modulation) and co-activation of two ankle muscles (tibialis anterior, TA; soleus, SO) were examined during single-leg stance in 19 children [age, 9.7 (SD 0.5) years], 30 adults [23.3 (1.5) years] and 29 seniors [62.7 (6.1) years]. Velocity of COP in medio-lateral and anterior-posterior directions, mean sway...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
For performance and injury prevention in sport, core strength and endurance are focused prerequisites. Therefore we evaluated characteristics of trunk muscle activation and performance during strength-endurance related trunk field tests.... more
For performance and injury prevention in sport, core strength and endurance are focused prerequisites. Therefore we evaluated characteristics of trunk muscle activation and performance during strength-endurance related trunk field tests. Strength-endurance ability, as total time to failure, and activation of trunk muscles was measured in 39 football players of the highest German female football league (Bundesliga) (N = 18, age: 20.7 y [SD 4.4]) and the highest national male under-19 league (N = 21, age: 17.9 y [0.7]) in prone plank, side plank, and dorsal position. Maximal isometric force was assessed during trunk extension and flexion, rotation, and lateral flexion to normalize EMG and to compare with the results of strength-endurance tests. For all positions of endurance strength tests, a continuous increase in normalized EMG activation was observed (P < .001). Muscle activation of the rectus abdominis and external oblique in prone plank position exceeded the maximal voluntary ...
Research Interests: Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Soccer, Adolescent, Medicine, and 13 moreMuscle strength, Germany, Humans, Human Kinetics, Female, Male, Electromyography, Athletic performance, Cross Sectional Studies, Tissue Mechanics (Applied Biomechanics), Isometric Contraction, Physical Endurance, and Torso
Research Interests:
Ageing impairs body balance and increases older adults&amp;amp;#39; fall risk. Balance training can improve intrinsic fall risk factors. However, age comparisons of muscle activity responses during balance tasks are lacking. This... more
Ageing impairs body balance and increases older adults&amp;amp;#39; fall risk. Balance training can improve intrinsic fall risk factors. However, age comparisons of muscle activity responses during balance tasks are lacking. This study investigated relative muscle activity, muscle coordination and postural sway during various recommended static balance training tasks. Muscle activity (%MVC), amplitude ratios (AR) and co-activity (CAI) were determined during standing tasks for 30s (1: double limb stance on a foam surface, eyes open; 2: double limb stance on firm ground, eyes closed; 3: double limb stance, feet in step position on a foam surface, eyes open; 4: double limb stance, feet in step position on firm ground, eyes closed; 5: single limb stance on firm ground, eyes open) in 20 healthy young adults (24±2 y) and 20 older adults (73±6 y). Surface electromyography (SEMG) was applied (SENIAM guidelines) to ankle (tibialis anterior, soleus, medial gastrocnemius, peroneus longus) and thigh (vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus) muscles (non-dominant leg). Electrodes over trunk (multifidus and internal oblique) muscles were applied bilaterally. Two- to six-fold higher levels of relative muscle activity were found in older adults for ankle (0.0002&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;lt;0.001), thigh (0.0008&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;lt;0.075) and trunk (0.001&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;lt;0.036) muscles. Co-activation was elevated in young adults for the trunk (0.001&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;lt;0.031) and in older adults for the ankle (0.009&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;lt;0.03). Age-group differences were observed for muscle coordination patterns during all stance conditions at the ankle (0.06&amp;amp;lt;ηp(2)&amp;amp;lt;0.28) and the trunk (0.14&amp;amp;lt;ηp(2)&amp;amp;lt;0.23). Older adults had higher electrophysiological costs for all stance conditions. Muscle coordination showed inverse activity patterns at the ankle and trunk. Optimal balance and strength training programs should take into account age-specific alterations in muscle activity.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT
Research Interests:
Prolonged office sitting time adversely affects neuromuscular and cardiovascular health parameters. As a consequence, the present study investigated the effects of prompting the use of height-adjustable working desk (HAWD) on occupational... more
Prolonged office sitting time adversely affects neuromuscular and cardiovascular health parameters. As a consequence, the present study investigated the effects of prompting the use of height-adjustable working desk (HAWD) on occupational sitting and standing time, neuromuscular outcomes and concentration in office workers. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) with parallel group design was conducted. Thirty-eight office workers were supplied with HAWDs and randomly assigned (Strata: physical activity (PA), BMI, gender, workload) to a prompt (INT) or non-prompt (CON) group. INT received three daily screen-based prompts within 12 weeks. CON was only instructed once concerning the benefits of using HAWDs prior to the start of the study. Sitting and standing times were objectively assessed as primary outcomes for one entire working week using the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT at baseline (pre), after 6 (mid) and 12 weeks (post). Concentration (d2-test), postural sway during upright ...
Research Interests:
Slackline training (balancing on nylon ribbons) has been shown to improve neuromuscular performance in children and adults. Comparable studies in seniors are lacking. Thus, 32 seniors were randomly assigned [strata: age, gender, physical... more
Slackline training (balancing on nylon ribbons) has been shown to improve neuromuscular performance in children and adults. Comparable studies in seniors are lacking. Thus, 32 seniors were randomly assigned [strata: age, gender, physical activity (PA)] to an intervention [INT; n = 16, age: 65 ± 4 years, PA: 9 ± 5 h/week] or control [CON, n = 16, age: 63 ± 4 years, PA: 8 ± 4 h/week] group. Slackline training was given for 6 weeks (3 times per week, attendance 97%). Static and slackline standing balance performance, force development, and maximal strength of the ankle muscles were assessed before and after slackline training. Muscle activity (lower limb and trunk) was recorded during balance testing. Moderate to large group × time interactions (0.02 < P < 0.04, 0.11 < ηp (2) < 0.17) in favor of INT were found for slackline standing times (INT: left, +278%, P = 0.02; right, +328%, P = 0.03; tandem, +94%, P = 0.007) and muscle activity during single-limb slackline standing ...
Adequately developed fundamental movement skills, particularly object control dimensions, are considered essential to learn more complex movement patterns and to increase the likelihood to successfully participate in organized and... more
Adequately developed fundamental movement skills, particularly object control dimensions, are considered essential to learn more complex movement patterns and to increase the likelihood to successfully participate in organized and non-organized sports during later years. Thus, the present randomized controlled trial aimed at improving object control dimensions at an early state in a kindergarten setting. Catching, throwing, kicking, rolling and stationary dribbling were assessed via gross motor development 2 (TGMD-2) testing in 41 normally developed preschoolers. On a cluster-randomized basis [strata: age, sex and body mass index (BMI)], three kindergartens were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 22, INT, age: 4.6 ± 1.0 years; BMI: 16.2 ± 1.1 kg/m(2) ) and three to a control group (n = 19, CON: age: 4.5 ± 1.2 years; BMI: 16.8 ± 1.2 kg/m(2) ). Twelve structured training sessions were given within 6 weeks (12 sessions). The total training volume was 330 min. Moderate time...
Research Interests:
Physical fitness is related to injuries, attrition and military ability in military organisations. Therefore, all military organisations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) test their employees' physical fitness at least... more
Physical fitness is related to injuries, attrition and military ability in military organisations. Therefore, all military organisations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) test their employees' physical fitness at least once a year. The sit--up test is part of most of the fitness test batteries used. A possible alternative to the sit--up test is the global trunk muscle strength test (TMS). The aim of the present study was to compare the predictability of injuries, attrition and military ability between TMS and sit--up test performances. A total of 230 male recruits in a Swiss Army fusilier company completed TMS and sit--up tests in week 1 of military training school. During the following 13 weeks, injuries, attrition and military ability data were collected. Statistical analysis included backward binary regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to compare the discriminative power of TMS and the sit--up test to predict injuries, attrition...
Research Interests:
Balance and strength training can reduce seniors' fall risk up to 50%. Available evidence suggests that acute bouts of neuromuscular and endurance exercise deteriorate postural control. High-intensity endurance training has been... more
Balance and strength training can reduce seniors' fall risk up to 50%. Available evidence suggests that acute bouts of neuromuscular and endurance exercise deteriorate postural control. High-intensity endurance training has been successfully applied in different populations. Thus, it seemed valuable to examine the acute effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on neuromuscular performance in seniors and young adults. The acute impact of a HIIT session on balance performance and muscle activity after exercise cessation and during post-exercise recovery was examined in young and old adults. We intended to investigate whether a transient exercise-induced fall-risk may occur in both groups. 20 healthy seniors (age 70 (SD 4) years) and young adults (age 27 (SD 3) years) were examined on 3 days. After exhaustive ramp-like treadmill testing in order to determine maximal heart rate (HRmax) on the first day, either a 4 × 4 min HIIT at 90% of HRmax or a control condition (CON) w...
Research Interests:
The study investigated the effects of slackline training (rope balancing) on balance, jump performance and muscle activity in children. Two primary-school classes (intervention, n=21, INT: age: 10.1 (SD 0.4) y, weight: 33.1 (4.5) kg;... more
The study investigated the effects of slackline training (rope balancing) on balance, jump performance and muscle activity in children. Two primary-school classes (intervention, n=21, INT: age: 10.1 (SD 0.4) y, weight: 33.1 (4.5) kg; control, n=13, CON: age: 10.0 (SD 0.4) y, weight: 34.7 (7.4) kg) participated. Training was performed within 6 weeks, 5 times per week for 10 min each day. Balance (static and dynamic stance), countermovement jumps, reverse balancing on beams (3, 4.5 and 6 cm width), slackline standing (single- and double-limb) and electromyographic activity (soleus, gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior) were examined. INT significantly improved single- and double-limb slackline standing (double limb: 5.1 (3.4) s-17.2 (14.4) s; right leg: 8.2 (5.8) s-38.3 (36.0) s; left leg: 10.6 (5.8) s-49.0 (56.3) s; p<0.001; 0.17<ηp²<0.22). Reduced left-leg dynamic sway (-20.8%, p=0.06, ηp²=0.10), improved 4.5 cm balancing (+18.5%, p=0.08, ηp²=0.10) and decreased muscle activity...
Research Interests:
For many children, physical activity (PA) during physical education (PE) lessons provides an important opportunity for being physically active. Although PA during PE has been shown to be low, little is known about the contribution of PA... more
For many children, physical activity (PA) during physical education (PE) lessons provides an important opportunity for being physically active. Although PA during PE has been shown to be low, little is known about the contribution of PA during PE to overall PA. The aim was therefore to assess children's PA during PE and to determine the contribution of PE to overall PA with special focus on overweight children. Accelerometer measurements were done in 676 children (9.3 ± 2.1 years) over 4-7 days in 59 randomly selected classes. Moderate-and-vigorous PA (MVPA; ≥ 2000 counts/min) during PE (MVPAPE), overall MVPA per day (MVPADAY), and a comparison of days with and without PE were calculated by a regression model with gender, grade, and weight status (normal vs overweight) as fixed factors and class as a random factor. Children spent 32.8 ± 15.1% of PE time in MVPA. Weight status was not associated to MVPAPE . MVPAPE accounted for 16.8 ± 8.5% of MVPADAY, and 17.5 ± 8.2% in overweigh...
Research Interests:
The prevalence of sustaining fall-related injuries is high in the middle-aged workforce. Deficits in postural control/muscle strength represent important fall-risk factors. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of balance... more
The prevalence of sustaining fall-related injuries is high in the middle-aged workforce. Deficits in postural control/muscle strength represent important fall-risk factors. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of balance and strength training followed by detraining on postural control and muscle strength in the workforce. Thirty-two adults with sedentary office work participated in this study and were assigned to an intervention (age 56.0 ± 3.7 yrs) or a control group (age 55.5 ± 3.4 yrs). The intervention group participated in 8 weeks of balance and strength training conducted at the worksite, followed by 8 weeks of detraining. Tests included the measurement of (a) total centre of pressure (COP) displacements during one-legged standing, (b) gait velocity and stride-to-stride variability, (c) peak isometric/isokinetic torque and rate of torque development (RTD) of the plantar flexors, and (d) jumping height. After training, significant improvements in COP displaceme...