Kinematical and dynamical characteristics of gait in step aerobics and overloads of movement system

Step is a common physical activity which can have positive or negative influence on human movement system. Every step aerobics session involves a large number of loading cycles and if volume and intensity of the training are too high they may cause overloads or injuries [1]. The loads in step aerobics depend on movement technique [2], stepping ratemusic tempo [3], step height [4], damping properties of the step [5], type of steps [6]. Loads also depend on movement phase: they are different while ascending and for descending of the step [7]. One of most important factors that may differ loads in step is experience of participants [8]. The knowledge of magnitude of loads and its characteristics may help in selecting proper conditions to avoid overloads of movement system for both instructors and participants of the step aerobics class. Performing basic step is similar in movement structure to natural gait and stair climbing [4]. Because overloads depends on movement technique [2], the comparison of kinematic and kinetic parameters between people experienced in movement task and those with no experience can be used to asses biomechanical loads. The aim of this study was to compare kinematical and dynamical parameters in basic step in step aerobics between novice and experience groups. 2. Material and method