It was predicted that sitting on a stability ball during arm ergometry would elevate cardiovascular parameters when compared to sitting on a chair and that this would be associated with greater recruitment of trunk and leg skeletal muscles. METHODS Open-circuit spirometry, videotaping, blood pressure, heart rate, and EMG were conducted during rest and four minute stages of 15 W, 30 W, and 45 ...

The dynamics of the knee joint-freely swinging lower leg system of three sitting paraplegic patients was identified using a parameterized analytical model. The system was excited by a knee torque, generated by randomized interpulse interval stimulation of the quadriceps. Surface electrodes were used for stimulation. The output of the knee joint-lower leg system was the angular position, velocit...

The construct of sarcopenia is still discussed with regard to best appropriate measures of muscle volume and muscle function. The aim of this post-hoc analysis of a cross-sectional experimental study was to investigate and describe the hierarchy of the association between thigh muscle volume and measurements of functional performance in older women. Thigh muscle volume of 68 independently livin...

Objective: To determine the acute femoral artery hemodyamic response in paraplegic subjects during a passive leg ycle exercise. Design: Case series. Setting: Department of physical medicine and rehabilitation n a university in France. Participants: A volunteer sample of 15 people with trauatic spinal cord injury. Intervention: Subjects performed a 10-minute session of assive leg cycle exercise ...

1 HE above-knee suction socket constitutes a means of attaching an artificial leg to the stump of an amputee without necessity for the conventional pelvic band, a metal hip joint, or other types of suspension harness (Fig. 1). The leg is held on by the slight vacuum created in the socket each time the leg is lifted from the ground, the pressure usually being controlled by a valve installed in t...

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lumbar lordosis assistive support (LLAS) on craniovertebral angle (CVA) and mechanical properties of the upper trapezius (UT) muscle in subjects with forward head posture (FHP). [Subjects and Methods] This study recruited 20 subjects with FHP. CVA and muscle tone, viscoelasticity, and stiffness of the UT were measured using Myoton...

INTRODUCTION Year after year, we spend an increasing amount of time in a sitting position. Often, we sit with poor posture, as indicated by numerous pain syndromes within the musculoskeletal system. Several reports confirm that body posture and the amount of time spent in a seated position have extensive implications for our health. Previous studies and a literature review suggest there is limi...