Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “GYMNASTICS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,297 records · Page 72Linked to original sources

Trunk position sense in the frontal plane.

Twenty healthy volunteers (ages 18 to 25 years) were tested for their ability to sense the lateral position of the top of their thoracic spine. When moved slowly from side-to-side in the frontal plane with vision occluded and pelvis immobilized, they could sense the position of a midline point on the skin at the T1 level to within 3 mm of a mean center position in relaxed standing tests, and to within 9 mm in supine tests. When subjects centered themselves actively, or additionally, contracted trunk flexor or extensor muscles to predetermined levels of activity, no increase in trunk positioning accuracy was found. The effect of a lateral pelvic tilt or lateral trunk moment had little effect on trunk positioning accuracy, but always induced a characteristic trunk offset. No differences were found in any of these results between males or females, or gymnasts or nongymnasts.

Adolescent↗

Effect of a training programme for pensioners on condition and muscular strength.

Physical training was performed by 22 women aged between 63 and 84 yr and 4 men aged between 74 and 86 yr twice a week for 10 mths. Some subjects had moderate disorders but all of them lived in their own homes. Apart from using body weight and elastic bands, no special equipment was used as resistance. Emphasis was laid on training muscular strength and not especially on endurance training. The effect of the training on physical fitness and muscular strength is presented in the 15 women who, according to predetermined criteria, were able to perform the tests adequately. A conditioning effect was detected by using a product of watts and minutes. The static and dynamic (isokinetic) muscular strength in the knee-extensors increased (6-13%) and, parallel with this, there was an increase in the relative FTa fibre area in the vastus lateralis muscle. The training programme in this study seems to be safe for an older population with diverse disorders, as only one negligible medical incident occurred. The present findings, with objective improvement in physical fitness with training combined with feelings of increased vigour, supports the use of gymnastic activity for pensioners and other means of stimulating the elderly to keep physically active even when they have moderate disorders. Improved physical fitness may help to prevent age-dependent impairments.

Adenylate Kinase↗

Respiratory muscle function in physically active elderly women.

This study was performed in 52 women, aged 60 to 76 years: 27 were engaged in a gymnastics program, 3 h a week, for at least 2 years; 25 were age-matched controls. All were lifelong nonsmokers, free of disease symptoms and lived independently at home; none had previously engaged in exercise programs. Spirometry included volumes, flows and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV); maximal mouth pressures both inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) were also measured. The two groups differed only in the mean value of MEP (cm of water) which was 107.7 +/- 37.3 S.D. in the active group and 87.4 +/- 22.8 S.D. in the controls (P = 0.028). MIP and MVV were also higher in the active group but the differences were not significant. However, a significant correlation between MVV and both MIP and MEP was only found in the active group, suggesting a relation between muscular endurance and strength. This exercise program, although not oriented towards the respiratory system, improved the performance of the respiratory muscles probably by an effect on the abdominal musculature.

Journal Article↗

Stress reaction of the pars interarticularis leading to spondylolysis. A cause of adolescent low back pain.

We report an adolescent with progression from a stress reaction of the pars interarticularis without radiographic findings, to radiographic fracture and spondylolysis, illustrating the evolution of spondylolysis in an athletically active early adolescent. Gymnastics, diving, pole vaulting, or collision/contact sports such as football, soccer, hockey, and la crosse are common sports with a disproportional frequency of spondylolysis. Rotational forces around the long axis of the spine with load bearing hyperextension are important in etiology. Low back pain in the active adolescent or preadolescent, even with normal oblique lumbar radiographs, may have a treatable origin--stress reaction or fracture of a lumbar pars interarticularis. Screening evaluation is the standing one-leg extension maneuver. Liberal use of nuclear studies for minimal back symptoms in athletic adolescents may help exclude this relatively common, potentially treatable condition, spondylolysis of the pars interarticularis.

Athletic Injuries↗

A cohort study with children living in an air-polluted region--a model for public health.

Regions with heavy industry are in many ways regions of crisis. The health of the population is primarily affected by the different air pollutants. Dust, with all its organic (dioxins and furans) and inorganic (heavy metals) contents, makes up the greatest part of the air-borne pollutants. The influence on health of environmental pollution was ascertained through the determination of different parameters (functional methods and determination of physiological parameters). This influence could be observed in children over a period of 8 years with regular investigations (e.g. determination of pulmonary function by spirometry and immunological parameters). Besides this exogenous load the persons are exposed to other environmental stresses-shift work, unemployment, alcoholism and divorce-which have a particular influence on the attitude and the upbringing of the children. Sixty per cent of the children in this polluted region ate no breakfast in the morning. Consequently it could be shown that the blood sugar in 70% of the children was below 70 mg/dl. Additionally, a relatively high amount of COHb (2.5% to 3%), and an increased concentration of serum IgE (47% of children with a concentration over 100 IU/ml), could be detected. Through a change in the environmental awareness of the children and their consequent influence, an effort should be made to achieve a positive effect on the health of the whole population. The children were given a chance to participate in various sports for the whole day during a week in the mountains at 1200 m. The teachers exercised with the children for at least 8 h per day. Besides gymnastics the program consisted of downhill and cross-country skiing. In addition, the children were offered a balanced and natural diet and they were instructed accordingly. This week of activity led to a clear reduction of the concentration of COHb, but to a far less clear improvement in the concentration of blood sugar and the pulmonary function.

Air Pollutants↗

Panner's disease: X-ray, MR imaging findings and review of the literature.

Panner's disease, avascular necrosis of the capitellum, was first described on X-ray examination of the elbow. It represents a major threat to the elbow joint integrity, and it is important to diagnose early. Panner's disease occurs most commonly in young children who play baseball, and in competitive gymnasts. Although considered a rare entity, it probably is underdiagnosed. We present the X-ray and MR imaging findings in a young boy with Panner's disease. The MR imaging findings in Panner's disease have not been previously reported.

Baseball↗

Phimosis: stretching methods with or without application of topical steroids?

Phimosis has been defined as unretractable foreskin without adherences or a circular band of tight prepuce preventing full retraction. We suggested a new treatment protocol combining betamethasone with stretching exercises to reduce the number of patients requiring surgery for phimosis. Between January 2003 and September 2004, 247 boys aged 4 to 14 years (mean 7.6) were included in this consecutive, prospective, open study. Patients were treated with 0.05% betamethasone cream applied to the distal aspect of the prepuce twice daily for the first 15 days, then once daily for 15 more days. Preputial gymnastics started 1 week after topical application of betamethasone. Ninety-six percent of patients receiving 1 or more cycles of betamethasone showed complete resolution of phimosis. There was a significant difference (P < .001) in response rate between the study and control groups. Only 10 boys in the study group had no response to steroid and stretching. Treatment with topical steroids, combined with stretching exercises, is a suitable alternative to surgical correction (preputial plasty/circumcision).

Administration, Topical↗

Bioenergetic exercises in inpatient treatment of Turkish immigrants with chronic somatoform disorders: a randomized, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether bioenergetic exercises (BE) significantly influence the inpatient psychotherapeutic treatment results for Turkish immigrants with chronic somatoform disorders. METHOD: In a 6-week randomized, prospective, controlled trial, we treated a sample of 128 Turkish patients: 64 were randomly assigned to BE and 64 participated in gymnastic exercises in lieu of BE. The Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) were employed. RESULTS: According to the intent-to-treat principle, the bioenergetic analysis group achieved significantly better treatment results on most of the SCL-90-R and STAXI scales. CONCLUSIONS: BE appears to improve symptoms of somatization, social insecurity, depressiveness, anxiety, and hostility in the inpatient therapy of subjects with chronic somatoform disorders. Reduction of the anger level and reduction in directing anger inwards, with a simultaneous increase of spontaneous outward emotional expression, could be expected.

Adult↗

Influence of velocity on the human global postural strategies during the movement leading up to the vertical upside-down position.

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the velocity on the control of the final postural equilibrium in the movement of standing up into upside-down vertical posture on the hands. Seven expert gymnasts performed the movement on a force plate of large dimensions from which the kinematic of center of mass (CoM) was studied. The first result showed that the speed of CoM was increased in the vertical axis but did not change in the antero-posterior axis. The second result showed a reduction of the duration of the anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) conversely to the speed. This was in contrast to the movements performed in the natural erect stance. These results suggest firstly that the speed of CoM corresponds to a global strategic response linked to the body's posturo-kinetic capacity, and secondly that the reduction of the APA seems to be linked to the precariousness of the final equilibrium.

Adolescent↗

Multi-joint coordination in ballet dancers.

In upright posture, we analyzed the multi-joint coordination during drawing ellipses with the foot in a horizontal plane in classical ballet dancers (Elite) and gymnasts who had no dance training (Novice). In both groups, the stability of the head and the trunk was similar. Furthermore, a comparatively simple synergy inter-relating the movements in the hip, knee and ankle joints, was revealed by the kinematic analysis. However, novices made larger errors in the eccentricity and orientation of ellipses than ballet dancers. Ankle angular excursions were smaller in novices than in dancers whereas hip angular excursions were larger. This study illustrates some rules underlying the ability of the nervous system to integrate multiple degrees of freedom of the body to master body balance while producing complex leg movement trajectories. This study offers a dynamical approach of the problem of redundancy.

Anthropometry↗

Persistent functional and social benefit 5 years after a multidisciplinary arthritis training program.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the sustainable benefits of a professional, multidisciplinary training program for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. DESIGN: Two studies with different observation periods. Study I was a prospective, randomized trial for 1 year. Study II was a noncontrolled observation over 5 years. SETTING: The 9-day program for eight patient groups encompassed a multidisciplinary cooperation between rheumatologists, orthopedists, physicotherapists, psychologists and social workers. PATIENTS: Sixty-eight consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis participated in an arthritis training program either immediately after enrollment in the program or after 1 year. INTERVENTIONS: The program covered the following fields: pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, drug therapy, physicotherapy, practical exercise in remedial gymnastics, use of joint protection devices, orthopedic perspectives, psychological counseling, dietetics, information about unproven cures and social assistance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical outcome was assessed by self-report questionnaires: (1) Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire, (2) Freiburg Questionnaire of Coping with Illness, (3) Beck Depression Inventory, and (4) a 21-point scale to evaluate cognitive-behavioral and environmental impact. RESULTS: A significant and persistent improvement of all investigated parameters was demonstrated in the 1-year controlled trial. Between the end-point of the 1-year study and the 5-year evaluation, this improvement increased even more for functional status and coping with illness, whereas depression returned to baseline values. These effects were seen even without reinforcement of the training. CONCLUSION: A professional, multidisciplinary approach to educate patients with rheumatoid arthritis leads to a significant and sustained improvement of the clinical outcome and is an approach that should be established as a part of conventional therapy.

Activities of Daily Living↗

The shoulder in sports.

Many sports activities that involve the upper extremity entail similar patterns of movement. Analysis of these activities, a better understanding of the throwing motion, and an awareness of shoulder diseases or injuries have led to a rational plan for investigation and management of shoulder problems. Evaluation often extends beyond the usual medical boundaries and must be based on information obtained from an analysis of sports mechanics, a review of training methods, and a physical examination directed at determination of flexibility, strength, endurance, and the presence of inflammation. Three common sports injuries are damage to the acromioclavicular joint (shoulder separation), instability of the glenohumeral joint, and a spectrum of pathologic changes in the rotator cuff. Sports that are commonly associated with shoulder problems include swimming, baseball, tennis, football, and gymnastics. Treatment may comprise rest, changes in training methods, an alteration of technique, and a physical rehabilitation program. Surgical treatment has a well-defined role, but it is usually optional.

Acromioclavicular Joint↗

Catastrophic pediatric sports injuries.

The high school sports of wrestling, gymnastics, ice hockey, baseball, track, and cheerleading should receive closer attention to prevent injury. Safer equipment and sport-specific conditioning should be provided and injuries strictly monitored. Greater attention must also be paid to swimming and diving techniques, and continued observation is needed for heat stroke and heat intolerance in sports such as football, wrestling, basketball, track and field, and cross-country. An increased awareness of commotio cordis in sports other than baseball should include ice hockey, football, track field events, and lacrosse. American football because of the sheer numbers and associated catastrophic injury potential must continue to be monitored at the highest medical levels!

Adolescent↗

Upper extremity injuries in youth sports.

This article provides an overview of common upper extremity injuries in youth sports, including injuries to the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Pain in the shoulder and elbow is common among youngsters who participate in throwing sports, raquet sports, and swimming, while wrist pain is common among young gymnasts. Acute trauma to the shoulder and elbow can occur in almost any sporting activity. This article provides descriptions of common injuries and guidelines for treatment.

Adolescent↗

Nutritional intake in adolescent athletes.

Nutrition plays a critical role in the success of the competitive adolescent athlete. Some groups have stricter nutrition requirements than others. The authors summarize nutrition intake data on serious female gymnasts, ballet dancers, and high-school cross-country runners. This article also discusses the nutritional needs of young male wrestlers and weightlifters.

Adolescent↗

The relationships of calculated percent body fat, sports participation, age, and place of residence on menstrual patterns in healthy adolescent girls at an independent New England high school.

A prospective study was undertaken to determine normal menstrual patterns in healthy girls in an independent high school and assess the effects of exercise (type and hours per day), age (chronologic and gynecologic), calculated estimate of body fat, and place of residence (boarding and day students) on menstrual function. Three hundred twenty-seven girls (means age 15.5 +/- 1.1 years) answered a questionnaire on menstrual history; 306 (93.6%) were postmenarchal and 21 (6.4%) premenarchal. Calculated estimate of percent body fat was significantly lower in premenarchal than postmenarchal girls (22.4% versus 27.3% p less than 0.0001). Ninety-three percent of adolescents reported flow lasting 4-7 days; 59.7% dysmenorrhea; and 63% premenstrual symptoms. There was no correlation between estimated body fat or hours per day of exercise and the regularity of menses, duration of flow, or dysmenorrhea. With the exception of gymnastics and dancing, sports participation had little or no impact on menstrual patterns. Follow up questionnaires and menstrual calendars were obtained from 87 girls eight to fifteen months after the initial questionnaires. All girls whose cycles had changed from regular to irregular were boarding students, confirming previous anecdotal reports that separation from home may be a significant stress for adolescents.

Adipose Tissue↗

Pelvic and femoral contributions to bilateral hip flexion by subjects suspended from a bar.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the contribution of the pelvis and femur to active bilateral hip flexion conducted while subjects are suspended by their hands from a bar. DESIGN: Descriptive and experimental. BACKGROUND: Voluntary hip flexion while in a suspended position is used in abdominal strengthening regimens and is required for certain athletic activities. The degree to which pelvic rotation contributes to this maneuver has not been established. METHODS: Pelvic and femoral motions were documented in 14 subjects who performed bilateral hip flexion while they hung by their hands from a bar. A supporting board as well as the trunk, pelvis and thigh were marked with reflective spheres; motion of the pelvis and thigh relative to the board was captured by video analysis. Ratios of pelvic to femoral motion were calculated and the influence of hamstring length (<78 degrees vs >78 degrees of straight leg raising) and knee position (flexed vs extended) on the ratio was determined. RESULTS: The mean pelvifemoral ratio ranged from 0.131 to 0.355, depending on hamstring length and knee position. Pelvic rotation therefore contributed a mean 13.1-35.5% of the observed hip flexion. A 2 x 2 mixed-model analysis of variance showed that the ratio was influenced significantly by each of these two independent variables. The largest pelvic contribution occurred during hip flexion with the knee in the extended position among subjects with shorter hamstrings. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic motion is an integral part of hip flexion conducted while subjects are suspended their hands from a bar. The pelvic contribution depends on knee position and hamstring length. RELEVANCE: During suspended activities involving hip flexion (e.g. gymnastics), pelvic rotation plays an integral role throughout the range. Inherent or imposed differences in hamstring length can alter the contribution of the pelvis to the motion. Hip flexion, therefore, might be influenced by conditions affecting the ability of the pelvis to rotate (e.g. spinal fusion), or the femur to move on the pelvis (e.g. degenerative joint disease), or be altered by hamstring tension.

Adult↗

Medicolegal aspects of athletic cervical spine injury.

Approximately 10,000 Americans suffer catastrophic cervical spinal cord injuries each year. Most are caused by automobile accidents; however, many of these crippling injuries are related to participation in sports. This article evaluates the legal aspects of neck injury resulting from participation in a number of athletic events, including football, wrestling, gymnastics, snow skiing, ice hockey, diving, and surfing.

Athletic Injuries↗