How elliptical machines differ from walking: fresh data

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Stone Hearth News

Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2012 Apr 23. [Epub ahead of print]

How do elliptical machines differ from walking: A study of torso motion and muscle activity.

Moreside JM, McGill SM.

Source

Dalhousie University, Canada.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The elliptical trainer is a popular exercise modality, yet its effect on the lumbar spine is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of different hand positions, speed and stride lengths on spine kinematics and corresponding muscle activity while using the elliptical trainer, and compare with those demonstrated in normal walking.

METHODS:

Electromyographic data was collected over 16 trunk and gluteal muscle sites on 40 healthy males (mean age (SD)=23(3)) while on the elliptical trainer. Two stride lengths (46, 66cm), 2 speeds (self-selected, 30% faster), and 3 hand positions (freehand, central bar, handles) were analyzed. Lumbar spine kinematics was calculated from data collected using a motion capture system. Results were compared to those found in walking using repeated measures ANOVA for each dependent variable with Bonferroni adjustments (P<0.004. Correlations were made between lumbar motion and various anthropometric measures.

FINDINGS:

All significance levels comparing walking to elliptical varied according to stride length, speed and hand position. Average lumbar flexion angles and lumbar rotation were generally greater on the elliptical trainer, whereas walking produced more frontal motion. Total lumbar flexion/extension was similar between the two activities. Muscle activation patterns of the gluteal muscles were consistently higher on the elliptical, whereas the back extensors, latissimi and internal obliques were greater in only selected conditions.

INTERPRETATION:

The various hand positions, speeds and stride lengths affect lumbar motion and muscle activity on the elliptical trainer, thus must be considered when incorporated into an exercise protocol.

Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PMID:

22534321

[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Back exercise tips for work, offered by the US Government

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Stone Hearth News

Back 1

TARGETED MUSCLES

Back

WHAT YOU NEED

Sturdy, armless chair

TIP

As you progress, bend as far forward as you can and eventually touch your heels.

This exercise is for your back muscles. If you’ve had hip or back surgery, talk with your doctor before trying this stretch.

Sit securely toward the front of a sturdy, armless chair with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.

Slowly bend forward from your hips. Keep your back and neck straight.

Slightly relax your neck and lower your chin. Slowly bend farther forward and slide your hands down your legs toward your shins. Stop when you feel a stretch or slight discomfort.

Hold for 10-30 seconds.

Straighten up slowly all the way to the starting position.

Repeat at least 3-5 times.

Source

Aerobic fitness in kids tied to cognitive skills in new fMRI study

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Stone Hearth News

Biol Psychol. 2012 Jan;89(1):260-8. Epub 2011 Nov 4.

A functional MRI investigation of the association between childhood aerobic fitness and neurocognitive control.

Chaddock L, Erickson KI, Prakash RS, Voss MW, VanPatter M, Pontifex MB, Hillman CH,Kramer AF.

Source

Department of Psychology & Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, United States. lchaddo2@illinois.edu

Abstract

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain activity of higher fit and lower fit children during early and late task blocks of a cognitive control flanker paradigm. For congruent trials, all children showed increased recruitment of frontal and parietal regions during the early block when the task was unfamiliar, followed by a decrease in activity in the later block. No within-group changes in congruent accuracy were reported across task blocks, despite a decline in performance across all participants, likely due to fatigue. During incongruent trials, only higher fit children maintained accuracy across blocks, coupled with increased prefrontal and parietal recruitment in the early task block and reduced activity in the later block. Lower fit children showed a decline in incongruent accuracy across blocks, and no changes in activation. We suggest that higher fit children are better at activating and adapting neural processes involved in cognitive control to meet and maintain task goals.

Published by Elsevier B.V.

PMID:

22061423

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Senchenko-Malignaggi PPV Official Weights

Vyacheslav Senchenko vs. Paulie Malignaggi WBA Welterweight Championship Donetsk, Ukraine ● Sunday, Apr. 29, 2012 Live on Pay Per View - 1:00 PM/ET 10:00AM/PT Senchenko-Malignaggi PPV Official Weights  &  Press Conference Pictures   OFFICIAL WEIGHTS    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h8i6PtPYhg&feature=youtu.be    WBA WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP - MAIN EVENT - 12 ROUNDS VYACHESLAV SENCHENKO (32-0, 21 KOs), Champion, Donetsk, Ukraine 146.6 LBS                              PAULIE MALIGNAGGI (30-4, 6 KOs), Challenger, Brooklyn, New York, USA 145.8 LBS. WBA INTER-CONTINENTAL CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP - CO-FEATURE - 12 ROUNDS IAGO KILADZE (18-0 (12 KOs), Champion, Donetsk, Ukraine 199.5 LBS.                                                JULIEN PERRIAUX (15-8, 8 KOs), Challenger, Saint-Dizier, Haute-Marne, France 196.8 LBS. WBA INTER-CONTINENTAL FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP - 12 ROUNDS OLEH YEFIMOVYCH (21-2, 11 KOs), Champion, Donetsk, Ukraine   125.5 LBS.                   SERGIO SANTILLAN (29-11-3, 14 KOs), Challenger, Buenos Aires, Distro Federal, Argentina   125.2 LBS. IBC LIGHT WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP - 12 ROUNDS VOLODYMYR KRAVETS (25-1, 15 KOs), Champion, Donetsk, Ukraine 139.2 LBS.                          ABDOULAYE SOUKOUNA (14-10-6, 1 KO), Challenger, Vitry-sur-Seine, Val-de-Marne, France 139.7 LBS.   Vyacheslav Senchenko Paulie Malignaggi WHEN:       Sunday, April 29, 2012 - 1:00 PM/ET 10:00 AM/PT                   WHERE:     Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Ukraine PROMOTER:  Union Boxing Promotion SPECIAL GUEST:  Evander Holyfield PAY-PER-VIEW INFORMATION: distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 1:00 PM/ET - 10:00 AM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network and Avail-TVNfor a suggested retail price of only $29.95.  also available via on-line PPV at www.gofightlive.tv. PAY-PER-VIEW ANNOUNCERS: Former NFL player and veteran boxing announcer Benny Ricardo (blow-by-blow) and The Ring Magazine and The Score contributor Corey Erdman (color analyst). INFORMATION: www.integratedsportsnet.com  Integrated Sports Media: North America's leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed Circuit sports events has presented World Championship and world-class boxing matches featuring Erik Morales, Vitali Klitschko, Ricky Hatton, Cristian Mijares, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Tomasz Adamek, Ivan Calderon, Rocky Martinez, Nicolai Valuev, Amir Khan, Marco Antonio Barrera, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, John Ruiz, Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr., Brian Viloria, Giovani Segura and Ruslan Chagaev, as well as world championship and world-class mixed martial arts shows featuring Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Bobby Lashley, Mirko Filipovic, Bob Sapp, Jeff Monson, and Roy Nelson.  In addition, Integrated Sports Media distributed numerous International soccer matches featuring teams like Real Madrid,Club America of Mexico and the National Teams of Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador and the United States. For more information on upcoming Integrated Sports events visit www.integratedsportsnet.com.