Joint knee loads during squat with constant or variable resistance in males. A clinical trial.

Background: In the squat movement, the use of constant resistance (CR) generates greater compression and shear forces close to 90° of knee flexion, increasing joint overload. However, when used variable resistance (VR) there is no consensus about the effect of knee joint load. The aim of this study was to compare knee torques using constant or variable resistance during the squat exercise.

Do the type of walking surface and the horse speed during hippotherapy modify the dynamics of sitting postural control in children with cerebral palsy?

Background: Hippotherapy is described as a rehabilitation method for postural control in children with cerebral palsy. Horse's movements can be manipulated during hippotherapy's sessions with horse walking on different surfaces and at different speeds. The purpose of this study was to assess if dynamic sitting postural control in children with cerebral palsy in hippotherapy is modified when surfaces (sand or asphalt) and horse's walking speed (slow or faster) are changed.

Three-dimensional kinematics of competitive and recreational cyclists across different workloads during cycling.

Although the link between sagittal plane motion and exercise intensity has been highlighted, no study assessed if different workloads lead to changes in three-dimensional cycling kinematics. This study compared three-dimensional joint and segment kinematics between competitive and recreational road cyclists across different workloads. Twenty-four road male cyclists (12 competitive and 12 recreational) underwent an incremental workload test to determine aerobic peak power output.

Parameters of the center of pressure displacement on the saddle during hippotherapy on different surfaces.

Background: Hippotherapy uses horseback riding movements for therapeutic purposes. In addition to the horse's movement, the choice of equipment and types of floor are also useful in the intervention. The quantification of dynamic parameters that define the interaction of the surface of contact between horse and rider provides insight into how the type of floor surface variations act upon the subject's postural control.

Influence of a new bicycle crank design on aerobic parameters of non-cyclists.

Aim: A well known problem in conventional cycling crank systems is the pedalling dead spot when the crank arms are in vertical position. The pedalling dead spot mitigates the power output during the propulsion phase of pedalling. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of a new design of crank system on aerobic parameters of performance in healthy non-cyclists.