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Does lower back flexibility make an elite
high jumper
Background
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Defining flexibility:- the ability to move a joint or combination of joints through a
range of motion (ROM) for which they were intended.
What is the fosbury flop:- it is a type of technique of a high jump that has been
dramatically revolutionised
What is being assessed: the range of motion of the back flexing to sail over the bar
in a backward move.
why is it useful:- flexibility in the back can determine whether the high jumper can
use a degree of extension during the take off.
Choice of assessment:- the flexibility tests will offer the range of motion in the
back
Physiology of flexibility:-The contortion of the body while moving across the bar
requires continuous reinforcement of the musculoskeletal flexibility of the athlete.
The high jumper will incorporate elements of flexibility.
(World of Sport Science, 2008)
Physiological factors
(High Jumper)
Proprioceptors
Muscle spindles
Stretch reflex
Physiological testing
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There are essentially two forms of flexibility testing: static and dynamic
assessments (Foss and Keteyian 1996).
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Dynamic flexibility in a high jumper uses range of motion through
which a body segment can move while it is actively moving and is caused
by muscle contraction.
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Static flexibility is a good indicator of relative tightening
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Flexion tests
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The assessment identifies muscular range of motion.
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Sit and reach
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tests measures the range on motion of hamstrings. Many athletes employ the sit and
reach test as it is a good indictor of the hamstring static flexibility (Chandler and Brown
2008).
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Leighton Flexometer
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Leighton flexometer is the most reliable and accurate measurement of flexibility to date
(Poole, 1993).
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Standing toe touch test
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The athlete stands with their hands by their side and their knees straight.
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Videographic analysis
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in the
muscle, and can reduce the risk of muscle tightness for en elite high
jumper
Three-dimensional video analysis was used to record the performances of two elite male
high jumpers in competition. (Taylor and Francis 2005)
Relevant Tests
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Modified schober test
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This test is designed specifically to assess the lower back flexibility.
The physical examination includes the Schober test, which is used to detect decreased
mobility in the back (Harvey, 1998).
Advantages:- its shows the extensibility of the lower back
Disadvantages:-the relaibility arises from problems with determining the lumbarsacral
junction
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Goniometer
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It is a protractor with a movable arm. The axis of rotation is positioned at the joint axis of
rotation and the degees of ROM then measured.
Dual Inclinometry is designed to assess the Extremity Range of Motion and the structure of
the spine.
A study examined the reliability and validity of measuring lumbar range of motion with an
inclinometer (Saur, 1996).
Advantages:- Achieves accuracy and repeatability of +/- one degree
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Disadvantages:-The first one is that it is difficult to locate the exact mis of the joint.
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Trunk and Neck Flexibility Test
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many elite high jumpers take, as a measure of their range of motion, is a trunk and neck
flexibility test.
Advantages:- its simple and straightforward
Disadvantages:-the test might not be conducted properly and motivation might be lacked
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Analysing methods of testing
• Goniometer
• Dynamic and Static symbols
• Automatically shows true range of motion
• Simultaneously shows movement at upper
and lower extremes in dual inclinometry
mode
• Records data for up to six repetitions
• Benefits of a high jumper using this test
can provide accuracy for dynamic move
Conclusion
Does flexibility make an elite high
jumper?
My chosen tests
Reasons behind the test
Comparing and contrasting
Does it or not?
References
•Bailey, M, (2008), Field Assessment of Flexibility for Prescription. Date retrieved from 18/01/09.
www.netfit.co.uk/fitness/test/flexibility-test.
•Bordie, D.A., Bird, H.A., & Wright, V. (1982). Joint Laxity in selected athletic populations.
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 14, 190-193.
• Chandler, T, J& Brown,. L, E,. (2008) Conditioning for Strength and Human Performance. Published by
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,
•Foss, M, and Keteyian,.S. (1996) Fox’s Physiological Basis for Exercise and Sport.. WCB/McGraw-Hill, New
York. Vol 278-290.
•Harvey D, (1998), Assessment of the flexibility of elite athletes using the modified Thomas test, British Journal
of Sports Medicine, Vol 32, Issue 1 68-70
•Kraus, H.,& Hirschland, R. (1954). Minimum muscular fitness tests in school children. Research
quarterly, 25, 178-187
Moore, K. L. & Dalley, A. F. (1 999). Clirticuily Oriented Anatomy. (4th ed). Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins Ltd.
•Marshall, J.L., Johanson, N., Wickiewicz, T.L., Tischler, H.M., Koslin, B.L., Zeno, S., & Meyers,
A. (1980). Joint loosness: A function of the person and the joint. Medicine and Science in Sports
Exercise, 12, 189-194.
•Osternig, F.R., Torvik, P.J., Hyde, W.B., & DeLucas, J.L. (1974). Biomechanics of ligament
failure. Journal of Bone and Joint surgery, 56(A), 1406-1418
•Taylor and Francis (2005). Why do high jumpers use a curved approach, Journal of Sport Science, Vol 23, 775780.
•Saur PM, Ensink F,B,. Frese, K,. Seeger D, Hildebrandt J,. (1996) Lumbar range of motion: reliability
and validity of the inclinometer technique in the clinical measurement of trunk flexibility. spinejournal
Vol1;21(11):1332-8
•World Of Sport Science, (2008) high jump. Date retrieved from 20/01/09 www.faqs.org/sportsscience/Ha-Ja/High-Jump.