Penggunaan instrumen pemantauan elektronik dalam peralatan latihan konvensional mempunyai pengaruh positif terhadap tahap minat pengguna, seterusnya meningkatkan pengalaman latihan dan prestasi keseluruhan. Oleh yang demikian, individu boleh mendapatkan manfaat optima dari sebarang latihan sekiranya individu diberi sasaran prestasi tertentu yang mudah difahami, dimaklumkan mengenai kemajuan latihan, diberi motivasi, bimbingan, dorongan dan arahan lisan. Walau bagaimanapun, instrumen pemantauan elektronik konvensional tidak berfungsi secara langsung untuk memotivasi atau melatih individu di dalam program latihan mereka. Malah, peralatan komersial ini terhad penggunaannya di dalam latihan bukan kardiovaskular (contohnya, angkatan bebanan dan latihan isometrik). Sistem prototaip jurulatih senaman maya berupaya menyelesaikan masalah ini dengan menyediakan sensorgerak pintar yang dapat diletakkan secara magnetik ke permukaan alatan senaman seperti dumbbell, atau sebahagian daripada peralatan senaman, seperti pemegang logam dari peralatan senaman. Sensor ini akan menghantar isyarat terus ke aplikasi di peranti mudah alih pengguna untuk diproses dan mengeluarkan outputpanduan senaman, maklum balas interaktif, outputvisual dan audio motivasi semasa latihan senaman. Penciptaan sistem senaman yang praktikal ini berpotensi membantu bukan sahaja individu yang aktif, malahan atlet, pesakit yang menjalani senaman rehabilitasi, warga emas dan individu kurang aktif untuk melaksanakan latihan senaman yang lebih berkesan, interaktif dan selamat.
The conventional heart rate monitor is usually developed with a numeric digital display. This numerical view is obviously not practical to be used during exercise. In this study, the iOS-based mobile application, called Chromozone, was developed to monitor heart rate using the universal color-coding system. The heart rate monitor during the exercise is designed to notify the exercise intensity information to users using the three universal color-coded (i.e. green zone: optimal heart rate; yellow zone: heart rate lower than the optimal zone, and red zone: heart rate higher than the optimal zone). Chromozone is programmed to display uniform colors across the smart phone display, which allows users to easily be informed in regards to the state of exercise intensity. The transfer of heart rate data from the chest transmitter to Chromozone application is designed to use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) system technology. The heart rate data is then processed by the application to determine the intensity range of exercise training heart rate based on the user’s personal input (i.e. age, gender, fitness levels and training objective). Preliminary analysis found that Chromozone application is effective in delivering real-time exercise intensity heart rate. Chromozone could potentially help athletes, active individuals and clinical populations to monitor and regulate their workout training regime in a more effective and safer manner.
This study investigated the jumping performance and lower limbs kinematics among boys with Down syndrome. The participants (n = 23) were required to perform standing broad jump test and their jumping performance was evaluated using Motor Skills Inventory for locomotor skills analysis. In addition, the jumping performance was also recorded for lower limb kinematic analysis using 2-Dimensional video recording tools. Results revealed that 91.3% of the participants scored ‘Poor’ values of standing broad jump distances. Based on the Motor Skills Inventory analysis, five participants were grouped as ‘Rudimentary’, nine participants were ‘Functional’ and the other nine participants were ‘Mature’ level of motor development. Based on these three groups, further analysis was conducted on the lower limbs kinematics during jumping performance (three phases: take off, jump peak height and landing). Finding showed that there were no significant differences on lower limb kinematics between the groups during these three phases of jumping. Proper intervention strategies are needed in order to improve the jumping skills among children with Down syndrome.
The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of wearing compression socks on postural balance in university netball players. Fourteen advanced learner netball players performed three trials of 20 seconds each of dynamic postural balance test on Biodex Stability System, while wearing two socks, (a) Normal Socks and (b) Compression Socks. Data on overall, anterior/posterior and medial/lateral stability indexes were analyzed using Paired Sample T-tests. The results revealed that wearing compression materials significantly enhanced static and dynamic postural balance among the university netball players. The improvements in these key variables are likely due to enhanced somatosensory feedback information
which allowed the lower limbs to better regulate postural stability. It is suggested that compression socks can be used by university netball players to improve their postural stability.
Knee and hip extension are two proposed mechanisms of non-traumatic
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This study aimed to investigate the
changes of the hip extension angles following exertion induced by an
overground simulated soccer match-play. Fifteen male recreational players
consented to this study and were required to complete a 90 minutes of
simulated soccer match-play. Knee and hip angles were measured at initial
contact during 45° anticipated side-cutting tasks performed prior to the
simulation (time 0 min), at the end of the first half (time 45 min) prior to the
second half (time 60 min) and at the end of the soccer match simulation (time
105 min). A two (group: dominant, nondominant) × four (time: 0 min, 45
min, 60 min and 105 min) mixed between- and within- subjects ANOVA was
utilized. Results revealed that both knee and hip extension angles were
significantly altered over time (knee: F3,102 = 4.464, p = 0.005, η2 = 0.116;
hip: F3,102 = 9.998, p = 0.000, η2 = 0.227), however no significant differences
were observed between dominant and nondominant sides (knee: F1,34 =
0.026, p = 0.872, η2 = 0.001; hip: F1,34 = 0.225, p = 0.638, η2 = 0.007).
Pairwise comparisons indicated that the knee and hip is more during the
second half of the simulation (time 60 min and time 105 min), compared to
pre-exertion (time 0 min) (p < 0.05). The more erect knee and hip landing
postures observed suggested a greater risk of ACL injury during the latter
stage of each halves of match-play, supporting epidemiological observations.
Further interrogations of the kinematic differences in the knees and hips
across limb dominance are warranted for a more comprehensive
understanding of the changes in a multiplanar perspective following soccer
specific fatigue development.