Joints--Range of motion

The purpose of the study was to determine and compare the
effects of different durations of stretching on balance. Female subjects
(n=23) had their balance assessed before and after two stretching
interventions and a control condition on three separate days, at least 48
hours apart. The quadriceps, hamstrings, and plantar flexors were
stretched after a warm-up and repeated three times. In one stretching
protocol, the positions were maintained for 45 seconds, while in the other
stretching protocol, the positions were held for 15 seconds. The 15-
second condition produced a significant improvement in the OSI scores (p
< 0.05). However, repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant
differences between groups (p = 0.08). These results suggest a stretching
protocol with 45-second hold durations does not adversely affect postural
stability when using the current stabilometry testing procedure.

The focus of this study was to quantify changes in impact forces at the knee when changing footstrike. The subjects included 17 heelstrikers (trained = 8, controls = 9). The 12-week training consisted of drills that focused on landing on the midfoot as per the Pose Method of running. The kinematics variables quantified were stride rate, stride length, stance phase, and knee flexion angle at footstrike. The kinetics measured were maximum vertical ground reaction forces at the ground and at the knee joint during initial impact, and maximum loading rate. The data were analyzed with a repeated measures ANOVA with (P < 0.05). Significant decreases was found in stride rate, stance phase and in all kinetic variables. These preliminary results are encouraging because they demonstrate that changing the footstrike can result in a reduction in impact forces at the knee joint.