Effects of various loads and speeds on the mechanical energy of climbing and climbing mechanics

Climbing, one of the most common body movements, has not been researched on a highly-constrained apparatus, such as a climbing exercise device with synchronously moving hand grip and foot pedal on each side. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of various loads and speeds on the kinematics and mechanical energy of climbing during performance on a climbing exercise device. Thirty-six subjects (18 males and 18 females) participated in the study and were deemed to be in good physical condition and free from diseases based on the findings of the medical history questionnaire. Body measurements were taken and joint markings were made for the analysis of the kinematic and mechanical energy data. All subjects performed the climbing movement on a climbing exercise device under nine randomly assigned load and speed conditions, and their performance was videotaped and filmed during the final 30-second and 2-second periods, respectively, under each assigned condition. The kinematic parameters and mechanical energy data were analyzed by taking linear and angular measurements from the video screen and making mechanical energy computations after obtaining the joint coordinates for the lower limb from the film, respectively. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression were performed on the data. An increase in the speed levels had a significant effect on the following kinematic parameters: step length, cycle frequency, climbing distance, cycle time, angular velocity at the elbow, hip, and knee, and lateral movement of the head and trunk in the male and female groups. The positions of the head and trunk and the horizontal distance between the sacrum and ankle markers in the sagittal plane and mechanical energy values were affected by an increase in loads and speeds. There were numerous correlations among the kinematic parameters; however, linear relationships between load and/or speed and the kinematic parameters were few. The data from the present study may not be applicable to different populations (older, handicapped, and unhealthy persons) and to performance on a less-constrained object, such as a tree, due to the potential differences in the outcome of the two above aspects.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Date dc:date

10000-01-01

Author dc:creator

• Dee, Laurice Ann

• Applied Mechanics
• Biology, Animal Physiology
• Biophysics, General

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1989 Dee, Laurice Ann

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI8924805
(UMI)AAI8924805

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/23441