Human Kinetics - Master's Theses

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Foot-transmitted vibration: exposure characteristics and the biodynamic response of the foot
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2013-07-30) Goggins, Katie A.
Research shows miners can be exposed to foot-transmitted vibration (FTV) when operating various pieces of underground mining equipment, and case reports suggest workers are experiencing symptoms similar to those of hand-arm vibration syndrome in their feet. A field study was conducted to measure and document FTV exposure associated with operating underground mining equipment, and probable health risks were determined based on both ISO 2631-1 (1997) for WBV and ISO 5349-1 (2004) for HAV. Seventeen participating operator’s also reported musculoskeletal discomfort. Seventeen male participants ranging between 24-61 years of age, with an average height and mass of 175.0cm and 88.2kg volunteered for the study. Seventeen pieces of equipment were tested; 1 locomotive, 1 crusher, 9 bolter drills (4 scissor platforms, 2 Maclean, 2 Boart/basket, and 1 RDH), and 6 jumbo drills. Including all seventeen pieces of underground mining equipment, the vibration acceleration ranged from 0.13-1.35m/s2 with dominant frequencies between 1.25-250Hz according to ISO 2631-1. According to ISO 5349-1 vibration acceleration ranged from 0.14-3.61m/s2 with dominant frequencies between 6.3-250Hz. Furthermore, the magnitude of FTV measured on the jumbo drills with grated platforms (#5 and #6) was less than FTV measured from the jumbo drills with, solid metal surfaces. Additionally, twelve of the seventeen equipment operators indicated a complaint of discomfort in their lower body (specifically at the level of the knee or lower). The health risk analysis based on ISO 2631-1 indicated that one operator (bolter drill #9) was exposed to vibration above the criterion value, while the health risk analysis based on ISO 5349-1 indicated iv that two operators (jumbo drill #1 and bolter drill #1) were exposed to vibration above the criterion value. Operators reported very severe or severe discomfort; however, the same operators were not the operators of the equipment with FTV exposure levels above the ISO standards, leaving evidence to suggest that the standards are not properly assessing injury risk to vibration exposure via the feet. Future research is needed to develop a standard specific for FTV and to determine the link between early musculoskeletal injury reporting and the onset of vibration white foot. To do so, a better understanding of the biodynamic response of the foot to FTV is needed. A laboratory study was conducted to 1) measure and document transmissibility of FTV from (a) floor-to-ankle (lateral malleolus), and (b) floor-to-metatarsal, during exposure to six levels of vibration (25Hz, 30Hz, 35Hz, 40Hz, 45Hz, and 50Hz) while standing, and 2) to determine whether independent variables (vibration exposure frequency, mass, arch type) influence transmissibility (dependent variable) through the foot. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. There was a significant interaction between transmissibility location and exposure frequency (λ = 0.246, F (5,25) = 15.365, p = 0.0001). There were significant differences in mean transmissibility between the ankle and metatarsal at 40Hz [t(29) = 4.116, p = 0.00029], 45Hz [t(29) = 6.599, p = 0.00000031], and 50Hz [t(29) = 8.828, p = 0.000000001]. The greatest transmissibility at the metatarsal occurred at 50Hz and at the ankle (lateral malleolus) transmissibility was highest from 25-30Hz, indicating the formation of a local resonance at each location. v Future research should focus on identifying resonance frequencies at different locations on the feet. This information is needed to develop an exposure guideline to help protect workers from exposure to FTV, and to develop personal protective equipment capable of attenuating harmful FTV exposure frequencies.
Understanding the meanings created around the aging body and sports by masters athletes through media data
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2013-10-10) Oghene, Patrick Odirin
There is literature based on masters athletes and their involvement in sports at the later stages of life. Masters athletes are exercise-trained individuals who compete in athletic events at a high level well beyond a typical retirement age (Tanaka & Seals, 2008). These athletes vary widely in age but are typically older than 35 years, with many more over the ages of 50 and well into old age. The research questions guiding this study included; (a) what are the media representation of masters athletes, and how are they used to generate meanings around aging, sports and the aging body and (b) what are the implications of these meanings on how the aging body is represented to the audience. A qualitative (i.e., case study) approach was used to explore what meanings were generated around aging and sports through media narratives in relation to aging successfully. Media data in the form of sports magazines (i.e., Runner’s World and Lexis-Nexis data base) were compiled for the data analysis. This research focused specifically on two cases, 81year old Ed Whitlock, a Canadian long distance marathon runner, and 77 year-old Jeanne Daprano, an American masters track and field athlete. The data included (n=41 Ed Whitlock, n= 17 Jeanne Daprano). The data were analyzed via an inductive thematic analysis (see Braun & Clarke, 2006). The following central themes emerged a) life-long involvement in sports (higher order themes: earlier sporting experience, triumphant return, uninterrupted engagement), (b) performance narratives (serious contenders, reasoning for performance, systematic training, an individualized approach), and (c) decline narratives (resistance to declines in old age, sports related injuries, maintenance of performance). This study highlights how both athletes were depicted in the media narratives, demonstrating that their involvement in sports in later life provided an alternate way to view the aging process. The findings from this study seek to extend the understanding of masters athletes, by contextualization how they challenge some of the decline narratives associated with old age.
The adaptation challenges and strategies of immigrant high performance coaches working within the canadian sport system
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2014-01-27) Cummings, Jessica
The objective of this study was to understand the adaptation challenges and solutions experienced by immigrant coaches relocated to Canada. Ten high performance immigrant coaches were recruited, each completing a demographic questionnaire and partaking in an individual interview, providing insight into their experiences and cultural challenges. Results of the study were presented under two central themes: a) communication (language barriers and coach-athlete negotiations), and b) socialization (Canadian sport backdrop and views of sport in the immigrant coach’s home versus host country). A common adaptation solution was the importance of social support resources, with the immigrant coaches adjusting with less acculturative stress when a reciprocal relationship was developed between themselves and those they worked with. From this preliminary project there is an indication that sport psychology consultants (SPCs) should work with immigrant coaches, and coaches and athletes of the host country to foster this bi-directional learning processes, facilitating the coaches’ transition.
Identifying return to work predictors among individuals obtaining psychological services
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2014-03-17) Leduc, Caleb
Mental health problems have incapacitating effects on an individual’s capacity to hold and maintain employment. Over half a million Canadians are absent from work due to mental health problems every day, which costs Canadian companies an estimated 14% of their net annual profit. Individuals who miss work for mental health reasons often experience longer periods of absence, and return to work at a much lower rate than individuals absent for other reasons (e.g., physical injury). Regrettably, empirically based return to work interventions focused on mental health problems are lacking, likely the product of a lack of consensus surrounding salient predictors of return to work. The current study sought to add to current literature aimed at identifying factors that influence the likelihood of successful re-entry into the workforce. A review of patient files from a private psychological practice yielded the sample. Clients were selected based on their satisfaction of one central criterion: having experienced a workplace absence and suffered from a mood or anxiety disorder as classified by the DSM-IV-TR. Recruitment letters and consent forms were mailed to 74 eligible participants, for a response rate of 68% (n=50). The sample was predominantly female (n=38 or 76%). Of the 50 participants, 27 successfully reintegrated to the workforce (RTW=54%), following a mean absence of 13 months (SD=7.37). Emerging from the results are higher risk categories (e.g., physically injured workers, low educational requirements, disability providers) of reduced likelihood of successful return to work. The role of symptom severity and availability of social support is also discussed along with best practice implications for stakeholder/practitioners.
The effect of a six-week whole body vibration training protocol on the physical capacities and fatigability of overweight young female adults
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2014-05-21) Serresse, Suzanne
Whole body vibration (WBV) training is a relatively new training technique and is considered low intensity as it elicits non-voluntary muscle contractions generated by mechanical vibrations. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-week WBV training paradigm on the physical capacities and fatigability of overweight young female adults. We hypothesized that WBV would increase fat free mass as well as leg power and strength, decrease the fatigue index of the lower limbs during the Wingate test, increase fatigue resistance, improve neuromuscular efficiency and decrease fatigue perception in overweight young female adults. Participants (n=24) were overweight young female adults (body fat percentage 30-35) between the ages of 20 and 40 and were randomized into 2 groups; control group (CON; n=10) or whole body vibration group (VIB; n=14). This study consisted of six weeks of training and four testing sessions: 2 before (sessions 1 & 2) and 2 following (sessions 3 & 4) the training regimen. During testing sessions 1 and 3, the basal metabolic rate, body composition, leg power (Wingate), elasticity index (EI), squat and countermovement jumps and fatigue perception (questionnaires) were assessed for all subjects. Isokinetic tests to measure strength and muscle fatigue tests were performed during testing sessions 2 and 4. The training protocol lasted 6 weeks and exercises were performed 3 times a week. Sessions lasted 30 minutes and entailed 15 sets of 1-minute exercises followed by 1-minute rest intervals. One set consisted of 15 controlled and timed squats (15 flexion and extension per minute). The VIB group performed their exercises on the power Plate® pro 6. Vertical vibration amplitude settings were kept on low (2mm) throughout the entire 6 weeks and set at a frequency of 30Hz for weeks 1-3 and increased to 35Hz for weeks 4-6. The CON group performed the same exercises without vibration. iv The results revealed that a 6-week WBV training regimen had no effect on body composition or basal metabolic rate. WBV training did not affect EI as evidenced by similar squat jump and countermovement jump measures for both the CON and VIB groups. WBV training had no effect on leg power as measured using the Wingate ergocycle. The Wingate test did show a decrease in the fatigue index for both groups (p˂0.05). Unexpectedly, a decrease in strength was found in extension phase during the eccentric contractions (120°/s) and flexion phase during concentric contractions (120°/s and 180°/s). As there were no changes in fat free mass, it seems that the reduction in strength was due to central changes. The fatigue rate represented by regression slopes showed that the VIB group was more fatigue resistant post training compared to the CON group. Fatigue perception as measured using a multidimensional approach with questionnaires (FSS, MFI and SHARP) revealed no changes in fatigability for either group. To conclude, this study demonstrated that WBV training in overweight young female adults had minimal effects on the physical capacities and fatigability of our subjects. Higher intensity vibration parameters, a longer training regimen or individualized vibration parameters may have greater benefits for overweight subjects and should be considered in future studies.
An exploration of women’s cardiovascular disease within a corporate partner magazine of the Heart Truth campaign
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2014-10-07) Gonsalves, Christine ann
The purpose of this research study was to explore the social construction of women’s cardiovascular disease, identities and health within Glamour magazine, a corporate partner of The Heart Truth® campaign. The Heart Truth campaign was implemented as a United States (U.S.) national action plan in 2002 to increase women’s awareness about their leading cause of death (i.e., cardiovascular disease), and encourage women to take action to manage various risk factors. By conducting an ethnographic content analysis of relevant information within the inaugural October 2003 issue of Glamour, the following themes were identified: (a) a culture of consumerism (overarching theme); (b) the oblivious, unknowledgeable, dependent woman at risk (sub-theme); and (c) attaining a particular version of a healthy, feminine woman. These findings reveal the problematic ‘feminization’ of cardiovascular disease through the promotion of heteronormative ideals and gendered social order, and dependency on broader institutions and corporations.
The impact of classroom scheduling on student in nutrition in full-day early learning kindergarten (ELK) versus traditional full-day junior/senior kindergarten classes
(2014-12-16) Dinnes, Charley-Anne
Background This thesis assessed the quality/quantity of student lunches amongst children using either the Early Learning Kindergarten (ELK) or full-day junior/senior kindergarten schedule; both of which differed in regards to school scheduling. ELK students were allotted two 40 minute nutrition breaks compared to the full day junior/senior kindergarten schedule who were allotted two 20 minute nutrition breaks.
Evaluating the impacts of an outdoor adventure leadership experience program in a rural aboriginal community
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2015-01-23) Wabano, Mary Josette
This research study stems from the findings and results of previous research conducted in collaboration with Laurentian University and Wikwemikong as it relates to youth and sport participation. An outdoor adventure leadership experience program was co-designed and implemented within the community of Wikwemikong for the youth between the ages of 12 – 18 years. The impacts of a 10-day outdoor adventure leadership experience program, five years after the initial intervention is the basis of this research study. The research findings suggest that the 10-day Outdoor Adventure Leadership Experience program has demonstrated mno-bimaadziwin (the good life) thereby having an impact on the overall health and well-being of the youth leaders and their families. The community of Wikwemikong has demonstrated the commitment to make use of the findings as a result of the research; the findings and recommendations are tangible products used for the betterment of community programs and services. Keywords Talking circle, medicine wheel, mno-bimaadziwin (the good life), indigenous research, participatory action research
An analysis of physical activity levels of children following the balanced school day schedule
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2015-05-28) Jaunzarins, Bridget
Background: Physical activity is a key determinant of children’s health. However, increasingly children are not attaining adequate amounts of physical activity. Children spend a considerable amount of time at school and school-based physical activity can significantly contribute to total daily physical activity achieved by children. Specifically, recess time can significantly contribute to a child’s daily opportunity to attain the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day. In this thesis, I assessed the impact of block scheduling on physical activity levels during recess for children in grades 3 and 6. More specifically, I examined the impact of time of day (am vs. pm) and season (fall vs. winter) on levels of recess-based physical activity among children using the “Balanced School Day” schedule. Methods: Data were collected at a school using the Balanced School Day schedule over five consecutive days during fall and winter in a school from a community in northern Ontario. Children wore the Yamax SW-200 pedometer and a segmented data collection approach to assess step counts during ‘class-time’ and ‘recess-time’ was used. Results: Seventy-eight students participated in this study. Average daily steps were higher in the fall compared to the winter. There were no meaningful differences in the number of steps taken when considering time of day. Boys accumulated significantly more steps than girls for total recess steps regardless of season. Grade 3 students experienced the greatest decrease in steps seasonally. Conclusions: As a result of this study, we have reaffirmed that children are not maximizing opportunities for physical activity during the school day. In general, lower step counts are noted among girls and grade 6 students. We can also conclude that the recess schedule (i.e. morning vs. iv afternoon) does not affect physical activity during recess in children using the BSD; however, there is a seasonal influence. All children were less active in the winter recess when compared to the fall and this was particularly accentuated among the younger participants.
Exploring the impact of kindergarten scheduling on children's physical activity and classroom behaviour.
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2015-07-20) Thirkill, Laura J.
The Ontario Ministry of Education implemented the new Early Learning Kindergarten (ELK) program province-wide in September 2014. The ELK program advocates for inquiry- and play-based learning, and the use of the outdoors. Some school boards have implemented a 60-minute outdoor exploration block replacing outdoor recess breaks. These changes have not been evaluated for their potential impact on both the physical activity levels and classroom behaviour of children while at school. This thesis investigated physical activity levels and classroom behaviour of children in the new ELK schedule, and in the Balanced School Day (BSD) schedule. The results suggest that children following the ELK program exhibit reduced physical activity levels, but greater academic engagement and less disruptive behaviour. Thus, results suggest that the ELK program provides benefits for students, but modifications are needed to ensure that adequate physical activity is introduced in early-year programming therefore providing a strong foundation for both education and physical activity.
« C’est sur le terrain que ça se passe » : étude de la couverture du football féminin par les médias digitaux en France
(2015-08-21) Lajeunesse, Michèle
Le manque de visibilité médiatique des athlètes féminines par les médias non traditionnels est un phénomène qui a été critiqué depuis plusieurs années. L’objectif de l’étude est d’examiner la façon dont le football (soccer) féminin est couvert par les médias digitaux en France, à savoir s’ils soutiennent ou non les stéréotypes traditionnels. Le contenu de deux sites web portant uniquement sur le football féminin a été soumis à une analyse de discours foucaldienne féministe. Malgré la présence de quelques discours qui minimisent les accomplissements des joueuses, les résultats primaires suggèrent qu’il est possible de trouver une couverture du football féminin qui est tout simplement axée sur le sport et qui représente le football féminin comme un sport excitant, sérieux et légitime. Les sources de médias digitaux peuvent alors être considérées comme une des meilleures façons d’augmenter la qualité et la quantité de la couverture médiatique des sports féminins aujourd’hui
Expression profile of plakin crosslinking proteins in denervated skeletal muscle of mice
(2015-09-16) Blouin, Patrick
Plakin crosslinking proteins are important structural elements that are expressed in many animal tissues, especially those which require resistance to mechanical stress. The three plakin proteins most prevalent in skeletal muscle are plectin, dystonin and microtubule-actin crosslinking factor (MACF). Skeletal muscle atrophy linked to inactivity is a complex phenomenon involving widespread alteration of muscle physiology, often characterized by expression of normally repressed embryonic genes in adult muscle. We investigate the response of the plakins: plectin, dystonin and MACF to denervation-induced atrophy in mice. We found that MACF, which is expressed more abundantly during embryonic development, is upregulated following denervation both at the mRNA and protein level as assessed using qPCR and western blotting. Plectin and dystonin were both downregulated at the mRNA level but remained constant or even upregulated at the protein level, indicating their potential importance in the baseline preservation of the skeletal muscle structure following denervation-induced atrophy.
Understanding modifiable determinants of fatigue from a physiological perspective in Canadian FireRangers
(2015-12-17) Robertson, Ayden
Ontario FireRangers exhibit high annual injury rates and cite fatigue as a contributor, however several factors influence fatigue, including: energy expenditure, energy intake, stress levels and recovery time. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the accuracy of heart rate variability (HRV) based estimates of energy expenditure (kilocalories) and to then assess energy balance, physiological responses, and nutritional quality in Ontario FireRangers during different types of fire deployments. Firstbeat Bodyguard2 and Zephyr BioHarness3 monitors were used to collect HRV data, and individual audio-visual food logs were kept using an iPod Touch and analyzed in NutriBase Pro11 software. Sleep quantity was also measured using actisleep monitors, to assist with energy expenditure calculations. The findings of this research support the use of HRV monitoring for free-living, energy expenditure estimation. Furthermore, this research indicates that Ontario FireRangers exhibit high daily energy demands, under-consume kilocalories, deviate from ideal nutrient consumption profiles and have varying levels of stress and recovery time, depending on deployment type.
(De)Constructing the American sport hero: a textual analysis of media representations of Vince Lombardi.
(2015-12-18) Hull, Michael R.
Using the concept of Hegemonic Masculinity, this study seeks to investigate how Vince Lombardi came to embody the values essential to American society during the Cold War. By performing a textual analysis on historic sports media documents taken from the Green Bay Press-Gazette, I argue that sportswriters constructed Lombardi in a fashion that celebrated characteristics of hegemonic masculinity that directly spoke to core American values during the Cold War. In doing so, Lombardi became a national icon, an American sports hero, and a purveyor of social myth, who transformed football into a metaphor for the American way of life within the Cold War period, where “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”. Although the role of the American sport hero has been investigated before, this is the first time a coach has been critically examined.
The effect of personality and behaviour on muscle co-contraction ratios In the trunk when people are exposed to different types of emotional stimuli while performing a lateral bend and simple lifting task
(2016-01-12) Robazza, Jesse
Psychosocial factors have long been implicated in occupational injury risk, but the nature of this relationship is obscure. Recent investigations have concluded that emotional responses affect muscle force outputs; which may, in turn, affect joint loading. Personality type has also been shown to affect joint loading (Marras et al., 2000). Likewise, there is an interaction between emotional stimuli and personality. Exposure to pleasant emotional stimuli has been shown to facilitate flexion movements; whereas exposure to unpleasant emotional stimuli has been shown to facilitate extension movements (Coombes et al., 2008). However, it is not clear what co-contraction ratio, and consequently what joint load, any given emotional stimulus might result in, or how personality variables might affect this relationship. To address this, participants filled out an International Personality Inventory Pool (IPIP) Survey and a Behaviour Activation System and Behaviour Inhibition System (BAS/BIS) Survey to determine each participant’s specific personality and behaviour traits. Participants were then exposed to emotional stimuli prior to a torso lateral bend, requiring both flexor and extensor cocontraction. A total of 29 participants were tested. Participants were randomly exposed to unpleasant, neutral, pleasant, and colour image types; 30 images in total. They were exposed to these images for five seconds, then a tone sounded after which they initiated a lateral bend. The current results indicate that image type had no significant effect on flexor/extensor and left/right side co-contraction ratios. Varying levels of personality and behaviour were the only factors to produce significantly different co-contraction ratios. There was also a significant difference vi of left/right side co-contraction ratios between men and women, where men had produce significantly greater right side dominant co-contraction ratios for all image types compared to women. The second part of the experiment had subjects stand on a force-plate and listen to different types of emotional sounds. These sounds ranged from unpleasant, pleasant, and neutral. Subjects would listen to a specific emotional sound for six seconds, and after the sound was over, a voice would inform them to lift a 15 pound crate off of the floor in front of them and place it on a table waist height. The second sound would have subjects pick up the crate from the table and place it back on the ground. This was done a total of 30 times with 30 different sounds. The results indicate that sound type had no significant effect on cocontraction ratios. Varying levels of personality and behaviour were the only factors to produce significant changes in co-contraction ratios for both flexor/extensor and left/right side co-contraction ratios. There were also significant changes between co-contraction ratios and sex. Both men and women produced flexor dominated co-contraction ratios for all sound types, but men produced significantly higher flexor dominated co-contraction ratios for all sound types compared to women. Men also produced significantly greater right side dominant co-contraction ratios, compared to women, for all sound types.
Les employés de l'industrie minière : une analyse qualitative des perceptions des travailleurs quant à l'absentéisme et le processus de retour au travail
(2016-06-30) Dignard, Caroline
Malgré la présence de nombreuses études examinant la santé mentale ainsi que ses liens en milieu de travail, force est de constater que peu de recherches se sont centrées spécifiquement sur l'industrie minière. La présente étude, qui s'insère dans une vaste recherche visant à mieux comprendre l'état de santé mentale et de bien-être des travailleurs chez une grande compagnie minière en Ontario, vise à mieux comprendre l'absentéisme et le retour au travail chez cette main-d'oeuvre particulière. Après avoir mis en relief les types d'évènements menant à une absence pour des raisons de santé, ainsi que les facilitateurs et les obstacles susceptibles d’expliquer le retour au travail, l’étude termine par l’émission de recommandations en fonction des perceptions des travailleurs par rapport au processus de retour au travail.
Evaluation of a vibration measurement tool as part of a whole-body vibration management program in underground hard-rock mining
(2016-08-18) Killen, Wesley
Prolonged exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) experienced by mobile equipment operators requires routine measurement to manage the risk for numerous adverse health effects. The WBVpod is an affordable and purportedly accurate iPod application that could provide workers the means to regularly measure WBV exposure. The WBVpod was used simultaneously with a gold-standard vibration meter to determine the level of agreement between the two devices during laboratory and field trials. Furthermore, a pilot study that used the WBVpod and educational sessions among underground miners (n=7) and trainees (n=11) was conducted to determine how the WBVpod could compliment an intervention on perceived knowledge, as well as gaining feedback from the participants on the usability of the WBVpod. The WBVpod displayed a high level of agreement with the gold standard device for all three axes (ICC: 0.92-0.97), with the vertical axis having the least bias (-0.015 m/s2) but a wider limits of agreement (-0.136 – 0.106 m/s2). The pilot study found a significant improvement in perceived WBV knowledge (U=9.5, p<.05), however discomfort was a common complaint when sitting on the WBVpod for extended periods of time. The findings suggest that the WBVpod would be a valid tool to estimate WBV exposure. In addition, the majority of participants experienced an increase in perceived WBV knowledge and increased ability to measure WBV
Promotion d’un poids santé parmi les hommes francophones du Grand Sudbury : une étude de cas de la participation au programme PairForm © et des effets à courtterme sur les connaissances et comportements de santé
(2016-08-29) Paquette, Tara
En plus de souffrir davantage de surpoids, les hommes canadiens participent moins aux interventions de gestion de poids que les femmes. La présente thèse poursuit un double objectif : 1) déterminer les effets à court-terme de l’intervention éducationnelle PairForm © sur l’acquisition des connaissances et changement de comportements en lien avec l’activité physique, l’alimentation, la consommation d’alcool, le tabagisme et la gestion du stress, et 2) examiner la perspective des participants à une intervention d'éducation par les pairs. Une étude de cas avec une méthodologie mixte a permis une évaluation approfondie du programme. Le taux de rétention de 100 % pour ce programme pilote suggère qu’une intervention éducationnelle sensible aux hommes livrée par les pairs favorise la participation des hommes en surpoids même si certaines absences hebdomadaires étaient observées au cours de l’intervention. De plus, cette intervention a permis aux participants de surmonter plusieurs obstacles envers une santé saine que pose la masculinité hégémonique. Mais, plus de recherches sont nécessaires afin d’encourager les hommes à gérer leur poids.
Do portable anti-fatigue mats affect the mechanics or discomfort of walking
(2016-08-31) Gauvin, André
Prolonged periods of standing and walking creates loading on the muscles of the back and legs causing pain and discomfort to many employees who stand on hard surfaces such as cement floors. Portable anti-fatigue mats are an ergonomic intervention that is thought to be a solution for musculoskeletal injuries. Thirteen healthy subjects ranging from 18-55 years of age were recruited for the study to represent a working population. Subject completed two 3 hour sessions, one with work boots, and the other with the combination of work boots and portable anti-fatigue mats. Subjects walked for a 3 hour period to simulate a prolonged walking period. Participants were instrumented with reflective marker to collect kinematic data and walked on the force plate to collect kinetic forces acting on the body. They also completed a discomfort questionnaire for “pre”, “during” and “post” exercise. Results showed no significant differences in mechanical variables, and showed significant differences in discomfort ratings for the ankle/foot and knee between conditions; while showing significant differences for the ankle/foot and low back over time.
Creating canadian olympians: a look at a successful trampoline olympic development environment
(2016-09-07) Seanor, Michelle E.
The process of creating Olympic level talent is complex and multifaceted. Researchers in the worlds of talent identification, talent development and career transitions have contributed to the identification of appropriate sport environments, called athlete talent development environments that contribute to athletic success. In addition, descriptions of sport environments that have the ability to develop senior level competitors have been established. Although researchers have been able to identify these contextual components that help athletes become successful, a description of a sport environment that is able to repeatedly create Olympic medal performances from athletes is still unknown. This project compiled a description of an Olympic development environment– Skyriders Trampoline Place. Four central themes were identified by the participants in this study as relevant to Olympic level success. The four themes are 1) the development of Skyriders, 2) the Skyriders training environment at present, 3) coaching strategies and 4) team interactions.

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