Considerable knowledge has accumulated in recent decades concerning the significance of physical activity in the treatment of a number of diseases, including diseases that do not primarily manifest as disorders of the locomotive apparatus. In this review we present the evidence for prescribing exercise therapy in the treatment of metabolic syndrome-related disorders (insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity), heart and pulmonary diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, intermittent claudication), muscle, bone and joint diseases (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome) and cancer, depression, asthma and type 1 diabetes. For each disease, we review the effect of exercise therapy on disease pathogenesis, on symptoms specific to the diagnosis, on physical fitness or strength and on quality of life. The possible mechanisms of action are briefly examined and the principles for prescribing exercise therapy are discussed, focusing on the type and amount of exercise and possible contraindications.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2006.00520.x

Evidence for prescribing exercise as therapy in chronic disease.

Researchers studying aspects of locomotion or movement in biological and biomimetic systems commonly use video or stereo video recordings to quantify the behaviour of the system in question, often with an emphasis on measures of position, velocity and acceleration. However, despite the apparent simplicity of video analysis, it can require substantial investment of time and effort, even when performed with adequate software tools. This paper reviews the underlying principles of video and stereo video analysis as well as its automation and is accompanied by fully functional and freely available software implementation.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-3182/3/3/034001/pdf

Software techniques for two- and three-dimensional kinematic measurements of biological and biomimetic systems.

Chapter 1. In Search of the Homunculus Chapter 2. The Three Dimensional and Cyclic Nature of Gait Chapter 3. Integration of Anthropometry, Displacements, and Ground Reaction Forces Chapter 4. Muscle Actions Revealed Through Electromyography Chapter 5. Clinical Gait Analysis - A Case Study Appendix A. Dynamic Animation Sequences Appendix B. Detailed Mathematics Used in GAITMATH Appendix C. Commercial Equipment for Gait Analysis.

Dynamics of human gait

Objective To discuss the role of proprioception in motor control and in activation of the dynamic restraints for functional joint stability. Data sources Information was drawn from an extensive MEDLINE search of the scientific literature conducted in the areas of proprioception, motor control, neuromuscular control, and mechanisms of functional joint stability for the years 1970-1999. Data synthesis Proprioception is conveyed to all levels of the central nervous system. It serves fundamental roles for optimal motor control and sensorimotor control over the dynamic restraints. Conclusions/applications Although controversy remains over the precise contributions of specific mechanoreceptors, proprioception as a whole is an essential component to controlling activation of the dynamic restraints and motor control. Enhanced muscle stiffness, of which muscle spindles are a crucial element, is argued to be an important characteristic for dynamic joint stability. Articular mechanoreceptors are attributed instrumental influence over gamma motor neuron activation, and therefore, serve to indirectly influence muscle stiffness. In addition, articular mechanoreceptors appear to influence higher motor center control over the dynamic restraints. Further research conducted in these areas will continue to assist in providing a scientific basis to the selection and development of clinical procedures.

The Sensorimotor System, Part II: The Role of Proprioception in Motor Control and Functional Joint Stability.

Biomechanics and muscle coordination of human walking. Part I: introduction to concepts, power transfer, dynamics and simulations.

On the use of spline functions for data smoothing.

Kinematic and kinetic comparison of downhill and level walking.

Twelve experienced male weight lifters performed a rebound bench press and a purely concentric bench press lift. Data were obtained pertaining to 1) the benefits to concentric motion derived from a prior stretch and 2) the movement frequency adopted during performance of the stretch-shorten cycle (SSC) portion of the rebound bench press lift. The subjects also performed a series of quasi-static muscular actions in a position specific to the bench press movement. A brief perturbation was applied to the bar while these isometric efforts were maintained, and the resulting damped oscillations provided data pertaining to each subject's series elastic component (SEC) stiffness and natural frequency of oscillation. A significant correlation (r = -0.718, P less than 0.01) between maximal SEC stiffness and augmentation to concentric motion derived from prior stretch was observed. Subjects were also observed to perform the SSC portion of the rebound bench press movement to coincide with the natural frequency of oscillation of their SEC. These results are interpreted as demonstrating that the optimal stiffness in a rebound bench press lift was a resonant-compliant SEC.

Graeme A. Wood

Papers

On the use of spline functions for data smoothing.

Kinematic and kinetic comparison of downhill and level walking.

Optimal stiffness of series elastic component in a stretch-shorten cycle activity

The accuracy of DLT extrapolation in three-dimensional film analysis

Stiffness of the hamstring muscles and its relationship to function in anterior cruciate ligament deficient individuals.