Manchester Metropolitan University

About: Manchester Metropolitan University is a education organization based out in Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 5435 authors who have published 16202 publications receiving 442561 citations. The organization is also known as: Manchester Polytechnic & MMU.

Predictability of in vivo changes in pennation angle of human tibialis anterior muscle from rest to maximum isometric dorsiflexion.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the predictability of in vivo, ultrasound-based changes in human tibialis anterior (TA) pennation angle from rest to maximum isometric dorsiflexion (MVC) using a planimetric model assuming constant thickness between aponeuroses and straight muscle fibres. Sagittal sonographs of TA were taken in six males at ankle angles of -15 degrees (dorsiflexion direction), 0 degrees (neutral position), + 15 (plantarflexion direction) and + 30 degrees both at rest and during dorsiflexor MVC trials performed on an isokinetic dynamometer. At all four ankle angles scans were taken from the TA proximal, central and distal regions. TA architecture did not differ (P > 0.05) neither between its two unipennate parts nor along the scanned regions over its length at a given ankle angle and state of contraction. Comparing MVC with rest at any given ankle angle, pennation angle was larger (62-71%, P 0.05). The model used estimated accurately (P > 0.05) changes in TA pennation angle occurring in the transition from rest to MVC and therefore its use is encouraged for estimating the isometric TA ankle moment and force generating capacity using musculoskeletal modelling.

Effects of exercise training on aerobic and functional capacity of end-stage renal disease patients.

Abstract: The aim was to assess the effects of exercise training on aerobic and fuctional capacity of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Patients completed an incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine VO2 peak and VO2 at ventilatory threshold (VT; V-slope). On a separate day they performed two constant load exercise tests on a cycle ergometer at 90% of VT and at a workload of 33 W, to determine VO2 kinetics. Functional capacity was assessed using measurements of sit-to-stands (STS-5, STS-60) and a walk test. Dialysis patients were randomly allocated to an exercise (ET: n = 18, age = 57.3 years) or control (C: n = 15, age = 50.5 - 5 years) group. The ET group participated in an exercise training programme involving cycling for 3 months. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant time by group interactions (P < 0.05) following training for VO2 peak (ET: 17 +/- 6.1 versus 19.9 +/- 6-3, C: 19.5 +/- 4.7 versus 188 +/- 4.9 ml kg min(-1)) and VO2-VT (ET: 10.7 +/- 3.5 versus 11.8 +/- 3.3, C:12.9 +/- 3.2 versus 119 +/- 3.5 ml kg min(-10). VO2 kinetics remained unchanged in both groups at 90% -VT, but a trend (P = 0.059) towards faster kinetics at the 33 W was observed (ET: 49.6 +/- 19.5 versus 37.8 +/- 12.7, C: 42.8 +/- 13 versus 49.4 +/- 20.2 s). Significant time by group interactions (P < 0.05) were also observed for STS-5 (ET: 14.7 +/- 6.2 versus 11.0 +/- 3.3, C: 12.8 +/- 4.4 versus 12.7 +/- 4.8 s) and STS-60 measurements (ET: 21.2 + 7.2 versus 26.9 +/- 6.2, C: 23.7 +/- 6.8 versus 24.1 +/- 7.2). Three months of exercise rehabilitation significantly improves peak exercise capacity of patients with ESRD. Measurements of VO2 kinetics and functional capacity suggest that longer time might be needed to induce peripheral adaptations.

Disintermediation, disintegration and risk in the SME global supply chain

Abstract: The paper’s premiss is that the extant linear supply chain relationship model that dominates most sectors will rapidly be replaced by a more amorphous supply chain relationship model. It is suggested that entirely new business models are appearing, where the ability to build flexible alliances at speed is a critical management skill. Although these changes will have an impact on all organisations irrespective of size, the focus of the paper is directed towards the SME sector. It is anticipated that the outcomes from this review and the associated research will enhance awareness and understanding of the nature of changes to markets and commercial/supply chain relationships, highlight the potential opportunities and risks and provide guidelines for the developments in strategic management, relationship marketing and risk management.