Introduction
A warm-up and stretching is widely accepted as a prerequisite to participation in athletics, strength training and aerobic training. The common thought to a warm-up and stretching is that it will increase performance and reduce the risk of injury (Hough, Ross & Howatson, 2009). Other common thoughts to performing a warm-up routine is to increase muscle and body temperature to increase nerve conduction velocity which in turn drives performance (Behm & Chaouchi, 2011). Many research articles have been published displaying the effects of various types of warm-ups and stretching. The two most common stretching types include static or dynamic stretching. It has been shown that performing a static stretching protocol prior to athletics is inferior to performing a dynamic warm-up routine (Behm & Chaouchi, 2011). A dynamic warm-up consists of a submaximal aerobic component as well as functional movements specific to the sport or activity and is traditionally used for athletes (Behm & Chaouchi, 2011). Studies have shown that a dynamic warm-up can improve power output and vertical jump height (Hough, Ross & Howatson, 2009).
More recently, a new type of stretching technique known as foam rolling has been increasing in popularity in athletics (Healy, Hatfield, Blanpied, Dorfman & Riebe, 2014). Foam rolling is performed by small undulated movements back and forth over a dense foam roller, using ones own bodyweight to provide friction causing a warming of the fascia (MacDonald et al, 2013). Foam rolling is thought to be used as a self-myofascial release technique to relieve soft tissue from an abnormal hold of tight fascia (Miller & Rockey, 2006). In addition, foam rolling is thought to restore optimal muscle length-tension relatio...
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The use of the six principles of training by a 100m sprinter would greatly improve the athlete’s performance. This is because the progressive overload, specificity, reversibility, variety, training thresholds and warm up/cool down principles all greatly affect the performance of any athlete. The principles of training can be employed in order to improve all aspects of fitness, from flexibility to strength and aerobic endurance.
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Touch is as essential to a healthy and happy life as eating right, getting proper sleep, and exercising. With the world growing more technological, the need for healthy human contact is more important than ever. Massage and body therapies are an age old healing refuge for us in this fast-paced, stressed-out world. The practice of massage therapy is rapidly growing in the United States. It has so much to offer and is becoming more widely accepted by doctors and the general public. Massage is touching another person by such movements as rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling, slapping, and tapping. This type of therapy provides circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxation of muscles, relief from pain, restoration of metabolic balance, and many other benefits both physical and mental. There is much historical evidence to indicate that massage is one of the earliest remedies for pain relief and for the restoration of a healthy body. It is said to be the most natural and instinctive means of relieving pain and discomfort. Massage has proven to be an effective method for treating many conditions for thousands of years and it will continue to be used for thousands of years to come. Massage therapy is a great treatment for the body and soul.
The background of athletic training started way back in ancient Greece. Back then they believed massage was very important, especially to the people that pla...
High school football players sustain a major proportion of season injuries. A major part of these regions are due to ligament sprains, targeted stretching exercises may be beneficial. The most injured players were those with the position of running back and linebackers. In the 2005-2006 season there were more than half a million injuries nationally of high school football players. This data was collected from over 100 high school football teams.
Studies have shown taping an ankle can limit range of motion if done correctly.1, 5 Another study done by Reut...
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There are many aspects on the study and meaning of kinesiology. Some of these ways are; applied kinesiology, kinesiology medicine research, and specialized and energy kinesiology. The study kinesiology and massage therapy is believed to go hand and hand. Many will say that without the proper knowledge of kinesiology and muscle movements, you can not provide a patent with all that is needed for a proper massage. As we approach new years, many individuals are increasing their concern in health. With the healing arts increasing in popularity, individuals don’t understand the need for well-rounded therapist. Who are trained in the science of kinesiology, which includes the technique of massage to enable them to be proficient in their field.
Creative new training methods, developed by coaches, athletes and sport scientists, are aimed to help improve the quality and quantity of athletic training ( Kellmann, 2010, p.1). However, these methods have encountered a consistent set of barriers including overtraining ( Kellmann, 2010, p.1). Due to these barriers, the need for physical and mental recovery in athletics brought an increasing attention in practice and in research ( Kellmann, 2010, p.1).
in soft tissue mobilization pressure.” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. April 1999: 531-5.
Massage Therapy The practice of massage therapy is rapidly growing in the United States. It has numerous benefits to offer and is becoming more widely accepted as a medical practice by doctors and the general public. Massage is defined as: …the systematic manual or mechanical manipulations of the soft tissues of the body by such movements as rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling, slapping, and tapping, for therapeutic purposes such as promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxation of muscles, relief from pain, restoration of metabolic balance, and other benefits both physical and mental (Beck 3). There is much historical evidence to indicate that massage is one of the earliest remedies for pain relief and for the restoration of a healthy body.
According to Massage Today “Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old”. I feel that the benefit of rubbing aching muscles and hurt limbs comes to us as naturally as breathing air. Among its many purposes and advantages, massage soothes achy muscles, helps heal injuries, strengthens baby’s muscles and relieves stress. To me, massage is not only a way to soothe the muscles and relieve the everyday stresses of society, massage is a way to connect with others through the common practice of touch. We have needed touch in our lives since the first seconds after our birth, so it’s not surprising that we would seek out touch in the form of massage.
The purpose of the squat is to train the muscles around the knees and hip joints, as well as to develop strength in the lower back, for execution of basic skills required in many sporting events and activities of daily living. Because a strong and stable knee is extremely important to an athlete or patient’s success, an understanding of knee biomechanics while performing the squat is helpful to therapists, trainers, and athletes alike (11). Because most activities of daily living require the coordinated contraction of several muscle groups at once, and squatting (a multi-joint movement) is one of the few strength training exercises that is able to effectively recruit multiple muscle groups in a single movement, squats are considered one of the most functional and efficient weight-bearing exercises whether an individual’s goals are sport specific or are for an increased quality of life