Anthropometric measurements and agility performance in amateur roller skaters: a correlational study

Background: Research on the body structure of roller skaters has identified that anthropometric attributes are desirable in this sport for a better performance. Leg length has a definite decisive advantage in sport. Explosive leg power is very essential for roller skating as it requires speed, agility and quickness which can be associated with lower limb muscle girth. Hence, it is important to examine the contribution of limb length, calf and thigh muscle circumference, to agility performance. Methods: 30 healthy amateur roller skaters within age group of 6 to 14 years were assessed for anthropometric measurements – lower limb length, thigh circumference, calf circumference measurement. Participants performed a standardized warm-up of moderate-intensity jogging (5-10 min), static and dynamic stretching (5 min) and brief bouts of high-intensity running, including changes in direction on the ground. They performed agility tests in order of Edgren side step test, t-test and Illinois agility test based on test direction, progressing from uniplanar movements to biplanar and concluding with multidirectional movements. Each test was performed twice with 1-minute rest period between each trial, and a 2 min rest period between each test. Results: Pearson’s correlation showed that lower limb length have a moderately positive correlation with agility (r=0.5-0.7) whereas calf and thigh muscle circumference have a strong positive correlation with agility (r=0.7-0.8) stating that anthropometric measurements have a statistically significant correlation with agility performance with p<0.05. Conclusions: Anthropometric measurements such as lower limb length, thigh and calf circumferences have a moderate to strong positive correlation with agility performances of healthy amateur roller skaters within the age group of 6-14 years..

Comparative Study Of Dry Needling V/S Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation In The Treatment Of Hamstring Strain In Football Players

Background:Myofascial pain syndrome is defined as sensory, motor and autonomic symptoms that are caused trigger points (MTrP). It is defined as a hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle, which is associated with hypersensitive palpable nodule in a taut band. Objectives: Present study was undertaken to add on to available treatment methods for myofascial Trigger points and to find out the effectiveness of dry needling and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy for treating myofascial trigger point. Material And Methods:In this study, 32 participants were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dry Needling and TENS therapy was administered to them for a period of 2 weeks, 6 sessions in 2 weeks. Pre and post assessme nt were taken using following outcome measures-Pain Pressure Threshold, Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Functional Assessment Scale for Acute Hamstring Injuries (FASH)Result:There was significant decrease in Pain due to hamstring injury on NPRS, agility score and increase in Pain Pressure threshold in patients which is suggestive of decrease in pain and improve functional independency. The outcome of Pressure Algometer, Agility score and NPRS were statistically analyzed. It was found to be effective with significant P value<0.000. Conclusion:Statistically both Dry Needling and TENS are competent enough to alleviate pain but clinically TENS having better response in pain depletion and in increase in functional independency compared to Dry Needling.