A force-torque analysis of the kip on the horizontal bar.

The purpose of this study was to determine the forces and torques on the horizontal bar during the kip. Six Canadian male gymnasts were filmed using a high speed camera during a short gymnastic routine including a kip on a horizontal bar which was wired with strain and torque gauges. During the performance, voltage outputs representing force and torque were amplified and recorded on tape. The force-torque data were then subjected to computer analysis. Maximum forces and torques were determined and force-angle plots were normalized by dividing force by body weight. The range of maximum forces was 1344-1563 N with a mean of 1444 N, which was approximately 2.3 times the body weight. The maximum forces were obtained when the center of mass was almost directly below the bar with the timing of maximum force application ranging +/- 0.1 sec from either side of 180 degrees. Maximum torques ranged from 10.0-21.0 N X m (Mean 17.3 N X m).

A force and torque analysis of giant swings on the horizontal bar.

The purpose of this study was to make a kinetic comparison of backward and forward giant swings on the horizontal bar. Six Canadian gymnasts of national calibre were filmed using a high speed camera during the performance of giant swings on a horizontal bar which was equipped with strain and torque gauges. Prior to filming, the horizontal bar was calibrated by force application at various angles. During the performances, voltage outputs representing force and torque were amplified and recorded on tape. The force/torque data were then subjected to computer analysis. Forces were plotted circularly against the angle at which the forces acted on the bar using an x-y plotter. Maximum forces and torques for both forward and backward giant swings were compared. Polar force plots were then normalized by dividing force by body weight. A superposition of curves for 11 backward giant swings and 12 forward giant swings has produced two models representing good performance of giant swings by national gymnasts. Deviations from the models may be useful in correction of errors in execution of the swings. This method could provide instantaneous feedback on performance technique without requiring film analysis.

Transketolase-TPP-effect in chronic alcoholics with various degrees of liver cirrhosis.

A re-investigation of the use of the transketolase-TPP-effect for the assessment of the thiamine status of chronic alcoholics with various degrees of liver cirrhosis was carried out on 36 alcoholics. The extent of the liver damage in these patients was established by clinical examinations and biochemical tests. Fourteen persons showed no significant hepatic abnormalities, 5 patients had compensated liver cirrhosis, 7 slightly decompensated, and 10 patients suffered from severely decompensated liver cirrhosis. This investigation shows that the transketolase-TPP-effect is also present in patients even with severe liver cirrhosis and that a decrease of the TPP-effect can be observed after oral thiamine administration in these subjects. The TPP-effect of patients with compensated liver cirrhosis was markedly smaller than that of the subjects with slightly or severely decompensated cirrhosis. Accordingly a relationship exists between the TPP-effect and the degree of liver damage. No other correlations however could be established in this respect.