Archive for: May 2008

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 27(1):98-105, January 1995.
NIGG, BENNO M.; DE BOER, RUUD W.; FISHER, VERONICA

Abstract:

Treadmills are often used in research projects to simulate overground locomotion, assuming that locomotion is similar on a treadmill and overground. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether a treadmill could be used to simulate overground locomotion. Twenty-two subjects ran on four different surfaces: overground and three treadmills that differed in size and power. The kinematics of the right leg and foot were studied using two high-speed. Locam cameras (lateral and posterior view). The subjects ran in two different shoes at four different speeds (3.0-6.0 m-s-1). The differences in the kinematics between treadmill and overground running could be divided into systematic and subject dependent components. Subjects systematically planted their feet in a flatter position on the treadmill than overground. Most of the lower extremity kinematic variables, however, showed inconsistent trends for individual subjects, depending on the individual subject’s running style, running speed, and shoe/treadmill situation. The differences were substantial. It is not-yet understood how the human locomotor system adapts to a particular treadmill running situation. However, it is concluded that individual assessment of running kinematics on a treadmill for shoe or shoe orthotic assessment may possibly lead to inadequate conclusions about overground running.

(C)1995The American College of Sports Medicine

As the weather is gets warmer, people often get motivated to spend more time outdoors. Whether it’s working on projects around the house, playing with the grandkids at the park or out exercising, it’s important that baby boomers remember their bodies are not as young as they used to be and not overdo it.

In 2007, more than 149,000 people between the ages of 45 and 64 were treated in emergency rooms, clinics and doctors’ offices for injuries related to exercise and exercise equipment, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

“When you are 50, you may injure your body more easily than when you were 20,” says James Keeney, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon and member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Leadership Fellows Program. “Joints, tissues and muscles may not be as flexible as they used to be. So as you get older, you need to take extra steps to protect yourself from injuries when you exercise.”

The AAOS offers the following tips to help boomers prevent exercise-related injuries:

* Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. A physician will make sure your heart is in good condition and can make recommendations based on your current fitness level. This is especially important if you’ve had a previous injury.

* Always warm up and stretch before exercising. Cold muscles are more likely to get injured, so warm up with some light exercise for at least three to five minutes.

* Avoid being a “weekend warrior.” Moderate exercise every day is healthier and less likely to result in injury than heavy activity only on weekends.

* Don’t be afraid to take lessons. An instructor can help ensure you’re using the proper form, which can prevent overuse injuries such as tendonitis and stress fractures.

* Develop a balanced fitness program. Incorporate cardio exercise, strength training and flexibility training to get a total body workout and prevent overuse injuries. A Schwinn 418 elliptical trainer provides both cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Also, make sure to introduce new exercises gradually, so you don’t take on too much at once.

* Take calcium and Vitamin D supplements daily.

* Listen to your body. As you age, you may not be able to do some of the activities that you did years ago. Pay attention to your body’s needs and abilities, and modify your workout accordingly.

* Remember to rest. Schedule regular days off from exercise and rest when tired.

Baby boomers who exercise regularly are less likely to experience depression, weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep disturbances, so it’s important to incorporate physical activity into your routine at any age.

For more information about baby boomer exercise safety, visit www.orthoinfo.org.

Rowing machines come in four models: water, hydraulic, fan, and magnetic resistance. With the water model the workout is generated by a flywheel overcoming the effect of drag in a water tank. Hydraulic rowers, which include most home rowing machines, consist of shock absorbers attached to handles that you pull like oars. Both types generally include a sliding seat on a track that the exerciser can pull and push himself on. Both types offer similar benefits although the water rowers are very good at emulating rowing a boat through water. Read more about the benefits of rowing machines…

“We were very surprised by the results of the study,” said Melov. “We expected to see gene expressions that stayed fairly steady in the older adults. The fact that their ‘genetic fingerprints’ so dramatically reversed course gives credence to the value of exercise, not only as a means of improving health, but of reversing the aging process itself, which is an additional incentive to exercise as you get older.” That doesn’t mean that strength training and aerobics are only for older folks. If resistance training can reverse aging, it can prevent it too. home gym reviews

An elliptical trainer will give you a good aerobic workout if you exercise at sufficient intensity for sufficient duration for your particular physical condition. An elliptical will help build muscle endurance, which is something different than muscle strength, but just as important for athletic training. One often touted benefit of an elliptical trainer is that the workout is load-bearing while easy on your joints at the same time. Because you exercise in a standing position that is true so far as it goes, but it’s not the whole truth. elliptcial trainers

Do a treadmill comparison, and you’ll find that Horizon folding treadmills are the best at giving you the quiet operation, club-quality performance and long life you need for your home fitness treadmill workout – whether you’re just starting out or moving to your next goal. Read more about Horizon Fitness Treadmills…

If more than one person will use the treadmill regularly then plan for the heaviest user and the most demanding use. A walking program can provide all the cardiovascular benefits of jogging so if the goal is to just stay in shape then a motorized treadmill with a top speed of 6 MPH or so would suit you fine. Walkers should also consider a manual treadmill. Serious runners want a top speed of 10-12 MPH and a belt area with a stride length that accommodates their natural running gait. If that’s important then measure your runner’s stride and match it against the treadmill manufacturer’s specifications. Read more treadmill buying info...

Opening a pill bottle brings the promise of relief from pain for many people. But for 41 percent of the 46 million Americans diagnosed with arthritis, everyday activities – like opening their arthritis medication – can be very difficult. Is it any wonder, then, that millions seek alternative ways to enhance their doctor-prescribed drug treatment?

Edge 500 Manual Treadmill

List Price: $169.99
Buy New: $119.97
You Save: $50.02 (29%)

Features:
• Manual treadmill for building cardio endurance and toning your muscles
• Pair of weighted flywheels and open-ended, smooth-treading walking surface
• Built-in fitness computer tracks speed, distance, time, and calories burned
• Spring-loaded pins for quick takedown and storage; casters for easy transport
• Measures 23 x 50 x 47 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 59.5 pounds; 90-day warranty

Nearly a quarter of all adult Americans have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The Centers for Disease Control report that up to 25 percent of osteoarthritis patients can’t perform major daily activities.

Fingers and hands are particularly susceptible to pain and inflammation that can cause difficulty in gripping, pinching and grasping – motions needed to perform simple, everyday tasks. Non-medicinal treatments – from supplements to specially designed gloves – can help improve pain relief and quality of life for many arthritis sufferers.

“Evaluate all alternative treatments with a critical eye and follow the advice of your doctor,” cautions Aurelia Koby, president of IMAK, producers of aids for treating joint and muscle pain. “Not all alternative treatments are as effective as others.”

Consumers can make intelligent choices about alternative arthritis treatments with a few facts at their fingertips:

Use It or Lose It

“Mild to moderate exercise is an important part of most arthritis treatment plans,” Koby says. “Exercise can help improve flexibility and reduce pain in the long term. For arthritis sufferers, it truly is a case of ‘use it or lose it.’ ”

Exercise can help keep joints moving, strengthen muscles connected to joints, preserve bone health, control weight that greatly impacts arthritis pain, and improve your overall health and fitness, according to www.Arthritis.org, the Web site of the not-for-profit Arthritis Foundation.

Be sure your doctor or physical therapist reviews and advises you on any exercise plan before you start one. Eastern exercise traditions such as yoga and tai chi, which emphasize flexibility and offer low-impact workouts, can help arthritis sufferers, many experts believe.

Real Alternative Treatments

Massage is an age-old treatment that has proven therapeutic for a wide range of ailments, including arthritis. Both self- and professional massage can work well. If you choose to have a professional massage, make sure the therapist is experienced in working with arthritis patients.

Acupuncture and acupressure have become widely accepted pain-relief therapies. The World Health Organization views acupuncture as a valid, useful treatment for a number of ailments, including chronic pain. As always, consult your physician when considering acupuncture as a treatment. Be sure the therapist you choose has experience working with arthritis patients.

Supports and aids that apply pressure can be helpful in alleviating arthritis pain and swelling. Arthritis Gloves, by IMAK, use mild compression to provide pain relief, decrease joint swelling, generate warmth, and improve circulation. The Arthritis Gloves, designed by an orthopedic surgeon, are made to be worn during daily activities. Made of cotton Lycra, the gloves have open fingertips to maximize the pressure to your fingers while allowing freedom to touch, feel and grip. Visit www.IMAKproducts.com to learn more about the gloves.