Wand Exercises Flexion: Stand upright and hold a stick in both hands, palms down. Stretch your arms by lifting them over your head, keeping your elbows straight. Hold for 5 seconds and return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times. Extension: Stand upright and hold a stick in both hands behind your back. Move the […]

During locomotion the most involved joint of the lower body is the patello-femoral joint. Forming part of this joint is the patella, which is a sesamoid bone that reduces patello-femoral stresses, as well as increases the lever arm of the quadriceps muscles. The quadriceps muscle is the dynamic stabilizer of the patello-femoral joint. This joint […]

Some questions and answers on the principles of skeletal muscle adaptations during training and exercise. Analyze the influences on muscle fiber type with reference to genetics and training. Sports do not influence average muscle fiber type; athletes excel at different activities because of their muscle fiber types Genetics influences muscle fiber type Training influences muscle […]

The Synovial Joint Most of the joints in our bodies, which allow us to move, are synovial joints. These joints rely on the diffusion of oxygen and nutrients within the joint fluid to nourish the cartilage. Effective diffusion of oxygen and nutrients within our joints requires movement of the joints. Unfortunately as a result of […]

Welcome back everyone. 2012 is here and exciting times await us! Just to get you all motivated and moving, here’s a couple of reasons why you should be physically active: Does physical activity instigate optimism and consequently happiness? Optimism has been associated with enhanced inspiration, perseverance, and performance. Physical activity could influence optimism through mastery […]

Article 1 “Changes in gait and EMG when walking with the Masai Barefoot Technique” Claims by manufacturers: The Masai barefoot technology (MBT) is used as a treatment option within the field of physical therapy to treat leg, back or foot problems. They constructed a shoe with a rounded soft sole in anterior–posterior direction underneath the […]

Tips For Stretching The aims of stretching are to gently lengthen muscles before and after any form of exercise, and to improve tissue elasticity / flexibility. If done correctly, stretching will help prevent injuries and increase athletic performance. The following key points should be remembered whilst stretching: Begin with gradual mobility exercises of all the […]

While studying Exercise Physiology at Wits, we did this research project. I thought I’d share it with you all. Abstract Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate what effects spinning have on sweat rate under certain environmental conditions and to investigate what other variables contribute to sweat rate changes. Methods. Sixteen healthy regular […]

by Andries Lodder for Modern Athlete Magazine December issue Question I’m training for my first Ironman 70.3 and have recently developed a painful Achilles when swimming. The pain starts with a burning sensation in my lower calf and moves down towards my Achilles during the session. It only happens when I’m swimming and is usually […]