Alicia Jackson U3052651
Research Proposal
Two components to the research report for different athletes: A - Sune Janse Van Rensberg B - Lachlan Foote
1.1.1 What is the formal title of this research proposal? A - Increasing the power output during the throwing events of Javelin, Shot – Put and Discus for a class 37, Cerebral Palsy, disabled athlete.
B – Improving the biomechanics of running and shoulder positioning during long jump for a double below and above elbow amputee.
1.2.1 Give a concise and simple description (not more than 400 words), in plain language, of the aims of this project, the proposal research design and the methods to be used to achieve those aims.
A - I will be providing the head coach for the A.C.T Junior Talent Squad for Athletes with a Disability (Chris Timpson) a small booklet on specific exercises and small training programs that the athlete can do at home or before each of her regular training sessions commence. These exercises will be designed to increase the athlete’s power output during her throwing events so javelin, shot put and discus and therefore hopefully increase the range in which the athlete can throw. A range of upper body and core strengthening exercises will be given to the athlete to complete regularly. Particular methods being used to achieve these aims will be the use of thero bands and the athlete’s own body weight in resistance training. Exercises will also be provided on how to enhance the separation between the hip, shoulder and arm movements and to improve the stability of each, this will also be improved through the resistance training exercises of the upper body and core. I will be working one on one with the athlete, with the assistance and guidance of her head coach (Chris Timpson) and will be monitoring the athlete’s progression, however; there will be no formal testing being completed as the athlete has had no prior exposure to this and it may not be appropriate for this age group and population.
B - I will be providing the head coach for the A.C.T Junior Talent Squad for Athletes with a Disability (Chris Timpson) a small booklet on specific exercises and small training programs that the athlete can do at home or before each of his regular training sessions commence. These exercises will be designed to improve the athlete’s running style and the biomechanics of his hips, feet and shoulders. Through the assistance of physiotherapy sessions, exercises and specific stretches will be outlined to help release the tightness surrounding the athlete’s hips, in an aim to turn his hips and in turn his feet inwards during his running events and run up for the long jump event. Exercises will also be provided to help relax (drop) and stabilise the athlete’s shoulders, therefore helping to stabilise the amputee classified arms. A lot of the athlete’s energy is dissipated through the excessive movements and swinging of his arms which may come from the lack of upper body stability, if we can control these moevemtnes then more energy may be conserved, which may lead to an increase in running time or a faster and more biomechanically efficient run up during the long jump. Core strength exercises such as oblique curls and sit ups may also aid in improving the upper body stability around the shoulder region. I will be working one on one with the athlete, with the assistance and guidance of his head coach (Chris Timpson) and his physiotherapist and will be monitoring the athlete’s progression, however; there will be no formal testing being completed as the athlete has had no prior exposure to this and it may not be appropriate for this age group and population.
2.2.0 How many principal researchers / investigators are there? A - Two: Myself (Alicia Jackson) and Chris Timpson: Head Coach (Level 3) for A.C.T Junior Talent Squad for Athletes with a disability
B – Three: Myself (Alicia Jackson) and Chris Timpson: Head Coach (Level 3) for A.C.T Junior Talent Squad for Athletes with a disability, Physiotherapist.
Provide the following information for each site or site type (Australian and overseas, if applicable) at which the research is to be conducted
4.1.0... Site / Site Type Name A - Australian Sports Commission. Australian Institute of Sport (A.I.S) Track and Field Venue. B - Australian Sports Commission. Australian Institute of Sport (A.I.S) Track and Field Venue.
4.1.0... Site / Site Type Location A - Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier Crescent, Bruce ACT 2617. Australia. B - Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier Crescent, Bruce ACT 2617. Australia. 5.2.1 Describe the theoretical, empirical and/or conceptual basis, and background evidence, for the research proposal, eg. previous studies, anecdotal evidence, review of literature, prior observation, laboratory or animal studies (400 word limit) A - Cerebral palsy is a disorder caused by an injury to the developing brain, usually before birth, resulting in the impairment of bodily or limb movement. It is a permanent, but not unchanging, physical disability. Sune has a mild form of Cerebral palsy that causes only a slight disruption of movement and slight decrease in the mobility of her left ankle. Hemiplegic is a form of cerebral palsy where there is an abnormal increase in muscle tone that can lead to in coordination, loss of function, pain and permanent muscle shortening or contracture on one side of the body. Muscle imbalance will be found in persons with cerebral palsy due to the spasticity found in the flexor group and lengthening of the extensor groups. Individuals with hemiplegia will have muscle imbalance between the effected and non-effected side of their body. When prescribing resistance training for an athlete with cerebral palsy the same progressive overloads can be used as used with any elite athlete. (Dompier 2001). The muscle of a cerebral palsy athlete will derive the same benefits from resistance training then muscles of a non cerebral palsy athlete. (Dompier 2001). Strength training should be specific to not only the individual’s needs, but also specific to the disability. (Ferreira 2006). Tamse et al 2010 examined the effects of a moderate intensity resistance training program on Special Olympic athletes. Exercises tested were seated row (SR), leg curl (LC), leg extension (LE), chest press (CP), and the abdominal crunch (AC) (which will be included in the exercises given to Sune to increase her core strength). Results indicated that the predicted 1RM increased significantly for all participants; however the monitoring occurred over just 10 sessions with only the above exercises indicated being tested. There are segmental stages within the body during a shot put throw. A rotation of the pelvis by contraction of the oblique trunk muscles, until the pelvic axis points exactly in the normal throwing direction. This required a pre-stretching of the external and internal (abdominal) muscles, requiring sufficient core strength. The build-up torque is made possible through a strong “freezing” of the trunk position and the “closing” action of the free arm against the throwing direction will also support this movement, the shoulder axis remains square to the normal throwing direction, followed by the arm. (Gunter, 1990). Resistance training must be evaluated in relation to torque. Todd, S 2003 & Bandy, W. 1990 stated that resistance and power training must include variables that identify magnitude of force, moment arm, and angle between the movement segment and the direction in which the residence is acting. Thero bands can aid this production of segmental force required of the upper body during throwing events such as shot-put, and javelin.
B - In Paralympics sports, there are various categories of disability, and in a specific category, like amputation, there are also classifications that are different to cater for each group in the amputation. Class 45 under the track and field classes for athletes with a disability indicated the athlete is a double above or below elbow amputee or has a physical disability resulting in similar movement patterns. Lachlan Foote still has both arms, he has a disability caused Arthrogryposis" (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita) where the presence of multiple joint contractures occurs at birth. A contracture is a limitation in the range of motion of a joint. The joint contractures are frequently accompanied by muscle weakness which further limits movement. Athletes with Arthrogryposis when training may obtain phantom limb pain, and have high levels of energy expenditure which coaches need to be aware of. In proximal upper extremity deficiencies a higher frequency of overuse injuries at the shoulder can occur. A study by Winters, M et al 2004 determined whether active and passive stretching results in a difference between groups at improving hip extension range of motion in patients with hip flexor and associated surrounding muscle tightness. 33 patients with decreased range of motion around the hip joint participated and were randomly assigned to either an active stretching group or a passive stretching group. Hip and upper thigh range of motion was measured at baseline and 3 and 6 weeks after the start of the study. Range of motion in both groups improved over time, but there were no differences between groups, indicating that passive and active stretching are equally effective for increasing range of motion, due to increased flexibility of tight hip flexor muscles in patients with musculoskeletal impairments. Exercises included within this research project will include a combination of both methods of stretching designed for the individual’s specific needs. The stretches were performed at home without medical supervision, therefore not knowing if the patients performed the correct stretches for their group and with the correct technique. Conflicting evidence (Craib et al 1996) examined the association between nine measures of limb and trunk flexibility and running economy. After 10 min of jogging at 3.13 m·s-1, 19 male sub-elite distance runners underwent two complete sets of lower limb and trunk flexibility assessments. Results indicated that runners who were less flexible on these measures were more economical, suggesting that inflexibility in certain areas of the musculoskeletal system may enhance running economy by increasing storage and return of elastic energy and minimizing the need for muscle-stabilizing activity. Core stability is defined as the ability to control the position and motion of the trunk over the pelvis to allow optimum force production, therefore allowing transfer and control of force and motion to the terminal segment of an athlete’s movement pattern. This will result in proximal stability for distal mobility, and a proximal to distal patterning of generation of force which will move and protect distal joints, this project will target the athletes shoulder stability and control of its movements when running. (Kibler 2006)
5.2.2 State the aims of the research and the research question and/or hypotheses, where appropriate (max 100 words) A - How does the athlete improve their power output and transfer of this power through the body towards the release of the javelin, shot put and the discus during these field events? A focus will be on increasing the athlete’s core strength and stability which will hopefully enhance the power developed, promoting efficient transfer of this power within these throwing events, resulting in a more efficient release and a further throw. To emphasise the separation between the different stages of the preparatory phase within the throwing events of javelin, shot put and discus, with a particular focus on the separation between the hip to shoulder to arm movements.
B - To improve the athlete’s biomechanics during his track events and run-up in long jump with a main focus on improving foot positioning (as the athlete runs with their feet and therefore hips pointing outwards). How do we make the athlete’s feet and hips turn inwards to the correct positioning? To review exercises and training programs that will help with the athletes running style. A focus will also be on to try and relax and stabilise the athlete’s shoulder as the athlete uses a lot of energy during running through his arm positing and excessive arm movements which isn’t necessary.
5.3.2 What expected benefits (if any) will this research have for the wider community (max 50 words) A, B - Provide or increase prior education and knowledge on specific disabilities and the classes within these disabilities. To enlighten the community of what the athletes in particular classes are capable of and what events, both track and field, they can compete in. Give future coaches and health care professional within the disabled athletic field guidelines on exercises, training programs and how to coach their athletes with these particular disabilities.
5.3.3 What expected benefits (if any) will this research have for participants? (max 50 words) A - Will provide Chris Timpson on beneficial exercises and training programs to benefit future athletes of class 37 that may be having problems with increasing their power output during the throwing events. To provide exercises for the athletes to do at home which will prepare them for, and improve their training sessions with Chris.
B - Will provide Chris Timpson on beneficial exercises and training programs to benefit future athletes of class 45. It will help improve Lachlan’s running style and the biomechanics of his hips, shoulders and legs during his track events which may also help improve his run-up within his long jump event. It will provide exercises for the athlete to do at home which will prepare them for and improve their training sessions with Chris.
6.2.2 What is the expected total number of participants in this project at all sites? A - Three: Myself (Alicia Jackson), Chris Timpson: Head Coach (Level 3) for A.C.T Junior Talent Squad for Athletes with a disability and Sune Janse Van Rensburg
B - Four: Myself (Alicia Jackson), Chris Timpson: Head Coach (Level 3) for A.C.T Junior Talent Squad for Athletes with a disability, Lachlan Foote and Physiotherapist.
6.2.3... Other relevant characteristics of these participants A - Sune Janse Van Rensburg has been a part of the A.C.T Junior Talent Squad for Athletes with a Disability for 5 years, having great experience and familiarisation within the elite field and training program; however has not been exposed to any form of clinical or field testing previously within her training. Her commencing date with this squad was on the 30/04/2007. As of the 1st of January 2012 Sune will compete within the under 16 category for females. Sune is categorised within the cerebral palsy class of disability and within this she is a class 37, having moderate to minimal hemiplega (dysfunction on one side or the other) which she has on her left ankle. A female, under 16 athlete of a class 37, is able to complete in the field events of long jump, Shop Put, Discus and Javelin and is required to complete in these field events with a javelin weight of 500g, Discus weight of 750g and a Shot Put weight of 2.0kg. (Australian Paralympics Committee). Sune is eligible to complete in the track events of 100m, 200m, 400m, (International Paralympics Committee).
London 2012 Paralympic Games Qualification Standards | A Qualification Standard | B Qualification Standard | Sune’s Best Results:
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100m | 16.00 | 16.85 |
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200m | 33.45 | 35.00 |
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400m | 1.18.00 | 1.24.50 |
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Shot Put | 8.20m | 7.20m |
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Javelin | 22.40m | 18.15m |
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Discus | 22.50m | 19.00m |
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Long Jump | 3.85m | 3.50m |
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B – Lachlan Foote has been a part of the A.C.T Junior Talent Squad for Athletes with a Disability for 4 years, having great experience and familiarisation within the elite field and training program; however has not been exposed to any form of clinical or field testing previously within his training. As of the 1st of January 2012 Lachlan will compete within the under 16 category for males. Lachlan is categorised within the Amputee and Les Autres (locomotor disorder) class of disability and within this he is a class 45, having double above or below elbow amputee or physical disability resulting in similar movement pattern/s. Lachlan had arthrogryposis multiplex congenital which is a presence of multiple joint contractures at birth. A contracture is a limitation in the range of motion of a joint. A male, under 16 athlete of a class 45, is able to complete in the field events of long jump, High Jump and Triple Jump. (Australian Paralympic Committee). Lachlan is eligible to complete in the track events of 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, Marathon (International Paralymic Committee).
London 2012 Paralympic Games Qualification Standards | A Qualification Standard | B Qualification Standard | Lachlan’s Best Results:
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100m | 11.45 | 11.60 |
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200m | 23.45 | 23.75 |
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400m | 51.70 | 53.10 |
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800m | 2.02.50 | 2.06.00 |
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1500m | 4.08.00 | 4.20.40 |
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Marathon | 2.50.00 | 3.10.00 |
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High Jump | 1.80m | 1.65m |
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Triple Jump | 12.50m | 11.50m |
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Long Jump | 6.20m | 5.90m |
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8.1.1... List the information that will be collected directly from participants. Be specific where appropriate A, B - Name, Age, Date of birth, Anthropometry measurements (height, weight), Contact Details (address, phone number, email address), Next of kin and Physical activity level both at present and how long they have been training for all which can be obtained from the subject’s information sheet – see appendix. A, B - The athlete’s disability and their specification classification within their disability. The events in which they are able to compete in according to their classification.
8.3.1 In what formats will the information be stored during and after the research project? (eg. paper copy, computer file on floppy disk or CD, audio tape, videotape, film)
A, B - Paper copy of document kept with Chris Timpson – Head Coach (Level 3) for A.C.T Junior Talent Squad for Athletes with a disability and Nick Ball.
A, B - Paper and electronic copy (protected with password) kept on computer file by Alicia Jackson: Student at the University of Canberrra.
Appendix: Subject information sheets attached for both athlete A and B
8.4.1 References:
Bandy, W. 1990. Adaptations of Skeletal Muscles to Resistance Training. Journal of Orthopaedics and Sports Physical Therapy. Vol. 12 Issue 6. Pg 248-249.
Craib, M., Vickia, M., Fields, K., Cooper, T., Hopewell, R Morgan, D. 1996. The association between flexibility and running economy in sub-elite male distance runners. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Vol 28. Issue. 6. Pp. 737-743
Dompier, P, 2001. Strength Straining For Disabled Athlete’s. Septemeber 2001. Michigan State University.
Ferreira, S. 2006 March. The preparation of athletes with cerebral palsy for elite competition. Stellenbosch University. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/1459
Günter, T. 1990. Model technique analysis sheet for the throwing events –
Kibler, W. 2006. The Role of Core Stability in Athletic Function. Journal Of Sports Medicine. Vol 36. Issue 3. Pp. 189-198.
Tamse, B., Tiffany, R., Tillman, M., Stopka, C., Weimer, B., Abrams, C., Gillian, L. 2010 March. Supervised Moderate Intensity Resistance Exercise Training Improves Strength in Special Olympic Athletes. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research: Vol 24. Issue 3. Pg 695-700
Todd, S. 2003 The Scientific and Clinical Application of elastic resistance. Human Kinetics. Pg, 45.
Winters,M., Blake, C., Trost, J., Marcello-Brinker, T., Lowe, L., Garber, M., Wainner, R March 30, 2004. Passive Versus Active Stretching of Hip Flexor Muscles in Subjects With Limited Hip Extension: A Randomized Clinical Trial Journal of American Physical Theraoy assosicaiton.
