Clinical Surface Anatomy and Spinal Orthotic Management
Anterior Trunk Surface Landmarks
Thoracic Region (Chest)
- Clavicles: Easily palpable, running horizontally at the root of the neck.
- Jugular (Suprasternal) Notch: Midline depression at the superior border of the manubrium sterni.
- Sternal Angle (Angle of Louis): At the junction of the manubrium and body of the sternum; corresponds to the 2nd costal cartilage and T4–T5 vertebrae.
- Sternum: Palpable midline bone; the body lies vertically down from the sternal angle.
- Ribs and Intercostal Spaces: Ribs 1–7
Optimizing Strength Training: Velocity, Squat Depth, and Equipment Choices
Squat Depth and Biomechanics
Deep Squats vs. Partial Squats
Deep front and back squats can allow performance-enhancing transfer effects of dynamic maximal strength to dynamic speed-strength capacity of hip and knee extensors compared with quarter squats. With increasing flexion, the wrapping effect leads to enhanced load distribution and force transfer at the knee.
The Wrapping Effect
- The quadriceps tendon contacts the femur beyond 70 degrees of knee flexion.
- This contact decreases the surface area,
Immediate Response to Medical Emergencies and Injuries
Cardiovascular Accidents (Stroke)
A cardiovascular accident, commonly referred to as a stroke, is a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain, typically caused by a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel. This interruption deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients, leading to brain cell damage or death. Although severe strokes can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest, many people make a full recovery.
Symptoms of Stroke
- Paralysis or weakness, often on one side of the body
- Speech difficulties
Muscle Strength and Speed: Training Principles and Physiology
Muscle Strength and Contraction Dynamics
Defining Strength
Strength: The ability to exert tension against resistance.
Types of Muscle Contractions
Isometric Contraction
A contraction in which no movement occurs in any joint. The muscle retains the same length (Force = Resistance).
Dynamic Contraction
A contraction that results in movement:
- Concentric Isotonic Contraction (F > R): If the muscle decreases length. Example: Raising the weight.
- Eccentric Isotonic Contraction (F < R): If the muscle lengthens.
Pressure Ulcer Stages, Classification, and Treatment Protocols
Understanding Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores)
The term Bum is often used colloquially to refer to the buttocks or, in a medical context, slang for a pressure ulcer (also known as a decubitus ulcer or bedsore) located in the sacral or gluteal region.
For the purpose of classification and management, we will focus on the professional definition of this condition.
Definition of a Pressure Ulcer (PU)
A pressure ulcer (PU) is defined as a localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually occurring
Read MoreEssential Techniques and Health Standards for Sports Performance
Basic Athletic Stance
The stance taken by the player must allow fast reactions to game possibilities. To achieve this:
- Your legs should be separated at shoulder width, with your feet firmly positioned on the floor.
- Your torso should be balanced over both of your legs, slightly bent forward.
- Your arms should be parallel to the ground, with your palms facing your opponent.
Passing and Receiving Fundamentals
This is a basic, and perhaps the most important, part of the game because bounce is often less critical
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