Moss Jacob

Citation

Thesis Title
Biomechanics of stationary exercise: An option for weight management

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Children carrying excess mass have difficulty performing land-based exercise requiring horizontal movement of body, such as walking and running. While previous research suggests that overweight children adapt their gait to accommodate for moving excess mass horizontally, very little research has investigated the biomechanics of stationary exercise (SE) with vertical displacement. Additionally, aquatic exercise has not been considered as an alternative solution for this population. Mr Yaghoubi's research compared the biomechanical differences between aquatic- and land-based SE in normal-weight and overweight children. His findings suggest that overweight children adopt a more active neuromuscular strategy and an upright posture to provide greater stability and propulsion during land-based SE. However, these biomechanical differences diminished when performed in water. As a result, his research showed aquatic-based SE can be a desirable way to reduce functional differences and promote physical activity in overweight children.

Supervisors
Dr Philip Fink
Associate Professor Wyatt Page
Associate Professor Sarah Shultz