Three dimensional musculoskeletal modelling of the abdominal crunch resistance training exercise
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Date
Authors
Nolte, Kim
Kruger, P.E. (Pieter Ernst)
Els, Pieter Schalk
Nolte, Heinrich Wilhelm
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Routledge
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits and limitations of using three
dimensional (3D) musculoskeletal modelling (LifeModelerTM) in assessing the safety
and efficacy of exercising on an abdominal crunch resistance training machine.
Three anthropometric cases were studied, representing a 5th percentile female, 50th
percentile and 95th percentile male. Results indicated that the LifeModelerTM default
model was capable of solving the forward dynamics simulations without adjustments.
The modelling was able to indicate high risk for back injury when performing the
abdominal crunch exercise as a result of the unacceptable intervertebral joint loading
that occurs during the exercise. Individuals with small anthropometric dimensions
such as some females and children cannot be accommodated suitably on the
abdominal crunch machine which negatively impacts exercise posture and
technique. Hip flexor muscle contribution in the execution of the exercise for the 5th
percentile female was substantial thus reducing the efficacy of the exercise in
isolating the abdominal muscles.
Description
Keywords
Resistance training equipment, Abdominal crunch, LifemodelerTM, Inverse dynamics, Forward dynamics
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Kim Nolte , Pieter E. Krüger , P. Schalk Els & Heinrich Nolte (2013) Three dimensional musculoskeletal modelling of the abdominal crunch resistance training exercise, Journal of Sports Sciences, 31:3, 264-275, DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2012.729077