The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ankle plantar and dorsal flexion on the lower extremities' dynamics and crank torque in pedaling movements. Twelve males (6 cyclists and 6 non-cyclists) pedaled at the rate of 90 and 120 rpm for a power output of 200W. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the different ankle movement patterns in one crank rotation. The first group (Gr1) showed a one time plantar and dorsal flexion movement in one rotation. The second group (Gr2) showed two plantar and dorsal flexion movements in one rotation. It was assumed that the exertion of positive plantar flexor power in the upstroke phase could provide the difference of the ankle movement patterns. The following results were shown in Gr2 as compared with Grl. 1) The positive crank torque time ratio was extended due to dorsal flexor torque produced near the top dead center. 2) Continuous muscle contraction of the same muscle was avoided and reduction in a burden was brought about due to plantar flexion in the upstroke phase. 3) Reduction of hip extensor torque was shown. These results suggest that two dorsal and plantar flexion movements in one rotation in pedaling could be a more effective pattern in terms of muscle work.

Introduction : We investigated the effects of skin stimulation with noninvasive microcones on constipation in university students.
Methods : 17 university students with constipation were studied. Students were randomly assigned to either Group S (n=9) that received skin stimulation of the auricle using microcones, or Group P (n=8) that were given placebo treatment. Both groups received 4 weeks of treatment.
Results : There were no significant differences in the mean baseline CAS-J (Japanese Version of Constipation Assessment Scale) values between the two groups. After 4 weeks, subjects in Group S had significantly lower CAS-J values compared with baseline (P=0.02). No significant changes were noted in the values for Group P.
Conclusion : These results suggested that skin stimulation with noninvasive microcones improved constipation in university students, and may be a viable option for self-care of this condition.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect between cyclists and noncyclists of pedal rates on ankle, knee, and hip joint torque during pedaling exercises. Six male cyclists (CY) and seven male noncyclists (NC) pedaled at 40, 60, 90 and 120 rpm with a power output of 200 W. The lower limb was modeled as three rigid segment links constrained to plane motion. Based on the Newton-Euler method, the equation for each segment was constructed and solved on a computer using pedal force, pedal, crank, and lower limb position data to calculate torque at the ankle, knee, and hip joints. The average planter flexor torque decreased with increasing pedal rates in both groups. The average knee extensor torque for CY decreased up to 90 rpm, and then leveled off at 120 rpm. These results were similar to NC. The average knee flexor torque in both groups remained steady over all pedal rates. The average hip extensor torque for CY decreased significantly up to 90 rpm where it showed the lowest value, but increased at 120 rpm. For NC, the average hip extensor torque did not decrease at 90 rpm compared with 60 rpm, and was significantly higher than CY at 120 rpm (CY : 28.1 ± 9.0 Nm, NC : 38.6 ± 6.7 Nm, p<0.05) . The average hip flexsor torque for NC at 120 rpm increased significanly from 90 rpm, and was significantly higher than CY (CY : 11.6±2.9 Nm, NC : 22.6±11.8 Nm, p<0.05) . These results suggest that it would be better for cyclists to select a pedal rate of between 90 to 110 rpm to minimize joint torque, and, as a result, reduce peripheral muscle fatigue.