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The defence technique in Tai Chi Push Hands: A case study.
- Source :
- Journal of Sports Sciences; Dec2010, Vol. 28 Issue 14, p1595-1604, 10p, 1 Diagram, 2 Charts, 8 Graphs
- Publication Year :
- 2010
-
Abstract
- Developed from traditional Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi exercise includes different forms and interactive Push Hands but biomechanical analyses have focused on the former only. To analyse the techniques of Push Hands, an experienced master was asked to defend pushing by four opponents. Movements were videotaped and digitized using a motion analysis system. Surface electrodes were used to record the electromyographic activity of ten muscle groups. Two force plates were used to measure the ground reaction force on each foot. Inexperienced individuals performed the same procedure to serve as the control group. The results indicate that the master adopted a postural adjustment to maintain balance. A clear shift of body weight from the front to the rear foot and mediolateral displacement of the centre of gravity was observed. Low electromyographic activity was observed in the upper body muscle groups, while high electromyographic activity was observed in the right rectus femoris and very high activity in the left rectus femoris during the defence. All inexperienced participants lost their balance in resisting pushing. It is concluded that the Tai Chi defensive technique includes a subtle postural adjustment that slightly changes the pushing force direction, and allows the rear leg to resist the incoming force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- MUSCLE physiology
QUADRICEPS muscle physiology
TRICEPS physiology
BACK physiology
CALF muscle physiology
LATISSIMUS dorsi physiology
DELTOID muscle physiology
ANALYSIS of variance
ANTHROPOMETRY
BIOMECHANICS
BIOPHYSICS
COLLEGE students
COMPARATIVE studies
DYNAMICS
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY
EXERCISE physiology
GROUND reaction forces (Biomechanics)
RANGE of motion of joints
KINEMATICS
RESEARCH funding
SCIENTIFIC apparatus & instruments
TAI chi
VIDEO recording
MOTION capture (Human mechanics)
EVALUATION
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 02640414
- Volume :
- 28
- Issue :
- 14
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Sports Sciences
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 55568840
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2010.515238