Digital Commons Network^™

The Effect Of Acute Caffeine Withdrawal On Exercise Performance In Habitual Caffeine Users, Timothy D. Griest

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate how exercise performance is impacted by acute withdrawal from caffeine (CAF) in habitual users and if CAF ingestion will reverse the negative impact of withdrawal or have a net positive benefit. Methods: Ten recreational cyclists (age 39.1 ± 14.9 y; VO_2max 54.2 ± 6.2 mL/kg/min) who were habitual CAF consumers (394 ± 146 mg/d) completed four trials, each consisting of peak isokinetic torque testing and a 10-km time trial (TT). On each trial day, subjects consumed either 1.5 mg/kg CAF to prevent withdrawal or placebo (PLA) 8 hours before their …

The Effect Of Creatine Supplementation On Body Composition And Total Body Water Measured By Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance, Emily A. Buck

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Background: Acute fluid ingestion causes an increase in estimated body fat percentage (BF%) measurements by single frequency (SF-BIA) and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance (MF-BIA). However, it is unknown if MF-BIA accurately measures total body water (TBW) and BF% after chronic fluid retention. Creatine supplementation causes fluid retention, and resultant increases in TBW and body mass. Research is needed to determine if MF-BIA is capable of detecting fluid retention secondary to creatine supplementation. Methods: 13 male and 14 female subjects (18-22 y) completed one week of creatine monohydrate or maltodextrin supplementation at a dose of 0.3 g/kg body weight. Subjects completed pre-supplementation …

The Effect Of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation On Physical And Cognitive Performance During Load Carriage In Military Cadets, Nicholas C. Bordonie

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on physical and cognitive performance during exercise conducted under heavy pack load in military cadets. Methods: Ten college-aged males (VO_2max 56.2 ± 3.7 ml/kg/min) consumed 140mL/d of concentrated beetroot juice (BRJ; containing 12.8 mmol of dietary nitrate) or a placebo (PL; flavor, color, energy, and texture-matched with no dietary nitrate) for six days preceding an exercise trial. The trial consisted of 45 min of constant-load exercise on a treadmill at 4.83 km/h and 1.5% grade, followed immediately by a 1.6-km time-trial completed at maximal …

Does A Bout Of Acute Resistance Exercise Attenuate The Post-Prandial Lipemic Response To A High Fat Meal In 50-80 Year-Old Adults, Summer Simulcik

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Background: A single high-fat meal (HFM) is known to elevate blood lipid levels above what is normal, resulting in postprandial lipemia (PPL). Chronic hyperlipemia has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development. Current physical activity (PA) guidelines recommend at least one set of 8-12 repetitions of each exercise to attenuate this risk. Adults older than 50 (OF) years (y) are at an increased risk for cardiometabolic disease compared to younger adults (YA). Aerobic exercise (AE) performed in the pre-prandial period has been observed to attenuate PPL in both OF and YA. However, …

Postprandial Exhaled Nitric Oxide Responses In Older And Younger Adults With And Without Acute Exercise, Molly Miller

Masters Theses, 2020-current

A single high fat meal (HFM) increases airway inflammation in young, healthy individuals. Additionally, aging increases airway resistance and inflammation, though the airway inflammatory response to a HFM has not been investigated. Exercise is a natural anti-inflammatory, but has yet to be administered with a HFM as a method to study postprandial airway inflammation in older adults. Purpose: To investigate whether older individuals have greater postprandial airway inflammation compared to younger counterparts, and to explore whether exercise may modify the postprandial airway response in older adults. Methods: 12 younger adults (23.3±3.9 years; 5 M/7 F) and 12 older adults (67.7±6 …

The Effects Of Exercise On Breastmilk Composition And Supply: A Critical Literature Review, Jewell Mcroy

Masters Theses, 2020-current

It is well established that breastfeeding provides dual benefits to both the mother and the infant and is the preferred method of providing nutrients to infants essential for growth and development. Participating in regular physical exercise is also well-supported by research to be beneficial to one’s overall health and quality of life. Currently there are no physical activity guidelines developed for women who are postpartum and breastfeeding. An online database search was conducted; three articles met the inclusion criteria and were included within the review. Studies were included if there were direct measures of human breastmilk composition, supply/volume, and included …

Impact Of 12-Weeks Of Nordic Pole Walking On Arterial Stiffness In Sedentary Overweight And Obese Adults, Arbër N. Shehu

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Arterial stiffness (AS) is an independent predictor for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Regular aerobic exercise is considered to improve AS. Nordic walking provides important health benefits, however, the effect of this walking method as treatment for AS remains unclear. We conducted a randomized controlled study to examine the effect of a 12-week supervised group walking intervention (controlled pace, ~3000 steps/day, 30 minutes/day, 5 times/week), with (NW) and without (SW) Nordic poles, on AS in sedentary overweight and obese adults. Fourteen individuals were randomly assigned to NW (n=7; median age 54.0 years; body mass index (BMI)=31.3 kg/m²) or …

Placebo-Induced Changes In Force Production For Types Of Muscle Contractions, Nicholas V. Antonacci

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Purpose: To test the impact of a placebo drink on acute force production during isometric and isokinetic leg extensions in male and female college students. Methods: Nine male and five female subjects apparently healthy and free of leg injury completed familiarization testing and two counterbalanced trials. In one trial, participants were told they were consuming a performance-enhancing drink, although the drink contained only flavoring. In the other trial, participants were not given any drink (control). Both trials then included concentric and eccentric strength tests performed at 60 degrees per second, and isometric strength tests with the knee at a 70 …

Relationship Between Muscular Strength And Balance In An Elderly Population, Mikayla N. Basil

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

Purpose: To examine the association between grip strength, leg strength and balance test performance in elderly individuals.Methods: Fourmales and four females (average age = 72.8 ± 2.1 years, average height = 167.8 ± 9.4 cm, average weight = 74.8 ± 14.4 kg) participated in this study. Participants were administered the Berg Balance Test and assigned a score out of 56. They then performed a maximal grip strength test, and maximal isokinetic leg extension and flexion tests on their dominant leg to obtain peak torque. Correlations were calculated between all testing variables using Pearson correlation coefficients.Results: No significant correlations …

The Impact Of Acute Exercise On Factor Viii In Young E-Cigarette Smokers, Andrew R. Allen

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Abstract

Background: There is a strong association between factor VIII (FVIII) and presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise is a known trigger for myocardial infarction, and the majority of ischemic events from physical stress occur due to an occlusive thrombus. FVIII increases acutely with exercise and remains elevated hours after exercise. Furthermore, FVIII is also higher in cigarette smokers, however, it has not been investigated in e-cigarette smokers. The purpose of this study is to identify potential differences in FVIII before exercise, after exercise, and its magnitude of change in e-cigarette users versus non-users.

Methods: Eighteen individuals (8 …

Effects Of Unilateral And Bilateral Squatting On Rotational Speed In Male And Female Collegiate Golfers, Emmett Van Der Snick

Masters Theses, 2020-current

Resistance training in combination with plyometrics and medicine ball routines has been shown to improve rotational speed and power. One area that has not been observed has been the difference between bilateral squatting and unilateral squatting on rotational speed. The purpose of the study was to observe the effects of unilateral and bilateral squatting on club head speed in collegiate golfers. Eight male and nine female collegiate golfers were randomly assigned to a unilateral squat group which was the experimental and a bilateral squat group which was the control group and participated in twelve training sessions over the course of …

The Effect Of Varying Fatty Acid Composition In A High-Fat Meal And Its Impact On Postprandial Airway Inflammation, Breanna L. Davidson

Masters Theses, 2020-current

The Western Diet is typically high in saturated fats (SF) or omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (O6FA) with insufficient amounts of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (O3FA). When chronic, this diet has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of varying the fatty acid composition of an acute High-Fat Meal (HFM) on postprandial airway inflammation. METHODS: Fifteen individuals [6 M, 9 F; body mass index (BMI) = 25.3 ± 6.6 kg/m²] consumed three HFM smoothies separated by at least 48 hours. The three smoothies were high in SF, O6FA, and O3FA …

The Effect Of An Acute Bout Of Exercise On Postprandial Metabolic Responses In Younger And Older Adults, Hannah Frick

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Over 370,000 Americans, primarily between the ages of 60 and 79, die annually as a result of cardiovascular disease caused by physical inactivity and a diet that is calorically dense and high in fat. Current findings in young and middle-aged adults suggest that acute exercise with energy expenditure in excess of 500 kcals, may attenuate the deleterious health effects caused by consuming the typical American meal. Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute exercise and aging on postprandial lipemia (PPL) and postprandial glycemia (PPG). We hypothesized that aerobic exercise performed prior to the consumption …

Effects Of A 12-Week Vigorous Interval Training Intervention On Pro-Inflammatory Markers In Post-Operative Bariatric And Obese Participants, Brittany Rood

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Increase prevalence of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases linked to inflammation has led to research on pro-inflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor - alpha (TNF-α) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂), in attempt to define the relationship between chronic disease, inflammation, and obesity. PURPOSE: Examine the effect of twelve weeks of vigorous intensity interval training on pro-inflammatory markers in post-operative bariatric and obese participants. METHODS: 9 post-operative bariatric individuals [1 man, 8 women; Body mass index (BMI) = 34.23 ± 2.54 kg/m²], 12 obese individuals [5 men, 7 women; BMI=35.77 ± 1.67 kg/m^{2 …}

The Effects Of Caffeine Ingestion On The Hemostatic Response To Simulated Firefighting Activities, Sierra Wassell

Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship and Creative Activities

The leading cause of death among firefighters is sudden cardiac event, and it is acknowledged that most ischemic events are due to an occlusive thrombus formation. In addition, due to the demanding job requirements and shift work, firefighters are commonly known to overuse caffeine as an ergogenic aid. The purposes of this study were to examine the potential effects of caffeine on the hemostatic response to simulated firefighting activity.

The Effect Of Oral Contraceptives On Caffeine Metabolism And Cycling Performance, Annette M. Lemanski

Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship and Creative Activities

This project objectives were to determine the effects of oral contraceptives and menstrual cycle on the benefits of caffeine supplementation for cycling performance. Seventeen recreationally trained female cyclists completed four trials consisting of 3 kilometer time trials. Subjects ingested either caffeine or a placebo one hour prior to each trial. The magnitude of the ergogenic aid of caffeine was compared between oral contraceptive users and eumenorreheic females. In addition, the effect of caffeine was compared across different phases of the menstrual cycle, specifically the follicular and luteal phases.

Reliability Of Impedance Cardiography In The Measurement Of Cardiovascular Hemodynamics During Exercise., Daniel S. Valcicak

Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship and Creative Activities

1. Overview of the Project

The project being presented investigated the reliability of a hemodynamic device. Subjects were asked to perform two running tests and two treadmill tests while wearing a device known as the PhysioFlow. The device is based off Ohm’s Law and runs a high frequency, low magnitude electric current through the individual’s thoracic region. The current is absorbed as the heart beats to determine the amount of blood the individual’s heart ejects per beat.

The present study investigated the hemodynamic differences across running and cycle exercise. To determine this, the subject ran/walked at two given intensities, during which …

Performance Impairment Following Sleep Restriction - Is Caffeine The Antidote?, Erin E. Horil

Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship and Creative Activities

The purpose of this project was to test the hypothesis that caffeine supplementation can lessen the negative effects that sleep restriction (i.e. shortened sleep duration) has on next day performance. Recent work done in our lab showed that sleep restriction has a negative effect on 3-km cycling time trial performance. Thus, it is important to investigate potential ways to lessen the negative effects sleep restriction may have on performance, since it is commonly seen in athletes. In this study, participants completed a battery of performance testing and then a heavy exercise session. This was followed by either a full night …

Expiratory Flow Limitation In Elite Youth Cyclists, Katherine R. Smith

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Expiratory flow limitation (EFL) has been reported in pre-pubescent adolescents and elite, adult endurance athletes; however, the occurrence of EFL in elite adolescent endurance athletes has not been determined. Purpose: To determine incidence and severity of EFL in elite youth male cyclists of adolescent age. We hypothesized that elite, endurance trained youth will experience a higher prevalence and severity of EFL and dyspnea compared to an untrained control group. Pulmonary function will be similar pre- to post-exercise with bronchodilation occurring in both groups. Methods: 12 elite endurance- trained (ET) youth male cyclists (16.3 ± 1.0 years; 176.5 ± …

Influence Of Post-Exercise Nutrient Intake On Recovery And Subsequent Exercise Performance In Youth Cyclists, Andrew Law

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if chocolate milk (CM) consumption after high-intensity cycling exercise affects post-exercise recovery and subsequent exercise performance in youth cyclists, compared to a carbohydrate-only (CHO) and a placebo (PL) beverage. Methods: Eight youth cyclists (15-18 y, VO_2peak = 61.8 ± 7.7 mL·kg^-1·min^-1) performed an exercise/recovery protocol consisting of 2 bouts of exercise, on 3 separate occasions, in a randomly counterbalanced crossover design. The first exercise bout (EX1) consisted of 30 min of constant-load cycling (40-60% W_max), and 60 min of high-intensity intervals (alternating 2 min …

Impact Of One Night Sleep Restriction On Autonomic Function And Heart Rate Variability In Recreational Cyclists, Amanda J. Becker

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Introduction: Sleep quality has been shown to influence autonomic function. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) responds to stressors by regulating key functions such as heart rate. Autonomic function can be monitored via heart rate variability (HRV). Athletes are prone to poor sleep quality due to psychological and physical stresses of training and competing. Our objective was to investigate the function of the ANS at rest and during exercise following a night of normal sleep (SLP+) and a night of restricted sleep (SLP-).

Methods: Subjects (n=9) completed a familiarization trial and two identical experimental trials under different sleep conditions: SLP- (3-hour …

Hematological Changes In Response To A Drastic Increase In Training Volume In Recreational Cyclists, Jessie Axsom

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

Changes in blood volume contribute to improvement in oxygen utilization (VO2max) with chronic endurance exercise training. Although hematological changes resulting from long-term endurance training have been well documented, it has not been well established whether an increased volume of endurance training preferentially affects plasma volume or red blood cell volume. To answer this question, I studied seven female and four male recreational cyclists before and after exposure to drastic increases (632%) in training volume. Following the 10-week training period, the mean hematocrit (Hct) of the 11 subjects who completed the study significantly (p0.05) correlated with the change in self-reported weekly …

Validity And Reliability Of The Ymca Submaximal Cycle Test Using An Electrically Braked Ergometer, Justin Kidd

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Purpose: To test the effect of using an electrically braked ergometer on the validity and reliability of the YMCA submaximal cycle test.

Methods: 22 male and 13 female subjects ages 19 to 31 completed one maximal treadmill test and four submaximal cycle tests to measure and estimate VO_2max, respectively. The maximal tests involved recording heart rate and VO₂ during graded exercise until volitional fatigue; an actual max was verified when two out of the following criteria: respiratory Exchange Ratio > 1.1, VO₂ plateau (< 150 ml/min increase in VO₂ during final stage), and achievement of 90% age-predicted HR max (or completed …

Circulating Microrna Following High Intensity Interval Cycling With And Without Post-Exercise Nutrient Consumption, Jeremy Via

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Introduction: MicroRNA (miRNA) are small, non-coding RNA that act post-transcriptionally to regulate gene expression. miRNA levels are modulated by acute aerobic exercise, yet little is known about how miRNA levels may change in response to high-intensity interval exercise. Further, almost nothing is known about the impact of post-exercise nutrition (carbohydrate and/or protein) on miRNA levels. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of high-intensity interval cycling and different post-exercise nutrients on ci-miRNA levels. Methods: Nine recreationally active males (age 21.9 ± 2.0yrs; VO_2max 49.6 ± 4.0mL/kg/min) competed three trials, each including identical exercise protocols. Protocol …

Physiological And Anthropometric Profiles Of Elite Teen-Age Cyclists, David Lenzi

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Lenzi D. N., N. D. Luden, C. J. Womack, and M. J. Saunders. Physiological and anthropometric profiles of elite teen-age cyclists. Purpose: Previous research has demonstrated that maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), lactate threshold (LT), aerobic/anaerobic power output, and several anthropometric characteristics are related to elite cycling performance in adults. These values also improve during maturation in children. However, there is little research examining how these values differ between elite teen-age cyclists and their adult counterparts. Previous literature has also reported low bone mineral density (BMD) in adult cyclists when compared to recreationally active controls. This study sought to characterize the …

Repeatability Of The Heart Rate Variability Threshold During Treadmill Exercise, Shane Chambers

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Purpose: Heart rate variability threshold (HRVT) is a clinical parameter used to gain insight into autonomic balance. Various studies have validated the use of cycle ergometers in determining HRVT, although the literature lacks evidence that treadmill use is a viable means of determining this threshold. We examined the repeatability of HRVT occurrence using standard deviation of normal R-R intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences of continuous R-R intervals (RMSSD), and standard deviation of instantaneous beat intervals (SD1) in college aged males using treadmill exercise to see if this is a reliable method of threshold determination.

Methods: Ten healthy, …

The Quadriciser’S Effect On Range Of Motion And Upper Body Motor Control In Children With Mixed Quadriplegia Due To Chromosomal Disorders, Jillian P. Serigano

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

PURPOSE: The purpose of this experiment is to determine the effects that the quadriciser has on range of motion and upper body motor control in children with mixed quadriplegia due to chromosomal deletion disorders. METHODS: Two subjects with different chromosomal deletion disorders participated in this study. They completed a 10-week passive exercise intervention using the quadriciser. Range of motion of the elbow and shoulder were taken pre and post quadriciser use for both subjects. For one subject, hip and knee measurements were also taken. Both subjects also completed a timed reach task pre and post quadriciser use to test motor …

The Effect Of Incline On Caloric Expenditure Measured By A Wrist-Worn Commercial Activity Monitor, Kaitlin M. Bickel

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Purpose Physical activity monitors have become popular among the general public to monitor steps, floors climbed, active minutes, and energy expenditure (EE). While there is evidence to support that these devices are accurate in counting steps, there is limited and inconclusive research regarding how accurate they are in measuring EE. This study aimed to test the accuracy of a newer commercial physical activity monitor, the Fitbit Charge (FC), in reporting EE compared to a research-grade accelerometer (GT3X), and indirect calorimetry (IC) while walking on a treadmill with and without incline.

Methods 30 subjects (22 female and 8 male) walked on …

Turning The Tables: A Student’S Study Into The Frequency Of Physical Activity Among University Faculty And Staff, Julianna M. Detrane

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and gender, position, social support, and motivation. The researcher conducted an observational, cross-sectional study of James Madison University faculty and staff (n=423) through the use of SurveyPlanet. The survey was adapted from the 2002 International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and participants responded to items regarding their current moderate and vigorous physical activity level based on the previous seven days, as well as items assessing level of motivation and sources of social support. Results of a multiple regression analysis, F(4, 412) = 6.811, p < .001, adj. R² = …

Impact Of Pre-Exercise Feedings With A Low Or High Glycemic Index On The Ergogenic Effects Of Carbohydrate Mouth-Rinsing During Cycling, Nikolai J. Hladick

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Purpose: Carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion during exercise enhances performance in short endurance events (~ 1 hr) due to neural influences, as demonstrated by the efficacy of CHO mouth-rinsing during cycling. However, the magnitude of these neural effects may be blunted following pre-exercise CHO feedings. This study examined whether the glycemic index (GI) of a pre-exercise meal affected time-trial (TT) performance in cyclists using a CHO mouth-rinse during exercise. Methods: Eight cyclists (age: 24 ± 6 yr; VO_2max: 61 ± 8 ml×kg^-1×min^-1) completed 4 exercise trials, consisting of 15 min of constant-load cycling followed by a …